Abstract: The investigation determined the location to build a graphite commercial warehouse (GCW), derived from the fact that the only place of production of the input is the state of Sonora, the above complicates satisfying the internal and external market of consumers due to the times and the distances. The methodology applied to determine the location for the construction of the warehouse was by means of a macro and micro analysis of location, both contemplate the diagnosis of variables through the methods of critical factors and center of gravity. The results allowed obtaining the order of alternatives for the GCW are Querétaro, followed by San Luis Potosí, Guanajuato, Tamaulipas, Aguascalientes, and Durango. The conclusion is that the GCW must be built in the location of georeferenced coordinates (20 ° 49´40.32 "N, 100 ° 18´32.38" W) or its equivalent (20.827, -100.308), specifically in the municipality of Marquez for have optimal communication channels and be a strategic point for the distribution of the product.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of golden mussel flour (GMSF) contaminated with increasing rates of cadmium (Cd) as a replacement for limestone as a Ca source, in broiler chicken feed from 14 to 42 days of age. A total of 60 animals were assigned to four treatments (inclusion rates of Cd: 6.94, 14.55, 22.40, and 30.00 mg Cd kg-1) with five replications in a completely randomized design. At 42 d, blood samples were collected to evaluate serum concentrations of aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin, Ca, P, and Cd. After slaughter, tissues were collected to evaluate Cd concentration in bone parameters. Growth performance of broiler chickens and Cd content in the breast meat were not affected by the inclusion rates of Cd in the GMSF. However, there was an effect of Cd in GMSF on the concentration of Cd in the skin, liver, bones, feathers, and serum; ALT; and total bilirubin. Bone flexibility had a quadratic response to increasing inclusion rates of GMSF; serum Ca concentration increased linearly and there was no effect on serum P concentration. Concentrations of Cd in GMSF above 20 mg kg-1 caused high Cd contamination in broiler tissues. Therefore, it was concluded that Cd concentrations above 6.94 mg kg-i in broiler diets caused high Cd concentrations in meat and organs that are above those permitted for human consumption.

Abstract The aim was to evaluate the effect of different feeding volumes on the cut yield and meat quality of brown eggshell laying hens strain Embrapa 051 (E051) during the laying cycle, reared in an alternative system and slaughtered at 73 weeks, with reference to the lineage Lohmann Brown (LB). 600 hens E051 and 200 hens LB were used in an entirely randomized experimental design totalizing 5 replicates with 40 birds each. The treatments were: Control (LB fed with 100% of their dietary requirements), E051 fed with 93% of the control diet, E051 fed with 100% of the control diet, and E051 fed with 107% of the control diet. Birds were supplemented daily with 30g of ground grasses. Different feeding volumes did not alter the physicochemical quality of the meat and the cut yield. Body and cold carcass weight were greater in the E051 fed with 107% of the reference feed compared to the LB or the E051 fed with 7% less than the control diet. Yellow color intensity was greater in the E051 than in LB. The results demonstrated that, at the end of their productive cycle, the E051 without a restricted diet presents good carcass characteristics and potential for industrialized development.

Abstract Male broiler chickens (384), Cobb 500, were housed in metabolic cages to assess the efficacy of phytase in diets with low and high phytate-phosphorus on the performance, bone physical characteristics, tissue and serum mineral deposits. Birds were distributed in four treatments with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized block design. Experimental diets based on maize-soybean meal were T1 – diet low phytate-phosphorus; T2 – diet low phytate-phosphorus and phytase (500 FTU/kg); T3 – diet high phytate-phosphorus; T4 – diet high phytate-phosphorus and phytase (500 FTU/kg). Feed intake, body weight, weight gain and feed conversion ratio were assessed. Two left tibias per experimental unit were analyzed for physical characteristics and mineral concentration; a section of skinless breast muscle and blood were collected to measure the concentration of calcium, phosphorus and sodium. Results showed interaction between bone stiffness and serum calcium. The inclusion of phytase in diets with low and high phytate-phosphorus did not alter performance, bone resistance and flexibility, mineral deposits in the tibia and breast muscle, but increased bone stiffness after 22 days of age. It also provided a higher serum calcium rate in broilers fed diets with low phytate-phosphorus up to 32 days of age.

