A multicriteria decision analysis for selecting rainwater harvesting systems in rural areas: a tool for developing countries.

Global water provision challenges have promoted decentralized water supply alternatives such as rainwater harvesting systems (RWHS). RWHS sustainability demands involve social, technical, and economic criteria in planning. Generally, in rural areas, water provision is more complex due to multiple uses of water, scattering of households, and low economies of scale. This research proposes a multicriteria tool for selecting RWHS in rural areas, considering social, technical, and economic criteria. The tool was developed by systematically identifying subcriteria and their hierarchization through the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), and a case study validation. Seven subcriteria were identified. The hierarchy of criteria was social (49.7%), technical (26.4%), and economic (23.9%). The tool involved: (i) users' consultation about the perceived ease of use and availability of water sources other than rainwater; (ii) system dimensioning to establish supply size, maintenance requirements, and required water quality; and (iii) costs and benefits estimation. Tool validation in a rural area included the evaluation of the alternatives proposed: (a) alternative 1: potable domestic uses (PD) and non-potable (NPD); (b) alternative 2: PD and NPD, irrigation of crops and chicken farming for self-consumption; and alternative 3: PD and NPD and chicken farming for profit sale. The sensitivity analysis showed the tool's consistency and robustness. Tool validation highlights the importance of integrating the three dimensions in selecting RWHS. The study provides a systematic methodology to assess and prioritize RWHS, appealing to policymakers, engineers, and practitioners facilitating water management and supply processes in rural areas.

Identification of priority areas for water conservation in the Alto Iguaçu basin, Brazil.

Geoprocessing tools are great allies in the management of water resources, permitting the evaluation of several factors integrated into a multicriteria analysis. This improves the interpretation of the behavior of water and soil in hydrographic basins, allowing the delimitation of priority areas for actions. The objective of this study was to prepare a map of priority areas for water conservation in the Alto Iguaçu basin through a multicriteria analysis, aiming to assist in the management of water resources in the region. The priority map for water conservation was prepared using the weighted linear combination (WLC) method, considering the weight added to the factors that were obtained by the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. The method successfully identified priority areas for water conservation, where 40.7% of the Alto Iguaçu watershed was considered High priority and Very High priority, a number consistent with regional characteristics. The multicriteria analysis proved to be a flexible and easy to implement methodology, which can help managers when considering the trade-offs among several factors. The implementation of water conservation actions in areas that have been classified as being of High and Very High priority can benefit the regional ecosystem by controlling erosion, regulating the flow of water, and thus conserving the quantity and quality of water in the basin and its downstream region, benefiting the population and regional economics. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;00:1-12. © 2023 SETAC.

Environmental vulnerability assessment of the Doce River basin, southeastern Brazil.

Environmental vulnerability is an important tool to understand the natural and anthropogenic impacts associated with the susceptibility to environmental damage. This study aims to assess the environmental vulnerability of the Doce River basin in Brazil through Multicriteria Decision Analysis based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS-MCDA). Natural factors (slope, elevation, relief dissection, rainfall, pedology, and geology) and anthropogenic factors (distance from urban centers, roads, mining dams, and land use) were used to determine the environmental vulnerability index (EVI). The EVI was classified into five classes, identifying associated land uses. Vulnerability was verified in water resource management units (UGRHs) and municipalities using hot spot analysis. The study employed the water quality index (WQI) to assess the EVI and global sensitivity analysis (GSA) to evaluate the model input parameters that most influence the basin's environmental vulnerability. The results showed that the regions near the middle Doce River were considered environmentally more vulnerable, especially the UGRHs Guandu, Manhuaçu, and Caratinga; and 35.9% of the basin has high and very high vulnerabilities. Hot spot analysis identified regions with low EVI values (cold spot) in the north and northwest, while areas with high values (hot spot) were concentrated mainly in the middle Doce region. Water monitoring stations with the worst WQI values were found in the most environmentally vulnerable areas. The GSA determined that land use and slope were the primary factors influencing the model's response. The results of this study provide valuable information for supporting environmental planning in the Doce River basin.

Multicriteria analysis for optimal reconfiguration of a distribution network in case of failures.

