Abstract Paper aims This paper aims to investigate which sustainability practices are being applied in port terminals in Brazil and to identify the driving forces and obstacles to the implementation of these practices. Originality The research contributes to fill gaps that still remain in the literature, such as the need to identify and analyze sustainability requirements in the port industry in a more tangible way, bringing new evidence to a better understanding of how the port industry perceives and addresses sustainability issues. Research method The paper presents an in-depth multiple case study in the five largest terminals in Brazil, which correspond to approximately 60% of the Brazilian handling of containers. Main findings The results present evidence of the evolution of the commitment to environmental preservation and the progressive dissemination of sustainability practices. The main difficulties are the high costs and lack of support from the port authority to encourage the implementation of some practices. Implications for theory and practice This study aimed to disclose sustainability practices adopted at container terminals in Brazil, as well as provide some content, both for academia and companies, that may assist in developing new research on this theme and implementing these practices in other organizations.

Abstract The dusky grouper, Epinephelus marginatus, is a well-known and widespread marine fish assessed as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Analyzing the genetic diversity of this species is, therefore, of utmost importance and necessary for conservation purposes. Microsatellites are molecular tools with advantages that are ideal for population analyses. This study provides the first set of species-specific microsatellite loci for E. marginatus that can be applied when assessing both intra- and interpopulation genetic variation. Twenty microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized for the dusky grouper by genotyping 20 individuals obtained from the North Eastern Atlantic Ocean (n = 4) and from the South Western Atlantic Ocean (n = 16). The number of alleles per locus varied from 2 to 11, while the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.25 to 0.94 and 0.34 to 0.89, respectively. The polymorphic information content varied from moderately to highly informative. This suite of markers provides the first specific nuclear tools for E. marginatus and, thus, allows to assess with more specificity different populations’ structures.

RESUMO A captura de iscas-vivas para a pesca esportiva constitui uma atividade importante em comunidades de pescadores. As principais espécies utilizadas para este propósito pertencem ao gênero Gymnotus, o qual compreende inúmeras espécies de natureza críptica que dificulta a identificação baseada na morfologia externa. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram identificar através de sequências parciais do gene COI, espécies de Gymnotus capturadas no Rio Jacaré-Guaçu, Ibitinga, SP, e desenvolver um diagnóstico molecular por meio de PCR-RFLP. Sequências parciais de COI foram comparadas com outras espécies depositadas no GenBank. As sequências foram analisadas no Programa NebCutter para determinar os sítios de restrição e definir as enzimas a serem testadas. A análise fenética pelo método de Neighbor-Joining mostrou que os espécimes pertencem a duas espécies identificadas preliminarmente aqui como G. cf. sylvius e G. cf. cuia, sendo que G. cf. sylvius representou 95,2% dos indivíduos amostrados. As enzimas NlaIII e SacI geraram fragmentos que permitiram discriminar as espécies por meio de PCR-RFLP. Esta análise pode ser usada na identificação precisa destas espécies, fundamental na proposição de monitoramento da pesca de Gymnotus na região e para medidas adequadas de conservação.

ABSTRACT The capture of live bait for sport fishing is an important activity for fishing communities. The main species used for this purpose are members of the genus Gymnotus, which comprises numerous species of cryptic nature that are difficult to identify based on external morphology. The aims of this work were to identify through partial sequences of the COI gene Gymnotus species fished in the Jacaré-Guaçu River, SP, and to develop a molecular diagnostic approach using PCR-RFLP to identify these species. Partial COI sequences were compared to those of other species deposited in GenBank. The sequences were assessed in the NEBCutter program to determine restriction sites in the sequence and the enzymes to be tested. Phenetic analysis performed by Neighbor-Joining method showed that the specimens sampled belong to two species preliminary identified here as G. cf. sylvius and G. cf. cuia, with G. cf. sylvius accounting for 95.2% of the individuals sampled. The enzymes NlaIII and SacI generated fragments that allowed distinguishing the Gymnotus species using PCR-RFLP. This analysis can be used to accurately identify these species, which is fundamental for monitoring Gymnotus fishing and assessing the conservation of this genetic resource.