Resumo A toxocaríase é uma zoonose de distribuição mundial. A conexão entre doenças parasitárias e condições que deprimem o sistema imunológico, como o uso de drogas imunossupressoras, tem sido estudada. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da Ciclosporina A (CsA) na intensidade da infecção, resposta humoral e transcrição gênica das interleucinas IL-4, IL-10 e IL-12 em camundongos experimentalmente infectados com Toxocara canis. Para tanto, os camundongos foram divididos em dois grupos tratados com CsA (G1: 10 mg/Kg e G2: 50 mg/kg), os grupos G3 e G4 receberam PBS. Após a última administração da droga ou PBS (via oral a cada 48 horas por 15 dias), os grupos G1, G2 e G3 foram inoculados com 1200 ovos de T. canis. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue nos dias zero, 15 e 30 dias pós-inoculação (PI), para teste de ELISA e os camundongos foram eutanasiados 30 dias PI. Os órgãos e tecido muscular estriado foram coletados para a recuperação das larvas. Os esplenócitos foram analisados por RT-PCR. A intensidade da infecção nos camundongos tratados com 50 mg/kg de CsA foi 65,5% maior do que no grupo controle (p=0,001). Uma análise da cinética do anticorpo anti-Toxocara revelou que os grupos tratados com CsA apresentaram níveis médios de anticorpos significativamente maiores no dia 15 PI. A transcrição das três interleucinas testadas não apresentou diferença estatística entre G2 e G3 (controle). Concluiu-se que a imunossupressão desencadeada pela CsA (50 mg/Kg) favoreceu o estabelecimento de um maior número de larvas de T. canis sem, no entanto, alterar a produção de imunoglobulinas e a transcrição de IL-4, IL-10 e IL-12 no dia 30 PI.

Abstract Toxocariasis is a zoonotic disease of worldwide distribution. The connection between parasitic diseases and conditions that depress the immune system, such as the use of immunosuppressive drugs, has been studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Cyclosporine A (CsA) on the intensity of infection, humoral response and gene transcription of interleukins IL-4, IL-10 and IL-12 in mice experimentally infected with Toxocara canis. To this end, mice were divided into two groups treated with CsA (G1: 10 mg/Kg and G2: 50 mg/kg), the G3 and G4 group received PBS. After the last administration of the drug or PBS (orally every 48 hours for 15 days), groups G1, G2 and G3 were inoculated with 1200 eggs of T. canis. Was collected blood samples on days zero, 15 and 30 days post-inoculation (PI), for ELISA test and the mice were euthanized 30 days PI. The organs and striated muscle tissue were collected for the recovery of larvae. The splenocytes were analyzed by RT-PCR. The intensity of infection in the mice treated with 50 mg/kg of CsA was 65.5% higher than in the control group (p=0.001). An analysis of the kinetics of anti-Toxocara antibody revealed that the groups treated with CsA showed significantly higher mean levels of antibodies on day 15 PI. The transcription of the three tested interleukins showed no statistical difference between G2 and G3 (control). It was concluded that the immunosuppression triggered by CsA (50 mg/Kg) favored the establishment of a larger number of T. canis larvae without, however, altering immunoglobulin production and IL-4, IL-10 and IL-12 transcription on day 30 PI.

Resumo Introdução As creches desempenham um importante papel social na educação e desenvolvimento inicial das crianças. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a frequência de infecções parasitárias intestinais, além de infecção por Toxocara spp. em crianças de uma creche na cidade do Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Métodos: Para o estudo, foram coletadas amostras fecais de 50 crianças de três a seis anos, analisadas pelas técnicas de Ritchie, Faust, Rugai e Kinyoun, sendo aplicado um questionário epidemiológico fechado e estruturado aos pais/responsáveis das crianças. Também foi realizada uma pesquisa sorológica de anticorpos para Toxocara spp. em 41 crianças, pelo ensaio imunoenzimático, associado ao antígeno de excreção e secreção (ES), com soros pré-adsorvidos com antígeno somático de Ascaris lumbricoides. Resultados: A frequência de enteroparasitos foi de 18%, enquanto que 43.9% das crianças foram soropositivas para Toxocara spp.. Baixa renda familiar e baixo nível de alfabetização dos pais/responsáveis foram fatores comuns entre as famílias das crianças parasitadas. A maioria dos pais ou responsáveis das crianças, com diagnóstico positivo para enteroparasitos ou para Toxocara spp., relatou utilizar apenas água para a higienização de verduras e frutas. Conclusões: As altas taxas de soropositividade para Toxocara spp. indicam que as crianças foram expostas a esse parasito, sendo importante minimizar o risco de infecção. Além disso, a positividade de 18% para enteroparasitos e os dados obtidos com as entrevistas realizadas com os pais ou responsáveis demonstram a necessidade da realização de trabalhos com a população estudada que visem a divulgação sobre as parasitoses intestinais, especialmente sobre medidas profiláticas especificas.