This work presents a methodology for the optimal reconfiguration of a distribution network in the presence of a failure, through a multicriteria optimization algorithm. For this purpose, the optimal network reconfiguration alternative is verified in the IEEE 33 bus test system and 123 bus test system. The variables analyzed within the multicriteria decision matrix include the total interruption time per nominal kVA installed (TITK), mean frequency of interruption per nominal kVA installed (MFIK), reset time for reconfiguration, energy not supplied, total losses in the lines of the system and operation and maintenance costs. The result enables selecting the best scenario based on analyzing every decision criterion; the multicriteria decision algorithm is developed in the Matlab environment. Subsequently, the winning reconfiguration alternatives are validated through simulations in Cymdist for different failure scenarios. In the analysis of results, metrics are presented that enable us to observe a significant improvement in the typical problems that occur in an electric system.

Environmental risks due to the presence of microplastics in coastal and marine environments of the Colombian Caribbean.

Microplastics (MPs) are plastic sediments that are released into the environment by various sources, their abundance and distribution increase as their size decreases, they represent a risk to ecological processes and their abundance is related to their proximity to human activities and The Anthropocene era, in addition to the Covid-19 pandemic, has exacerbated the emitting sources of plastics such as face masks, disinfectant container bottles, among others, all due to all the biosafety measures required globally. Over time, the transformation of plastics into microplastics generates particles transported by atmospheric and water dynamics, being accumulated in soils, bodies of water and incorporated into ecosystems and the food chains of organisms, including humans. Marine-coastal environments such as coastal lagoons, which in addition to hosting strategic ecosystems, being areas of convergence of different ecological flows and with important ecosystem services, have also become sinks for MP particles, putting their productivity and value at risk. Socio-ecological that they have. The purpose of this research is to evaluate and zone the environmental risks derived from contamination by microplastics in a coastal lagoon system, since once the MPs enter the environment they can cause harmful effects, in this case in the Caribbean Sea and in the lagoon complex. To this end, a comprehensive study of planetary systems was carried out to better understand their disturbances due to the presence of microplastics.

Analysis of Susceptibility to Degradation of Water Ecosystem Services as a Tool for Land Use Planning: a Case Study in a Small Brazilian Watershed.

Mapping priority areas for environmental conservation and restoration is essential to informing policy formulation and decision-making. This study proposes a methodology based on multicriteria analysis and on-site assessment to develop environmental zoning that enhances the provision of water ecosystem services (WES) from Brazil's Água Quente River Basin. Integrated analysis of multiple criteria enabled identification of degrees of susceptibility to degradation, assessment of effects of land-use changes between 1990 and 2020, and validation of the study's methodology via field protocol. The results indicated that the spatial and temporal patterns of WES susceptibility to degradation varied little within the study area with the most critical levels occurring primarily in the Agua Quente's floodplain, where there are sandy textured soils and coverage with a low degree of soil protection. Zoning analysis designates 40% of the basin`s area as consolidated use, 28% for environmental conservation, 19% as anthropic use, and 13% for environmental restoration. Field analysis indicates that the occurrence of degraded areas and pollution by solid waste and urban effluents are relevant factors that affect the basin's water resources. Linear regression analysis indicated a good fit between the data modeled by the multicriteria analysis and those observed on-site (R² = 0.6 p < 0.05). The study's method is effective and its structure can be used in other river basins, as its approach is simple and flexible and can be readily adjusted to fit the characteristics of the study site.

Key criteria for considering decentralization in municipal wastewater management.

Wastewater pollution problems are associated with population growth and the concentration of population in large urban centers. According to United Nations projections for 2050, the world population will reach 9 billion people, increasing the pressures on water resources due to their demand and pollution. Based on UNICEF and World Health Organization estimates, 2.4 billion people worldwide currently lack access to improved sanitation facilities, with 946 million practicing open defecation. Decentralized wastewater treatment systems are a viable and necessary alternative for wastewater management, thus, minimizing environmental impacts, facilitating resource recovery, and providing rural and peri-urban inhabitants with access to basic sanitation. This literature review article uses the multicriteria analysis tool to present the key economic, institutional, social, environmental, and technological aspects, criteria, and indicators that must be considered for successful decentralized system implementation planning to strengthen basic sanitation service coverage in the rural and peri-urban areas where it does not exist.

Home gardens' agrobiodiversity and owners' knowledge of their ecological, economic and socio-cultural multifunctionality: a case study in the lowlands of Tabasco, México.

