Multi-Criteria Analysis to Prioritize Energy Sources for Ambience in Poultry Production

ABSTRACT This paper intends to outline a model of multi-criteria analysis to pinpoint the most suitable energy source for heating aviaries in poultry broiler production from the point of view of the farmer and under environmental logic. Therefore, the identification of criteria was enabled through an exploratory study in three poultry broiler production units located in the mountain region of Rio Grande do Sul. In order to identify the energy source, the Analytic Hierarchy Process was applied. The criteria determined and validated in the research contemplated the cost of energy source, leadtime, investment in equipment, energy efficiency, quality of life and environmental impacts. The result of applying the method revealed firewood as the most appropriate energy for heating. The decision support model developed could be replicated in order to strengthen the criteria and energy alternatives presented, besides identifying new criteria and alternatives that were not considered in this study.

Multi-Criteria Analysis to Prioritize Energy Sources for Ambience in Poultry Production

ABSTRACT This paper intends to outline a model of multi-criteria analysis to pinpoint the most suitable energy source for heating aviaries in poultry broiler production from the point of view of the farmer and under environmental logic. Therefore, the identification of criteria was enabled through an exploratory study in three poultry broiler production units located in the mountain region of Rio Grande do Sul. In order to identify the energy source, the Analytic Hierarchy Process was applied. The criteria determined and validated in the research contemplated the cost of energy source, leadtime, investment in equipment, energy efficiency, quality of life and environmental impacts. The result of applying the method revealed firewood as the most appropriate energy for heating. The decision support model developed could be replicated in order to strengthen the criteria and energy alternatives presented, besides identifying new criteria and alternatives that were not considered in this study.(AU)

Are grape juices more erosive than orange juices?

AIMS: To evaluate the chemical characteristics of grape and orange juices, and their erosive potential in the decrease of microhardness and the loss of enamel structure. METHODS: Five grape and orange juices were evaluated for pH, titratable acidity, calcium, phosphate, and fluoride concentration. De-ionised water and Cola soft drink were used as a negative and positive control, respectively. Twelve specimens of bovine enamel were immersed in beverages for 10 min at 37 °C, 3 times/day for 7 days. Erosive potential was quantified using microhardness and loss of enamel structure. Anova One Way, Student's t test, Multiple Regression and Spearman Correlation (p < 0.05) were used to analyse the results. RESULTS: Powdered grape juice showed the lowest pH (3.18 ± 0.03) and pure grape juice presented the highest titratable acidity (5.48 ± 0.06 mL NaOH/100 mL). Fresh orange juice and soya-based grape juice revealed the lowest calcium (0.77 ± 0.12 mmol/L) and phosphate concentrations (0.35 ± 0.06 mmol/L), respectively. Among juices, powdered orange juice caused the greatest decrease in surface microhardness (SMH) (127.99 ± 40.47 ΔSMH) and grape juice from concentrate caused the greatest loss of enamel structure (13.30 ± 3.56 µm). CONCLUSIONS: All of the evaluated juices contributed to dental erosion. Grape juices presented greater erosive potential than orange juices. Pure, powdered and concentrated grape juices showed similar loss of enamel structure to the Cola soft drink. The erosive potential of beverages was statistically correlated to pH, titratable acidity, calcium, phosphate and fluoride concentrations.

SEROPREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED TO NEOSPORA CANINUM IN FEMALE BOVINES FROM THE WESTERN SÃO PAULO STATE, BRAZIL

ABSTRACT The prevalence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies was evaluated in 1104 cows from 118 farms in the Western region of São Paulo State, Brazil, using indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay. Sixty-five (55.0%; CI 95%: 46.0-63.8%) farms showed at least one seropositive animal. Prevalence over 10% was observed in 33 farms (28.0%; CI 95%: 20.4-36.5%), and over 20% in 18 farms (15.2%; CI 95%: 9.5-22.6%). Prevalence of animals showed 120 (10.9%) positive females (IFAT ? 1:100). The positivity in the farms showed significant association with farms producing more than 50 liters per day. Infection caused by the protozoan N. caninum occurs in the Western region of the state of São Paulo, and although no differences were observed either in relation to the production type or management practices, greater milk yield was related to greater prevalence of infection.

RESUMO A prevalência de anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum foi avaliada em 1104 vacas de 118 fazendas da região oeste do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, usando a Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta. Sessenta e cinco (55,0%; IC 95%: 46,0-63,8%) fazendas apresentaram pelo menos um animal soropositivo. Prevalência acima de 10% foi observada em 33 fazendas (28,0%; IC 95%: 20,4-36,5%), e acima de 20% em 18 (15,2%; IC 95%: 9,5-22,6%). A prevalência de animais foi de 10,9%, sendo 120 vacas positivas (RIFI ? 1:100). Observou-se associação significativa entre a presença de animais positivos e fazendas com produção leiteira acima de 50 litros por dia. Infecção causada por N. caninum ocorre na região oeste do Estado de São Paulo, mesmo não tendo sido observada relação entre animais soropositivos e práticas de manejo, nas fazendas com alta produção leiteira foram observadas as maiores prevalências de infecção.

Seroprevalence and risk factors associated to Neospora caninum in female bovines from the western São Paulo state, Brazil / Soroprevalência e fatores de risco associados a Neospora caninum em fêmeas bovinas do oeste do estado de São Paulo, Brasil

The prevalence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies was evaluated in 1104 cows from 118 farms in the Western region of São Paulo State, Brazil, using indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay. Sixty-five (55.0%; CI 95%: 46.0-63.8%) farms showed at least one seropositive animal. Prevalence over 10% was observed in 33 farms (28.0%; CI 95%: 20.4-36.5%), and over 20% in 18 farms (15.2%; CI 95%: 9.5-22.6%). Prevalence of animals showed 120 (10.9%) positive females (IFAT ? 1:100). The positivity in the farms showed significant association with farms producing more than 50 liters per day. Infection caused by the protozoan N. caninum occurs in the Western region of the state of São Paulo, and although no differences were observed either in relation to the production type or management practices, greater milk yield was related to greater prevalence of infection.

A prevalência de anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum foi avaliada em 1104 vacas de 118 fazendas da região oeste do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, usando a Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta. Sessenta e cinco (55,0%; IC 95%: 46,0-63,8%) fazendas apresentaram pelo menos um animal soropositivo. Prevalência acima de 10% foi observada em 33 fazendas (28,0%; IC 95%: 20,4-36,5%), e acima de 20% em 18 (15,2%; IC 95%: 9,5-22,6%). A prevalência de animais foi de 10,9%, sendo 120 vacas positivas (RIFI ? 1:100). Observou-se associação significativa entre a presença de animais positivos e fazendas com produção leiteira acima de 50 litros por dia. Infecção causada por N. caninum ocorre na região oeste do Estado de São Paulo, mesmo não tendo sido observada relação entre animais soropositivos e práticas de manejo, nas fazendas com alta produção leiteira foram observadas as maiores prevalências de infecção.

[ISO 9002 at the Center of Pediatric Intensive Care at the Albert Einstein Israeli Hospital]. / ISO 9002 No Centro de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrico do Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein.

This study shows the process of implementation of a quality program in Pediatric Intensive Therapy Center of "Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein" which resulted in the certification of this service for the Standards ISO 9002/94. It points out the nurse's role as a leader in this process.