Abstract Bochothrix thermosphacta is an optional aerobic psychrotrophic related to the meat deterioration and consequently loss of a refrigerated cargo contaminated. Predictive microbiology can be used as a quality assurance tool, since it allows the prediction of microbial response based in pass observations. This work aimed model the growth of B. thermosphacta under variation of pH and temperature. For this purpose, the experimental growth data were fitted to the primary models of Baranyi and Roberts and the modified Gompertz model and the data for the maximum rate of growth (μmax) were adjusted to Ratkowsky extended secondary model. The results showed us that the influence of temperature on growth parameters was more evident than pH. Since, by fixing the temperature the change of pH little altered the μmax. However, as the temperature rises the elevation at the μmax is considerable, for example the comparison of predicted values for μmax, when the temperature exceeds 4 °C to 12 °C, it is clear that these rates are more than double. Finally, it is emphasized that all tested models feature good fit to the experimental data, which makes them validated for prediction growth of B. thermosphacta in the same conditions tested experimentally.

Abstract Meat is one of the most perishable foods owing to its nutrient availability, high water activity, and pH around 5.6. These properties are highly conducive for microbial growth. Fresh meat, when exposed to oxygen, is subjected to the action of aerobic psychrotrophic, proteolytic, and lipolytic spoilage microorganisms, such as Pseudomonas spp. The spoilage results in the appearance of slime and off-flavor in food. In order to predict the growth of Pseudomonas fluorescens in fresh meat at different pH values, stored under refrigeration, and temperature abuse, microbial mathematical modeling was applied. The primary Baranyi and Roberts and the modified Gompertz models were fitted to the experimental data to obtain the growth parameters. The Ratkowsky extended model was used to determine the effect of pH and temperature on the growth parameter µmax. The program DMFit 3.0 was used for model adjustment and fitting. The experimental data showed good fit for both the models tested, and the primary and secondary models based on the Baranyi and Roberts models showed better validation. Thus, these models can be applied to predict the growth of P. fluorescens under the conditions tested.

Abstract Snails of the genus Stramonita are commonly found in the rocky intertidal habitat of the western Atlantic Ocean coast. They belong to a monophyletic taxon that occurs along the tropical and warm-temperate Atlantic and eastern Pacific rocky shores. This genus comprises different valid species and members of the S. haemastoma complex. In the present study, samples of Stramonita were collected from three different regions of southeastern Brazil. Partial sequences of two mitochondrial genes, COI and 16S rRNA, were used to compare nucleotides sequences between Stramonita specimens. Levels of nucleotide divergence greater than 2% across the three sampled regions were used for differentiation at the species level. One of the identified species was S. brasiliensis, which has recently been described by molecular analysis; the other species may represent S. haemastoma, not yet described in the southeastern Brazilian coast.

A variabilidade genética de Salminus hilarii foi avaliada por lócus microssatélites e sequências D-Loop do DNA mitocondrial em quatro populações da região da bacia do Alto Paraná. A diversidade genética - medida pela heterozigosidade média (0,904) e número de alelos médios das populações (13,7) - foi razoavelmente alta. A diferenciação das frequências alélicas entre as populações foi baixa, mas significativa pela AMOVA Φ ST (0,0192), e alta pelo D EST (0,185). A variação mitocondrial foi alta com uma diversidade haplotípica de 0,950 e uma diversidade nucleotídica de 0,011. Estimativas de diferenciação populacional baseadas no DNA mitocondrial foram altas, com um valor global de Φ ST de 0,173. Os resultados dos testes da variação nuclear e mitocondrial demonstram nenhuma inequívoca inferência histórica de contração e expansão demográfica. A diferenciação genética observada entre as populações de S. hilarii no rio Grande pode ter sido causada pela combinação de diferenciação histórica e interrupção recente do fluxo gênico causada pela construção de barragens seguida por um isolamento reprodutivo de populações em tributários de médio porte dos respectivos reservatórios. Nós apresentamos uma amostragem mais ampla e intensiva de populações de S. hilarii ao longo da bacia do alto rio Paraná para se efetivamente distinguir se a diferenciação genética das populações encontrada é histórica ou contemporânea.