BACKGROUND: Home gardens (HGs) are hotspots of in situ agrobiodiversity conservation. We conducted a case study in Tabasco, México, on HG owners' knowledge of HG ecological, economical and socio-cultural multifunctionality and how it relates to agrobiodiversity as measured by species richness and diversity. The term multifunctionality knowledge refers to owners' knowledge on how HGs contribute to ecological processes, family economy, as well as human relations and local culture. We hypothesized a positive correlation between owners' multifunctionality knowledge and their HGs' agrobiodiversity. METHODS: We inventoried all perennial species in 20 HGs, determined observed species richness, calculated Shannon diversity indexes and analysed species composition using non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS). Based on literature, semi-structured interviews and a dialogue of knowledge with HG owners, we catalogued the locally recognized functions in the ecological, economic and socio-cultural dimensions. We determined the score of knowledge on each function in the three dimensions on explicit scales based on the interviews and observed management. We determined Spearman rs correlations of HGs' observed species richness, Shannon diversity index (H) and of HGs' scores on NMDS-axis and multifunctionality knowledge scores. We dialogued on the results and implications for agrobiodiversity conservation at workshops of HG owners, researchers and local organizations. RESULTS: HG agrobiodiversity and owners' multifunctionality knowledge in the study area showed large variation. Average richness was 59.6 perennial species, varying from 21 to 107 species, and total observed richness was 280 species. A total of 38 functions was distinguished, with 14, 12 and 12 functions in the ecological, economic and socio-cultural dimensions. Total multifunctionality knowledge scores varied from 64.1 to 106.6, with an average of 87.2. Socio-cultural functionality knowledge scores were the highest, followed by scores in the ecological and economic dimensions. Species richness and Shannon H were significantly correlated with ecological functionality knowledge (rs = 0.68 and P < 0.001 in both cases), and species richness was also correlated with economic functionality knowledge (rs = 0.47, P = 0.03). Species composition scores on the first and second axes of NMDS was significantly correlated with knowledge of ecological multifunctionality, with rs = 0.49 resp-0.49 and P = 0.03 in both cases. Other functionality knowledge scores showed no correlation with NMDS scores. Dialogue in workshops confirmed the interwovenness of multifunctionality knowledge and agrobiodiversity. CONCLUSION: The rich agrobiodiversity of home gardens cherished by rural families in Tabasco relates with the knowledge about HG functionality in the ecological and economic dimensions. Also, species composition relates with ecological functionality knowledge. The socio-cultural functionality knowledge, which includes many elements beyond the individual HG, is not correlated with agrobiodiversity, but had the highest scores. Our results show that multifunctionality knowledge provides many opportunities for the participative conception and planning of policies and actions necessary to conserve agrobiodiversity.

Restoration planning to guide Aichi targets in a megadiverse country.

Ecological restoration has become an important strategy to conserve biodiversity and ecosystems services. To restore 15% of degraded ecosystems as stipulated by the Convention on Biological Diversity Aichi target 15, we developed a prioritization framework to identify potential priority sites for restoration in Mexico, a megadiverse country. We used the most current biological and environmental data on Mexico to assess areas of biological importance and restoration feasibility at national scale and engaged stakeholders and experts throughout the process. We integrated 8 criteria into 2 components (i.e., biological importance and restoration feasibility) in a spatial multicriteria analysis and generated 11 scenarios to test the effect of assigning different component weights. The priority restoration sites were distributed across all terrestrial ecosystems of Mexico; 64.1% were in degraded natural vegetation and 6% were in protected areas. Our results provide a spatial guide to where restoration could enhance the persistence of species of conservation concern and vulnerable ecosystems while maximizing the likelihood of restoration success. Such spatial prioritization is a first step in informing policy makers and restoration planners where to focus local and large-scale restoration efforts, which should additionally incorporate social and monetary cost-benefit considerations.