Abstract Introduction Day care centers play an important social role in children’s early education and development. The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency of intestinal parasitic infections and infection with Toxocara spp. in children from a day care center in the city of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Methods: The study was conducted using fecal samples from 50 children, ages three to six years, using Ritchie, Faust, Rugai, and Kinyoun’s techniques. A closed and structured epidemiological questionnaire was used to collect data from the parents/guardians of the children. Serological studies for detection of antibodies to Toxocara spp. by immunoenzymatic assays using Toxocara excretion and secretion antigen (TES) were conducted on sera collected from 41 children. Results: The frequency of enteroparasites was 18%, with 43.9% of the children testing seropositive for Toxocara spp. Low family income and low literacy levels of parents/guardians were common factors between the families of the parasite-positive children. For the children who tested positive for Toxocara spp., most of the parents/guardians reported using only water for sanitizing raw vegetables and fruits. Conclusions: The high seropositivity rates for Toxocara spp. indicate that children were exposed to this parasite, and it is important to reduce the risk of infection. In addition, the seropositivity for enteroparasites and the interviews with the parents/guardians indicate the need to educate the studied population regarding the modes of intestinal parasite transmission and the prophylactic measures needed to prevent their dissemination.

In this study, a novel type of tris(2-acyl-1,3-indandione)-aluminum(III) coordination compounds of the general formula [Al(acind)3]H2O, where 2-acyl-1,3-indandione (acind), 2-acetyl-1,3-indandione (aind), 2-benzoyl-1,3-indandione (bind), and 4-methyl-2-benzoyl-1,3-indandione (mbind), were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis (CHN), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopies, thermal analysis (TG/DTG and DTA), and optical absorption spectroscopy in the UV-Vis region. These compounds present remarkably high green luminescence in powder and in thin-film forms. However, when these compounds are applied in glass/ITO/β-NPB/spiro-2CBP/[Al(acind)3]/Al and glass/ITO/β-NPB/[Al(acind)3]/LiF/Al electroluminescent devices, where spiro-2CBP is 2,7-bis(carbazol-9-yl)-9,9-spirobifluorene and β-NPB is N,N’-bis(naphthalen-2-yl)-N,N’-bis(phenyl)-benzidine, the emission color tuned from green to red, reflecting a change from the direct charge recombination in the emitting layer of the [Al(acind)3] complexes to an exciplex-based emission in which [Al(acind)3] complexes and spiro 2-CBP acted as acceptor and donor, respectively. These results suggest that [Al(acind)3] complexes have potential applications as molecular light converter materials for fabricating new electroluminescent devices.

RESUMO Este trabalho apresenta uma discussão sobre a metodologia utilizada para estabelecer a vulnerabilidade associada às áreas de risco na cidade de Santa Maria. Para analisar a vulnerabilidade, foram utilizados: variáveis urbano-construtivas, que definem o Índice de Vulnerabilidade Urbana (InVU), além de variáveis socioeconômicas e densificação urbana, que definem o Índice de Vulnerabilidade Humana (InVH). O InVU é determinado pelo Padrão de Construção Urbana, identificado através da análise do planejamento de ocupação, características da moradia e infraestrutura disponível. O InVH foi determinado por uma análise das Variáveis Socioeconômicas e da Densificação. As variáveis socioeconômicas utilizadas são a faixa etária da população, a renda mensal e a taxa de alfabetização.

ABSTRACT This work presents a discussion of the methodology used to establish the vulnerability associated with at-risk areas in Santa Maria city. The following were used in order to analyze vulnerability: urban-constructive variables, which define the Urban Vulnerability Index (InVU), in addition to further socio-economic variables and urban densification, which define the Human Vulnerability Index (InVH). The InVU is determined by the Urban-Construction Standard, identified through the analysis of occupation planning, housing characteristics and the available infrastructure. The InVH was determined by an analysis of Socioeconomic Variables and Densification. The socioeconomic variables used are the age range of the population, monthly income and the literacy rate.