Genetic variation of Salminus hilarii was assessed by screening microsatellite loci and mitochondrial D-loop DNA across four sampling in the upper rio Paraná basin of Brazil. Genetic diversity - measured as mean expected heterozygosity (0.904) and mean number of alleles across populations (13.7) - was reasonably high. Differentiation of microsatellite allele frequencies among populations was shown to be low but significant by AMOVA Φ ST (0.0192), and high by D EST (0.185). D-loop variation was high, with haplotypic diversity of 0.950 and nucleotide diversity of 0.011. Mitochondrial DNA-based estimates for population differentiation were high, with an overall Φ ST of 0.173. The results of tests of nuclear and mitochondrial variation yielded no unequivocal inference of historical demographic bottleneck or expansion. Genetic differentiation observed among S. hilarii populations in the rio Grande may be caused by a combination of historical differentiation and recent gene-flow disruption caused by the dams followed by reproduction of isolated spawning assemblages in mid-sized tributaries of the respective reservoirs. We present spatially more intensive sampling of S. hilarii populations across the rio Paraná basin in order to more effectively distinguish between historical and contemporary differentiation.

ResumoObjetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a variação espacial e temporal da qualidade da água e as características físicas dos habitats ao longo do trecho médio e alto do Rio Paraitinga, um tributário do Rio Tietê, considerando a possível influência de diferentes condições ripárias ao longo do trecho estudado.MétodosForam amostrados dezesseis locais sob diferentes condições ripárias, incluindo floresta nativa, floresta secundária, pasto e eucalipto, durante a estação seca e chuvosa de 2004/2005, previamente ao represamento do reservatório de Paraitinga. Vários parâmetros físicos e químicos da água e do habitat foram registrados e os dados analisados em relação à distribuição espacial e potencial influência das diferentes condições ripárias.ResultadosOs parâmetros de qualidade da água estiveram, em geral, dentro dos limites estabelecidos pelo CONAMA para águas de Classe 2, com exceção de turbidez e fósforo total. Diferenças sazonais e espaciais foram observadas nos parâmetros limnológicos ao longo do trecho estudado, que foram relacionadas à influências pontuais associadas ao uso do solo e à cobertura vegetal. Características do habitat diferiram entre os trechos médio e superior do rio, especialmente em relação à profundidade, largura, substrato e cobertura do dossel.ConclusõesApesar de uma influência direta sobre as variáveis analisadas não poder ser atribuída exclusivamente à vegetação ripária, diversas características abióticas do rio parecem estar relacionadas à cobertura vegetal. Locais de pasto e eucalipto diferiram quanto às características morfológicas, apresentando também valores mais elevados de fósforo, turbidez e temperatura, o que sugere influências pontuais, indicando que o uso do solo em escala de sub-bacia foi um fator importante que afetou as condições do rio.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the spatial and seasonal variation of the water quality and physical habitat characteristics along the upper-middle stretch of the Paraitinga River, a tributary of Tietê River, considering the potential influence of different riparian conditions along the stretch studied.MethodsSixteen sites with different riparian vegetation, including native forest, secondary forest, pasture, and eucalyptus were sampled during the dry and rainy seasons of 2004/2005, before the damming of the Paraitinga Reservoir. Several physicochemical and habitat parameters were determined and data analyzed in relation to spatial distribution and potential influence of riparian conditions.ResultsWater quality parameters were in general within the limits established by CONAMA for Class 2 waters, except for turbidity and total phosphorus. There were seasonal and spatial differences in the limnological parameters along the stretch studied and apparently they were related to point specific influences associated with land use and canopy cover. Habitat characteristics were markedly different between the upper and middle river stretches, especially in relation to depth, width, substrate and canopy cover.ConclusionsAlthough a direct influence on the observed variables could not be attributed solely to the riparian vegetation, vegetation cover seemed to affect particular stream characteristics. Open pasture and eucalyptus sites were subject to point specific effects that caused phosphorus inputs and higher turbidity and temperature, and showed different morphological features, suggesting that land use at the sub-watershed scale was an important factor affecting stream conditions.

Uma síntese das espécies de peixes de cabeceiras do rio Tietê é apresentada com base em material de coleções zoológicas e novas coletas realizadas. São referidas para região 56 espécies pertencentes a sete ordens e 16 famílias, aumentando significativamente números anteriores. Os resultados mostram que as cabeceiras do rio Tietê possuem uma composição ictiofaunistica bastante peculiar, distinta daquela encontrada no restante do Alto rio Paraná, mostrando acentuado grau de endemismo e grande similaridade com bacias hidrográficas litorâneas, corroborando a hipótese de captura de rios da região por drenagens costeiras e vice e versa no passado. Dentre as espécies encontradas na região, oito são endêmicas (14,3%), 13 são encontradas nas cabeceiras do rio Tietê e drenagens litorâneas da região sudeste do Brasil (23,2%), dez ocorrem em todo Alto rio Paraná (17,9%), cinco são encontradas no Alto rio Paraná e drenagens litorâneas da região sudeste do Brasil (8,9%), enquanto 13 espécies mostram uma ampla distribuição na América do Sul (23,2%), das quais parte ainda precisa ter a identidade confirmada. A diversidade de espécies é acrescida de pelo menos cinco espécies novas pertencentes aos gêneros Cyphocharax, Characidium, Astyanax, Pareiorhina e Australoheros e quatro novos registros são feitos para Characidium cf. zebra, Scleromystax barbatus, Crenicicla britskii e Synbranchus cf. marmoratus. Pelo menos sete espécies introduzidas estão estabelecidas na região, enquanto outras dez espécies são relacionadas em listas de espécies ameaçadas.