Identificação de áreas adequadas para a construção de aterros sanitários e usinas de triagem e compostagem na mesorregião da Zona da Mata, Minas Gerais / Identification of suitable areas for construction of landfill and waste selection and composting plants in the mesoregion of Zona da Mata, Minas Gerais

RESUMO A disposição final inadequada dos resíduos sólidos urbanos (RSU) em lixões é realizada em 60% dos municípios brasileiros. Ademais, a escolha das áreas para a implantação desses depósitos, comumente, não leva em consideração as restrições legais vigentes. Na Zona da Mata mineira, esse fator é agravado pela existência de extensas áreas de preservação permanente, que implica em reduzido número de áreas disponíveis para tratamento de resíduos. O consórcio intermunicipal, como forma de gestão compartilhada, é considerado uma alternativa prevista em lei para regularizar essa situação. Para nortear o consorciamento, a Fundação Estadual do Meio Ambiente (FEAM), por meio do Sistema Estadual de Meio Ambiente e Recursos Hídricos (SISEMA), subdividiu o estado em arranjos territoriais ótimos (ATOs). Considerando que as formas adequadas de tratamento de RSU mais adotadas no Brasil são aterros sanitários e usinas de triagem e compostagem, este trabalho teve como objetivo identificar áreas para a implantação de aterros sanitários e usinas de triagem e compostagem na Zona da Mata. Ademais, foi realizado o cálculo estimado das áreas requeridas para atender aos ATOs através de consórcios e o número de áreas existentes que atendessem à extensão mínima calculada. Para tanto, foi construída uma extensa base de dados para a identificação das áreas restritas legalmente e realização de análises espaciais multicritério utilizando os softwares de geoprocessamento ArcGIS e IDRISI Taiga. As análises resultaram em número reduzido de áreas passíveis de serem utilizadas para o tratamento de resíduos dificultando, assim, a utilização dos ATOs como referência para a gestão de RSU.

ABSTRACT Inappropriate solid waste disposal is found in 60% of Brazilian cities and, in most cases, site selection does not follow legal or regulatory restrictions. In the Zona da Mata region, southeast Brazil, this process is still more problematic because of the large permanent protection areas, which results in a low number of available areas for waste treatment. Considering multiple cities consortium as an alternative to ensure solid waste disposal sites in Minas Gerais state, the Minas Gerais Environmental Foundation (FEAM), using the State System of Environment and Water Resources (SISEMA), subdivided the state in optimum territorial arrangements (ATOs), which comprise units to be used in waste management shared by the cities within each ATO. Considering that the most adopted forms for appropriate solid waste treatment in Brazil are landfills and plants for sorting and composting, this study aimed to determine suitable areas for landfill and plants for waste sorting and composting in the Zona da Mata region. Furthermore, site surface sizes to each ATO were calculated and the number of suitable areas for each ATO was determined. A detailed and extensive database was generated by collecting spatial information that could be used in geoprocessing softwares (ArcGIS and IDRISI Taiga) to develop spatial analysis. In general, the analysis resulted in a reduced number of suitable sites, thus making it difficult to use ATOs in shared waste management.

GESTIÓN DE RESIDUOS SÓLIDOS EN CADENAS DE SUMINISTRO DE CICLO CERRADO DESDE LA PERSPECTIVA DE LA INVESTIGACIÓN DE OPERACIONES / SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN CLOSED-LOOP SUPPLY CHAINS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF OPERATIONS RESEARCH

La integración de los flujos reversos y directos en la cadena de suministro, trae beneficios al reducir costos y evitar el daño ambiental porque se recupera valor de los residuos sólidos; esta integración se conoce como la cadena de suministro de ciclo cerrado. La mayoría de experiencias que relacionan cadena de suministro de ciclo cerrado y decisiones de gestión de residuos sólidos, provienen de países desarrollados con estrictas regulaciones ambientales y usan técnicas de invetigación de operaciones. El objetivo se este artículo es identificar la factibilidad de aplicar técnicas de investigación de operaciones a las decisiones de gestión de residuos sólidos en las cadena de suministro de ciclo cerrado en países en desarrollo como Colombia. Se identificaron variables importantes de los articulos revisados tales como los diferentes tipos de residuos, las regiones y el uso de técnicas de optmización, simulación y multicriterio. La metodología de vigilancia tecnológica se uso para correlacionar estas variables. Los resultados mostraron que la técnica de multicriterio es usada con más frecuencia porque permite la consideración de varios aspectos en una misma decisión; por lo tanto, el uso de esta técnica sería conveniente para enfrentar efectivamente las principales decisiones en las incipientes cadenas de suministro de ciclo cerrado en países en desarrollo.