RÉSUMÉ Ce travail présente une discussion sur la méthodologie utilisée pour établir la vulnérabilité associée aux zones à risque dans la ville de Santa Maria. Pour analyser la vulnérabilité, nous avons utilisé: caractéristiques constructives et infrastructures urbaines, qui définissent l'indice de vulnérabilité urbaine (InVU) ajouté aux variables socio-économiques et à la densification urbaine, qui définissent l'indice de vulnérabilité humaine (InVH). L'indice InVU est déterminé par la norme de construction urbaine identifiée par l'analyse de la planification de l'occupation, des caractéristiques du logement et de l'infrastructure disponible. L'indice InVH a été déterminé par une analyse des variables socio-économiques et de la densité d'occupation. Les variables socio-économiques sont obtenues grâce à l'utilisation de la base d'information d'âge de la population; revenu mensuel et taux d'alphabétisation.

Abstract Ground Penetrating Radar is a complex nondestructive evaluation technique where the antenna is the most critical part. The antenna is responsible for transmission and reception of waves at the proper level and frequencies defined in the GPR system specifications. Important GPR features such as resolution and penetration depth depend on its characteristics. In this context, this work outlines the fundamental GPR system theory in order to discuss procedures for improving antennas to GPR applications. Additionally, recent works regarding GPR antenna optimization are reviewed and placed in the context of a framework for GPR antenna design and optimization.

A aderência entre o concreto e o aço (armadura) é o principal fator do bom desempenho do concreto armado. Para prever a utilização do concreto com incorporação de resíduos para fins estruturais, a verificação do controle de qualidade se faz necessária, quer seja de sua resistência à compressão axial quer seja de sua aderência. Este artigo apresenta os resultados do estudo sobre a viabilidade do ensaio de aderência aço-concreto, denominado ensaio APULOT, para estimativa da resistência à compressão axial do concreto com adição de fibras de borracha. A proposta do ensaio APULOT, vem sendo estudada em vários laboratórios de pesquisa, na França e no Brasil e consiste em determinar a resistência à compressão axial do concreto, a partir dos resultados da tensão de aderência realizados na obra. A utilização do concreto com incorporação de resíduos de borracha para fins estruturais deve ser feita com cautela, pois comprovadamente a adição de borracha no concreto faz com que a resistência à compressão do mesmo venha a diminuir. Estudar seu comportamento quanto à resistência axial à compressão, além da aderência aço e concreto, também é necessária. Este trabalho visa contribuir com a normalização do ensaio APULOT possibilitando um melhor controle tecnológico em canteiros de obra, assim como verificar as condições de utilização para fins estruturais do concreto com resíduos de borracha.

The bond stress between steel and concrete is the essential condition to the good behaviour of reinforced concrete structures. To preview the use of concrete with waste incorporation for structural aims, the verification of its quality control is necessary, whether of compression strength and bond. This paper presents the study results about the viability use of APULOT tests, that is a bond tests, to prevent the compression strength of concrete with rubber addition. The purpose of APULOT tests become study in many laboratories in France and Brazil, where is to estimate the compression strength using the bond stress obtained in tests execute inside of building construction. Also the use of concrete with rubber addition to structural use has been made with safe because this kind of addition makes the concrete compression strength decrease. To study its compression strength behavior is also make part of this research. This work aims to contribute with standardization of APULOT tests, and also give conditions to use the concrete with rubber addition in structural elements with more safe.

Early harvest and forced flower opening with sucrose addition in the preservative solution effects were evaluated during winter and summer, in Moresco, Mabel, Nov and Golden Odino carnation varieties. The flowers were harvested at five dif ferent stages of development: from tight flower buds to open flowers (state 0 to 4). Immediately, these were hydrated during 24 h using a silver thiosulfate solution (0,1 M) at 2 ºC. Then, the flowers were treated with a preservative solution containing citric acid (500 mg l-1) and hydroxyquinoline citrate (60 mg l-1), with and without sucrose (100 g l-1). Petal color, vase life and flower size were evaluated when the full open flower stage was obtained. The flower size was similar during winter and summer in Moresco, Nov and Golden Odino, but the vase life was significantly reduced in the summer. The sucrose addition allowed improving the flower size and the petal color in all the stages of development evaluated. The best flower quality was obtained by combining sucrose addition with the flowers harvested in the stages 2 and 3 in the winter and 0 and 1 in the summer.