A synthesis of the ichthyofauna of the headwaters of the rio Tietê, based on material from zoological collections and new samplings, is presented. Fifty six species belonging to seven orders and 16 families are recorded to the drainage, increasing previous numbers significantly. The current results show that the headwaters of the rio Tietê possess a singular ichthyofauna composition, diverse from that found in the remaining of the upper Paraná basin, with high level of endemic species and great similarity to the species from coastal drainages. This finding corroborates the hypothesis of past river capture between streams and rivers in both drainages. Among the species occurring in the area surveyed, eight are endemic (14.3%), 13 are found in the headwaters of rio Tietê and in the coastal drainages of southeastern Brazil (23.2%), 10 are present throughout the upper Paraná basin (17.9%), five are found in the upper Paraná basin and in the coastal drainages of southeastern Brazil (8.9%), while 13 show a broader distribution in the South America drainages (23.2%), part of which still remains to be identified. Species diversity increased with the discovery of at least five new species belonging to the genera Cyphocharax, Characidium, Astyanax, Pareiorhina and Australoheros, and four new records for Characidium cf. zebra, Scleromystax barbatus, Crenicicla britskii and Synbranchus cf. marmoratus. At least, seven non-native species are recognized to be established in the region, while 10 other are included in red books.

A reprodução artificial e fertilização dos gametas foram avaliados em reprodutores selvagens e de cativeiro de Salminus hilarii. Reprodutores selvagens e de cativeiro foram induzidos artificialmente à reprodução utilizando hipófise de carpa. Quatros grupos foram considerados: Grupo 1 (G1), peixes capturados na natureza, mantidos por três anos nas mesmas condições de reprodutores de cativeiro e desovados naturalmente; Grupo 2 (G2), reprodutores nascidos e criados em cativeiro e desovados naturalmente; Grupo 3 (G3), reprodutores selvagens que foram extrusados manualmente para a coleta de gametas e fertilização a seco; e Grupo 4 (G4), com machos e fêmeas domesticadas, também extrusados manualmente. Oócitos, ovos e larvas foram amostrados em diferentes intervalos de tempo ao longo do desenvolvimento embrionário. A absorção do saco vitelínico ocorreu aproximadamente 24-29 h após a eclosão. Vinte e seis h após a eclosão, as larvas abriram a boca. O canibalismo foi identificado apenas 28-30 h após a eclosão. Não houve diferença morfológica no desenvolvimento embrionário entre todos os grupos. O número de ovos liberados por grama de fêmea foi: G1: 83,3 ± 24,5 e G2: 103,8 ± 37,4; embora, o sucesso na fertilização tenha sido menor no G2 (42,0 ± 6,37%) em comparação com G1 (54,7 ± 3,02%) (P = 0,011). A extrusão manual dos oócitos não foi bem sucedida e a taxa de fertilização foi zero. A reprodução em cativeiro desta espécie é viável, mas é necessário um melhor manejo dos reprodutores para aumentar as taxas de fertilização, visando a obtenção de uma melhor produção de alevinos para os programas de repovoamento.