The integration of reverse and direct flows within the supply chain is highly benefitial to reduce costs and avoid the enviromental damage because value from the solid waste is recovered; this integration is known as closed-loop supply chain. Most of the reported experiences regarding closed-loop supply chains and solid waste management decisions come from developed countries with strict environmental regulations and use of operations research techniques.This paper aims to identify the feasibility of applying operations research techniques to solid waste magement decisions within closed-loop supply chains in developing countries such as Colombia. Important variables such as the different kinds of solid waste, the regions and the use of optimization, simulation and multi-criteria techniques were identified by reviewing research articles. Technologic watch methodology was used to correlate these variables. The results showed that the multi-criteria technique is most frequently used because it allows including different aspects related to a single decision; therefore, the use of this technique would be appropiate to effectively approach the main decisions at the emerging closed-loop supply chains in developing countries.

Mapa do desenvolvimento da pecuária leiteira no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil: nova abordagem na pecuária para integração espacial de variáveis produtivas / Map of the development of dairy husbandry in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil: new approach to livestock for the spatial integration of production variables

Com base nos dados absolutos do Censo Agropecuário 2006, estruturou-se um sistema geográfico de informação e aplicou-se o método de análise multicritério para categorizar e avaliar o desenvolvimento da pecuária leiteira em Minas Gerais, Brasil. As variáveis selecionadas foram representadas espacialmente, classificadas e reclassificadas. Considerando-se seus pesos ponderados, foram combinadas por procedimentos de álgebra de mapas, em que se conformou o mapa com a caracterização do desenvolvimento leiteiro. Dos 853 municípios, 53 foram classificados como altamente desenvolvidos, 55 desenvolvidos, 229 moderadamente desenvolvidos, 500 pouco desenvolvidos e 16 não desenvolvidos. Encontrou-se associação entre o tamanho dos municípios e o desenvolvimento leiteiro; os de maior desenvolvimento tiveram área média de 175.414ha, e os de menor desenvolvimento apresentaram área média de 44.947ha. Esta abordagem para a integração espacial de dados censitários da pecuária possibilita uma nova forma de conhecer a realidade no seu desenvolvimento e promove sua aplicação em outros temas relacionados com a saúde e a produtividade animal.(AU)

Based on absolute data collected from the Agricultural census 2006 a Geographic Information System (GIS) and application of a multi-criteria analysis method to categorize and evaluate the development of dairy farming in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The selected variables were represented spatially, classified and reclassified; taking into account that their adjusted weights were combined by map algebra procedures, conforming the map with the characterization of the dairy development. Of the 853 municipalities, 53 were classified as highly developed, 55 developed, 229 moderately developed, 500 low development and 16 non-developed. Associations were found between the size of the municipalities and dairy development. The municipalities with greater development had an average area of 175.414 ha and those with lower development showed an average area of 44.947 ha. This approach with spatial integration of the livestock census data provides a powerful methodology to express the reality in its development and promotes this application in other topics related to animal health and productivity.(AU)

Mapa do desenvolvimento da pecuária leiteira no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil: nova abordagem na pecuária para integração espacial de variáveis produtivas / Map of the development of dairy husbandry in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil: new approach to livestock for the spatial integration of production variables

Com base nos dados absolutos do Censo Agropecuário 2006, estruturou-se um sistema geográfico de informação e aplicou-se o método de análise multicritério para categorizar e avaliar o desenvolvimento da pecuária leiteira em Minas Gerais, Brasil. As variáveis selecionadas foram representadas espacialmente, classificadas e reclassificadas. Considerando-se seus pesos ponderados, foram combinadas por procedimentos de álgebra de mapas, em que se conformou o mapa com a caracterização do desenvolvimento leiteiro. Dos 853 municípios, 53 foram classificados como altamente desenvolvidos, 55 desenvolvidos, 229 moderadamente desenvolvidos, 500 pouco desenvolvidos e 16 não desenvolvidos. Encontrou-se associação entre o tamanho dos municípios e o desenvolvimento leiteiro; os de maior desenvolvimento tiveram área média de 175.414ha, e os de menor desenvolvimento apresentaram área média de 44.947ha. Esta abordagem para a integração espacial de dados censitários da pecuária possibilita uma nova forma de conhecer a realidade no seu desenvolvimento e promove sua aplicação em outros temas relacionados com a saúde e a produtividade animal...