Se evaluó la cosecha temprana y la apertura forzada de pimpollos con sacarosa, en invierno y en verano, en flores de 4 variedades de clavel (Moresco, Mabel, Nov y Golden Odino). Las flores fueron cosechadas en cinco estados de desarrollo, desde botón cerrado hasta flor abierta (estados 0 al 4), hidratadas en frío (2 ºC) con una solución de tiosulfato de plata (0,1 M) durante 24 horas y luego transfe ridas a una solución de ácido cítrico (500 mg l-1) y citrato de hydroxyquinoleina (60 mg l-1); la solución de apertura contenía, además, 100 g l-1 de sacarosa. Cuando se completó la apertura de la flor se evaluó tamaño, intensidad de color y vida en el vaso. El tamaño de la flor fue similar en invierno y verano en las varie dades Moresco, Golden Odino y Nov, sin embargo, en todas las variedades la vida en el vaso fue menor en verano. El agregado de sacarosa mejoró la aper tura, el tamaño de las flores e intensificó los colores en todas las variedades y estados de corte. La mayor calidad se logró combinando el agregado de saca rosa y la cosecha en estado 0 -1 en verano y 2 -3 en invierno.

Snakebite envenomation is a worldwide problem and in Costa Rica. The following is a retrospective review of 79 patients admitted to the Hospital Nacional de Niños (HNN) from January 1985 to September 1996. Child's age ranged from 9 months to 14 years. The M: F ratio was 1.5:1. Sixty percent of the patients lived in remote rural areas. The most common clinical signs at the time of hospitalization were pain and edema. Fifty patients (63,29%) showed moderate to severe envenomation grades. Fifty-one (64,55%) was caused by Bothrops asper. Complications during hospitalization were compartment syndrome and secondary infection. Three children died, one from disseminated intravascular coagulation, another from renal insufficiency, and the third from a perforated duodenal ulcer. Patients who underwent early fasciotomy had significantly less hospitalization and fewer infectious complications, (p < 0.001). There was no relationship between the envenomation grade and length of hospitalization (p = 0.4). The most common pathogen isolated was S. aureus. Early fasciotomy seemed to reduce the complications seen in these patients. Further studies are necessary to identify the factors that may help clinicians to decide those who should undergo fasciotomy, as well as the best moment to perform it.

Mais de 500.000 casos novos de malária foram notificados no Brasil, em 1992. P.falciparum and P.vivax são as espécies responsáveis por 99,3% dos casos. O diagnóstico precoce é indispensável para início do tratamento adequado. Neste trabalho, apresentamos os resultados do método tradicional para detecção de plasmódios, gota espessa, e os resultados de métodos alternativos estudados: imunofluorescência indireta com anticorpo policlonal anti-P.falciparum e QBC-método, em grupos populacionais bem definidos. A análise dos resultados foi feita em relação à presença ou ausênsia de sintomas clínicos de malária. Também, diferentes classes de imunoglobulinas anti-P.falciparum foram quantificadas para auxiliar na análise global dos resultados, principalmente nos resultados discrepantes. Nós concluímos que os métodos alternativos são mais sensíveis do que a gota espessa e que a associação das informações epidemiológicas, clínicas e laboratoriais é necessária para definir a presença de malária.

In Brazil, more than 500,000 new cases of malaria were notified in 1992. Plasmodium falciparum and P.vivax are the responsible species for 99.3% of the cases. For adequate treatment, precoce diagnosis is necessary. In this work, we present the results of the traditional Plasmodia detection method, thick blood film (TBF), and the results of alternative methods: Immunofluorescence assay (IFA) with polyclonal antibody and Quantitative Buffy Coat method (QBC)® in a well defined population groups. The analysis were done in relation to the presence or absence of malaria clinical symptoms. Also different classes of immunoglobulins anti-P.falciparum were quantified for the global analysis of the results, mainly in the discrepant results. We concluded that alternative methods are more sensitive than TBF and that the association of epidemiological, clinical and laboratory findings is necessary to define the presence of malaria.