Artificial reproduction and gamete fertilization were evaluated in Salminus hilarii wild and domesticated broodstocks. Wild and domesticated broodstocks were artificially induced to reproduction using a carp pituitary treatment. Four groups were considered: Group 1 (G1), fish caught in the wild maintained for three years in the same conditions as the domesticated broodstocks and spawned naturally; Group 2 (G2), broodstock born and raised in captivity and spawned naturally; Group 3 (G3), wild broodstocks, which were manually stripped for gamete collection and dry fertilization; and Group 4 (G4), domesticated males and females, also manually stripped. Oocytes, eggs, and larvae were sampled at different time intervals throughout embryonic development. Yolk sac absorption occurred approximately 24-29 h after hatching. Twenty-six h after hatching, the larvae mouths opened. Cannibalism was identified just 28-30 h after hatching. There was no morphological difference in embryonic development among all groups. The number of released eggs per gram of female was: G1: 83.3 ± 24.5 and G2: 103.8 ± 37.4; however, the fertilization success was lower in G2 (42.0 ± 6.37 %) compared with G1 (54.7 ± 3.02%) (P = 0.011). Hand-stripping of oocytes was not successful and the fertilization rate was zero. The reproduction of this species in captivity is viable, but it is necessary to improve broodstock management to enhance fertilization rates and obtain better fingerling production for restocking programs.

O padrão de coloração é reconhecido como uma característica importante para a diagnose das espécies do gênero Trichomycterus e no reconhecimento de suas relações de parentesco. A análise baseada em dados morfológicos e moleculares confirma a existência de uma única espécie de Trichomycterus no rio Itatinga, drenagem litorânea da Serra do Mar e no rio Claro, curso superior do rio Tietê. A única espécie do gênero encontrada, Trichomycterus iheringi, apresenta dois padrões de pigmentação do corpo bastante distintos e padrões de coloração intermediários relacionados ao tamanho corporal e ao micro-habitat.

Color pattern is recognized as an important characteristic for diagnosing Trichomycterus species and for elucidating their relationships. An analysis based on morphological and molecular data confirms the existence of a single species of Trichomycterus in the rio Itatinga, a costal river drainage on the escarpment of the Serra do Mar and the rio Claro on the upper course of the rio Tietê. The only species found, Trichomycterus iheringi, shows two clearly distinct patterns of body pigmentation and intermediate color patterns related to body size and microhabitat preference.

Piabanha (Brycon insignis) é uma espécie de peixe de água doce oriunda de drenagens da região sudeste do Brasil. Durante os anos de 1950, esta espécie foi um importante recurso econômico para populações locais. Contudo, a intensa e contínua degradação ambiental afetou seriamente as populações de B. insignis na região. Marcadores microssatélites foram usados para avaliar a estrutura genética de populações selvagens de B. insignis e comparar a variabilidade genética e integridade das populações selvagens com uma população de cativeiro. Amostras de DNA de 208 espécimes de populações geograficamente isoladas foram analisadas. A estrutura populacional foi investigada usando-se estimadores de F ST e R ST bem como AMOVA. Todos os loci usados neste estudo foram polimórficos com heterozigosidades observadas variando de 0.77 (± 0.15) a 0.88 (± 0.77) em populações selvagens e 0.90 (± 0.09) na população de cativeiro e a riqueza alélica média foi de 7.56 (± 0.27) e 5.80 (± 1.02), respectivamente. A maioria das diferenças genéticas foi significativa entre populações (F ST = 0.072, p = 0.034). Evidências de efeito gargalo foram observadas em algumas populações selvagens e especialmente também na população de cativeiro. Os resultados do presente estudo mostraram que as populações de B. insignis ainda apresentam variabilidade genética e que estas populações estão atualmente estruturadas geneticamente provavelmente devido a ações antrópicas. As implicações destes achados para o manejo e conservação das populações de B. insiginis são discutidas.

Piabanha (Brycon insignis) is a freshwater fish species from the drainages in Southeastern Brazil. During the 1950s, it was an important economic and food resource for local populations, but dramatic and continuous environmental degradation seriously jeopardized the B. insignis populations in the region. Microsatellite markers were used to assess the genetic structure of wild populations of B. insignis and compare the genetic variability and integrity of the wild populations with a captive population. Samples of DNA from 208 specimens from geographically isolated populations were analyzed. Population genetic structure was investigated using F ST, R ST estimates as well as AMOVA. All five loci used in this study were polymorphic with observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.77 (± 0.15) to 0.88 (± 0.07) in the wild population and 0.90 (± 0.09) in the captive population and the allelic richness average were 7.56 (± 0.27) and 5.80 (± 1.02), respectively. Overall genetic differences were significantly partitioned among populations (F ST = 0.072, p = 0.034). Evidence of a genetic bottleneck was found in some of the wild populations, but especially in the captive population. The results showed that genetic variability still can be found in B. insignis populations which are currently structured possibly due to anthropic actions. The implications of these findings for the management and conservation of B. insignis populations are discussed.