Based on absolute data collected from the Agricultural census 2006 a Geographic Information System (GIS) and application of a multi-criteria analysis method to categorize and evaluate the development of dairy farming in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The selected variables were represented spatially, classified and reclassified; taking into account that their adjusted weights were combined by map algebra procedures, conforming the map with the characterization of the dairy development. Of the 853 municipalities, 53 were classified as highly developed, 55 developed, 229 moderately developed, 500 low development and 16 non-developed. Associations were found between the size of the municipalities and dairy development. The municipalities with greater development had an average area of 175.414 ha and those with lower development showed an average area of 44.947 ha. This approach with spatial integration of the livestock census data provides a powerful methodology to express the reality in its development and promotes this application in other topics related to animal health and productivity...

Decisión multicriterio para la evaluación y selección de proyectos de ciencia e innovación / Multicriteria decision for the evaluation and selection of science and innovation projects

Los resultados obtenidos dentro del Sistema de Ciencia e Innovación cubano, desde el año 1995, requieren de tecnologías que contribuyan al proceso de toma de decisiones en la selección de los proyectos a ejecutar. Con este objetivo se diseñó un procedimiento para la evaluación y selección de proyectos de ciencia e innovación, ajustable a cualquier organización en el país. Se usaron herramientas de análisis cualitativo y cuantitativo de información y aplicaciones informáticas, para el diseño de indicadores, la determinación de sus pesos y la evaluación, y se estableció una prioridad para la decisión de seleccionar unos proyectos entre otros. Se garantiza además, un mecanismo de retroalimentación para la mejora del procedimiento. Se concluye que la visión integradora del procedimiento propuesto debe mejorar la efectividad de la gestión de proyectos dentro de las organizaciones y de la toma de decisiones sobre qué proyectos seleccionar para su financiamiento(AU)

The results obtained by the Cuban Science and Innovation System since 1995 require technologies supporting decision making in the selection of the projects to be executed. To this end, a procedure was designed for the evaluation and selection of science and innovation projects, adjustable to any organization in the country. Qualitative and quantitative information analysis tools and information applications were used to design indicators and to determine their weight and evaluation. Priorities were set for the decision to select certain projects and not others. A feedback mechanism to improve the procedure is also ensured. It is concluded that an integrated outlook on the procedure proposed should improve the effectiveness of project management in organizations, as well as the process of decision making on which projects to select for funding(AU)

Decisión multicriterio para la evaluación y selección de proyectos de ciencia e innovación / Multicriteria decision for the evaluation and selection of science and innovation projects

Los resultados obtenidos dentro del Sistema de Ciencia e Innovación cubano, desde el año 1995, requieren de tecnologías que contribuyan al proceso de toma de decisiones en la selección de los proyectos a ejecutar. Con este objetivo se diseñó un procedimiento para la evaluación y selección de proyectos de ciencia e innovación, ajustable a cualquier organización en el país. Se usaron herramientas de análisis cualitativo y cuantitativo de información y aplicaciones informáticas, para el diseño de indicadores, la determinación de sus pesos y la evaluación, y se estableció una prioridad para la decisión de seleccionar unos proyectos entre otros. Se garantiza además, un mecanismo de retroalimentación para la mejora del procedimiento. Se concluye que la visión integradora del procedimiento propuesto debe mejorar la efectividad de la gestión de proyectos dentro de las organizaciones y de la toma de decisiones sobre qué proyectos seleccionar para su financiamiento

The results obtained by the Cuban Science and Innovation System since 1995 require technologies supporting decision making in the selection of the projects to be executed. To this end, a procedure was designed for the evaluation and selection of science and innovation projects, adjustable to any organization in the country. Qualitative and quantitative information analysis tools and information applications were used to design indicators and to determine their weight and evaluation. Priorities were set for the decision to select certain projects and not others. A feedback mechanism to improve the procedure is also ensured. It is concluded that an integrated outlook on the procedure proposed should improve the effectiveness of project management in organizations, as well as the process of decision making on which projects to select for funding