O "surubim do Paraíba" (Steindachneridion parahybae) é um bagre de água doce, endêmico da bacia do rio Paraíba do Sul, Brasil. Esta espécie foi seriamente ameaçada por distúrbios ambientais nas últimas décadas. Machos e fêmeas selvagens de Steindachneridion parahybae foram coletados em 2003 e transferidos para a piscicultura da CESP (Companhia Energética de São Paulo). Reprodutores de S. parahybae foram induzidos à reprodução artificial em dezembro de 2003 usando uma combinação de extrato hipofisário de carpa (CPE) e gonadotropina coriônica humana (hCG). Após a extrusão dos óvulos e do sêmen, os ovos fertilizados foram transferidos para incubadoras cônicas de 60 litros e, em seguida, as larvas eclodidas distribuídas em nove incubadoras horizontais. Após a absorção do saco vitelino, a alimentação exógena foi iniciada. Uma alta taxa de canibalismo e fotofobia foram observados durante o período larval, resultando em uma taxa de sobrevivência de 26% de larvas para os alevinos

The "surubim do Paraíba" (Steindachneridion parahybae) is a freshwater catfish endemic to the Paraíba do Sul River basin, Brazil. This species has been seriously threatened by environmental disturbances in the last several decades. Wild Steindachneridion parahybae males and females were collected in 2003 and taken to the hatchery of a power plant of the Companhia Energética de São Paulo (CESP). Steindachneridion parahybae broodstocks were artificially induced to reproduce in December 2003 using a combination of carp pituitary extract (CPE) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Oocytes and milt were stripped; the fertilized eggs were transferred to 60-liter conical incubators and hatched larvae distributed in nine horizontal trays. Exogenous feed was started just after yolk sac absorption. A high rate of cannibalism and photophobia were observed during the larval period, resulting in a 26% survival rate from larvae to fingerlings.

The adsorption of ethidium bromide on XAD-7 resin was studied. The Freundlich model was the most representative isotherm model to describe the sorption behavior. A solid-liquid equilibrium model was proposed to explain the resin mass influence on the sorption. The equilibrium constant value estimated was 2.31. The results showed an ethidium bromide ion-pair physical adsorption, with adsorption enthalpy equals to -19.33 kJ/mol. A pK2 value equals to 4.69 ± 0.01 was estimated by two distinct methods. The results will be applied to the ethidium bromide preconcentration aiming its decomposition.

Foram avaliadas condições higiênico-sanitárias de máquinas de moer carne e mãos de manipuladores e observou-se a interferência na qualidade microbiológica da carne moída. Nas máquinas de moer carne e mãos de manipuladores, realizaram-se análises de microrganismos aeróbios mesófilos, fungos filamentosos e leveduras, coliformes totais e termotolerantes, Escherichia coli e estafilococos coagulase positiva. Nenhuma das máquinas enquadrou-se nos padrões da APHA. Para manipuladores, as contagens de aeróbios mesófilos, estafilococos coagulase positiva, fungos filamentosos e leveduras, coliformes totais e termotolerantes apresentaram-se elevadas. Nas amostras de carne inteira e moída, realizaram-se, além das citadas acima, análises de Salmonella sp. aeróbios psicrotróficos e clostrídios sulfito-redutores. Comparando-se os resultados das análises microbiológicas das carnes antes e após a moagem e manipulação, constatou-se aumento da contagem microbiana na maioria das amostras analisadas, indicando higienização inadequada das máquinas de moer e mão dos manipuladores.

Hygienic-sanitary conditions of meat grinding-machines and handlers' hands were evaluated and the interference on the microbiologic quality of the ground meat was observed. In the meat-ground machines and handlers' hands analyses of mesophyllic aerobic microorganisms, filamentous fungi and yeasts, total and heat-tolerant coliforms, Escherichia coli and positive coagulase staphylococcus were accomplished. None of the machines fitted in the APHA standards. For the handlers, the counts of mesophyllic aerobes, positive coagulase staphylococcus, filamentous fungi and yeasts, total and heat-tolerant coliforms proved elevated. In the samples of whole and ground meat, in addition to those above-cited, analyses of Salmonella sp. psychotrophic aerobes and sulfite-reducing clostridia were performed. By comparing the results of the microbiological analyses of the meats before and after grinding and handling, an increase of the microbial count in most of the samples analyzed was found, denoting inadequate cleaning of the grinding-machines and handlers' hands.