Selecting appropriate bedding to reduce locomotion problems in broilers

Two experiments were carried out at the Poultry Sector of the School of Agrarian Sciences of the Federal University of Grande Dourados to evaluate the incidence of leg problems in broilers reared on two distinct types of bedding material: rice husks or wood shavings, both new and reused. In both trials, a randomized experimental design was applied in factorial arrangement (2 x 2 x 2) using two genetic strains (Cobb® or Ross®); two sexes (male or female), and two litter materials (rice husks or wood shavings). In each trial 1080 one day pullets were reared equally divided in the treatments. The birds were placed in 4.5 m² boxes at a density of 10 birds m-2. All birds were fed diets with equal nutritional density, and water was offered ad libitum. Feeds were divided in three phases: starter diet (1 - 21 days), grower diet (22 - 35 days), and finisher diet (36 - 45 days). On day 45, fifty birds were randomly selected in each experiment to evaluate flock leg problems. The following parameters were analyzed: gait score, incidence of valgus and varus disorder, footpad dermatitis, femoral degeneration, tibial dyschondroplasia, and spondylolisthesis. Ambient temperature during rearing and litter caking and moisture content were recorded in four boxes per treatment. The analytical hierarchy process was used to organize the data into specific criteria. Several criteria, related to the attributes that were determinant according to the statistical analysis, were chosen in order to provide the best input to the process. Results indicated that new wood-shavings bedding was the most appropriate bedding to prevent locomotion problems, followed by new rice husks, reused wood shavings, and reused rice husks. However, when leg problems were associated to sex and genetic strain, male Ross birds strain presented less problems when reared on new rice husks, followed by new wood shavings

Selecting appropriate bedding to reduce locomotion problems in broilers

Two experiments were carried out at the Poultry Sector of the School of Agrarian Sciences of the Federal University of Grande Dourados to evaluate the incidence of leg problems in broilers reared on two distinct types of bedding material: rice husks or wood shavings, both new and reused. In both trials, a randomized experimental design was applied in factorial arrangement (2 x 2 x 2) using two genetic strains (Cobb® or Ross®); two sexes (male or female), and two litter materials (rice husks or wood shavings). In each trial 1080 one day pullets were reared equally divided in the treatments. The birds were placed in 4.5 m² boxes at a density of 10 birds m-2. All birds were fed diets with equal nutritional density, and water was offered ad libitum. Feeds were divided in three phases: starter diet (1 - 21 days), grower diet (22 - 35 days), and finisher diet (36 - 45 days). On day 45, fifty birds were randomly selected in each experiment to evaluate flock leg problems. The following parameters were analyzed: gait score, incidence of valgus and varus disorder, footpad dermatitis, femoral degeneration, tibial dyschondroplasia, and spondylolisthesis. Ambient temperature during rearing and litter caking and moisture content were recorded in four boxes per treatment. The analytical hierarchy process was used to organize the data into specific criteria. Several criteria, related to the attributes that were determinant according to the statistical analysis, were chosen in order to provide the best input to the process. Results indicated that new wood-shavings bedding was the most appropriate bedding to prevent locomotion problems, followed by new rice husks, reused wood shavings, and reused rice husks. However, when leg problems were associated to sex and genetic strain, male Ross birds strain presented less problems when reared on new rice husks, followed by new wood shavings

Identificação de áreas alternativas para disposição de resíduos sólidos na região do Baixo Ribeira do Iguape - SP / Identification of alternative areas for solid waste disposal in Baixo Ribeira do Iguape - SP

Este trabalho teve por objetivo a proposição de cenários para o equacionamento da disposição de resíduos sólidos gerados por áreas urbanas da região do Baixo Ribeira de Iguape, localizado no estado de São Paulo. Utilizou-se a análise multicritério, que requer a identificação de critérios que podem ser restrições e fatores. Como critérios de agregação optou-se pela Combinação Linear Ponderada e pela Média Ponderada Ordenada. Para cada um dos municípios calculou-se a área necessária para a disposição final de seus resíduos sólidos. Os resultados mostraram que a melhor área para o município de Cajati está localizada a aproximadamente 3,0km da sede do mesmo, para Jacupiranga a 2,7km e para Pariqüera-Açu a 2,4km. A metodologia mostrou-se adequada ao propósito em questão, levando-se em consideração 18 fatores e restrições influentes no processo de decisão.

This paper addresses the proposition of scenarios for the equation of the disposal of solid residues generated by urban areas of the region of the Baixo Ribeira de Iguape, located in the São Paulo State, Brazil. Multicriterion analysis requiring identification of criteria that can play restrictions and factors roles were used. Aggregation Criteria was represented by the Weighed Linear Combination and the Ordered Weighed Mean. For each one of the selected cities it was calculated the required area for the final disposal of its solid residues. The results had shown that the best area for the city of Cajati is located approximately 3,0 km of its headquarters, for Jacupiranga 2,7 km and for Pariqüera-Açu 2,4 km. The applied methodology revealed adequate to the objective of this research, taking into account 18 influential factors and restrictions in the decision process.