Estudo de nanocompósitos formados por PLA e nanopartículas de celulose.

Devido à preocupação com o meio ambiente e o volume crescente de resíduos plástico em aterros sanitários, os polímeros biodegradáveis estão sendo estudados extensivamente. Um deles é o PLA. Apesar de possuir propriedades comparáveis a polímeros commodities e polímeros de engenharia, ainda é necessário melhorar certas características do PLA, como resistência ao impacto. Para isso, a nanocelulose (NC) pode ser usada sem alterações significativas na biodegradação polimérica. Este estudo teve como objetivo obter a nanocelulose, caracteriza-la e incorpora-la ao poli(ácido láctico) (PLA), assim como, estudar as propriedades térmicas, morfológicas e mecânicas do compósito obtido. A NC foi obtida por hidrólise ácida utilizando ácido fosfórico e posteriormente foi silanizada com três silanos distintos. As nanopartículas foram caracterizadas por Birrefringência, Microscopia Eletrônica de Transmissão (MET), Termogravimetria (TG), Potencial Zeta, Espectroscopia Vibracional de Absorção no Infravermelho com Transformada de Fourier (FTIR) e Difração de Raio X (DRX). Com as imagens obtidas pelo MET foi possível medir o tamanho das partículas de NC. E então obter a razão de aspecto de 82 e o limite de percolação de 1,1% em massa, confirmando a morfologia de nanofibra. De acordo as analises TG\'s, a presença de NC silanizada aumentou o início da degradação térmica. Os compósitos, contendo 3% em massa de NC, foram obtidos por fusão em câmara de mistura e moldados por injeção. Os compósitos foram caracterizados por FTIR, Cromatografia de Permeação em Gel (GPC), TG, Calorimetria Exploratória Diferencial (DSC), Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV-FEG), Impacto e Tração. As análises dos compósitos mostraram que a NC atuou como agente de nucleação, facilitando a cristalização do PLA, além de a NC ter atuado como reforço na matriz polimérica melhorando as propriedades mecânicas.

Proposta de um modelo de gestão de resíduos industriais para o setor calçadista de Franca-SP com vistas à Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos

Criado inicialmente com a função básica de proteção aos pés, o calçado tornou-se um objeto de desejo e um acessório essencial de moda. Entre 1950 a 2015, estima-se que a produção mundial passe de 2,5 bilhões de pares produzidos para 25 bilhões de pares por ano, crescimento bem maior do que a população mundial. O couro, principal matéria-prima para a confecção de calçados, caracteriza-se por gerar grandes quantidades de resíduos ao longo de toda a cadeia produtiva. Especificamente na indústria coureiro-calçadista, o problema concentra-se nos elevados volumes de resíduos gerados na atividade produtiva, podendo causar desperdícios e grandes volumes de resíduos a serem descartados, envolvendo, principalmente, questões financeiras e ambientais. Países como Alemanha e Estados Unidos possuem legislação específica sobre a gestão de resíduos desde os anos 1970. No Brasil, depois de mais de 20 anos de tramitação no Congresso Nacional, em 2010, foi instituída a Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos, que reúne princípios, objetivos, instrumentos, diretrizes e metas, que deverão ser adotados pelos governos nas esferas federal, estadual e municipal, bem como pelas empresas com vistas à gestão integrada e ao gerenciamento ambientalmente adequado dos resíduos sólidos. Dessa forma, o objetivo desta tese foi desenvolver um modelo de gestão de resíduos industriais para o setor calçadista de Franca-SP com vistas à Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos. O desenvolvimento do modelo teve como ponto de partida um estudo bibliográfico sobre o assunto e, na sequência, por intermédio de uma pesquisa aplicada, conseguiu-se, em um primeiro momento, analisar a situação atual para compreender o modelo de gestão de resíduos vigente e realizar uma pesquisa de diagnóstico dos resíduos industriais do setor. Tal pesquisa possibilitou verificar que atualmente, esses resíduos, são enviados em sua totalidade para aterros sanitários, possibilitou também sua quantificação e cálculos dos custos envolvidos para transporte e destinação. Na sequência, realizaram-se estudos sobre a viabilidade técnica e financeira para tratamento térmico desses resíduos e a busca de benchmark no setor. O estudo também proporcionou uma contribuição de caráter mais prático e/ou gerencial ao recomendar diretrizes para a elaboração de um plano de gestão integrada de resíduos industriais para o setor, e uma proposta de gestão compartilhada dos resíduos industriais entre a entidade de classe e as indústrias calçadistas, com vistas à eliminação de envio desses resíduos para aterros. Dessa forma, contribuiu também para a elaboração do Plano Municipal de Gestão Integrada de Resíduos Sólidos do município em questão. Nesse sentido, após as análises e desdobramentos das etapas anteriores, foi possível propor um modelo de gestão de resíduos industriais, bem como demonstrar sua viabilidade técnica e financeira. Tal modelo foi denominado \"Modelo de Equiparação de Custos com Eficiência Ambiental\".

Environment and health with respect to a poverty-related disease: the epidemiology of trachoma in Spain, 1925-1941

Trachoma currently represents one of the three main causes of ‘avoidable' blindness and reaches intolerable dimensions in many developing countries. It was endemic in many regions of eastern Spain until well into the twentieth century. The aim of this paper is to analyze the epidemiological development of this disease in contemporary Spain; to examine its determining factors, particularly environmental and sanitary/health factors, and, finally, to study the health care, environmental and socio-economic measures that led to its control and eradication. We believe that the historical approach not only highlights the role of environmental factors in the development of trachoma, but may also aid in understanding the current epidemiology of trachoma.

Relatorio.

Mode of access: Internet.

Viabilidade técnica da fabricação de compósito utilizando fibra de pneu na fabricação de blocos intertravados

This work aims to demonstrate the feasibility of a ceramic composite containing fiber in the rubber manufacturing interlocking blocks. Gravel, sand, cement, rubber and fiber: the processes of manufacture and assembly of blocks produced and the various formulations studied with different proportions between the constituent elements were addressed. Mechanical properties were determined for the different formulations, compressive strength, diametral compressive strength, water absorption and apparent density, obeying the rules related to each property. It was concluded that the addition of rubber fiber gave the concrete studied resistance lower than conventional concrete which can be verified on the microstructural analysis obtained by SEM, which revealed the presence of pores and the low adhesion between the fiber and the matrix compression (tire fiber / cement paste). The composite of more viable tire BCPB1 (1/2) fiber can be used in places requests as light squares, pavements, roads and other cycle as well as in the manufacture of the curb and gutter, by having compressive strength in about 20 MPa

A saúde do trabalhador na atenção básica: concepções e práticas dos enfermeiros

This study aims to analyze concepts and practices developed by nurses in occupational health in primary care, and it is justified by the need to expand knowledge of this thematic area. This is an analytical qualitative study carried out in primary care units of health districts of the city of Natal-RN, in one health unit in each neighborhood. Data collection was held from August to October 2014, through semistructured interviews, in the following order: Selection of respondents and scheduling of interview; interviews and application of data collection instrument in order to trace socio-demographic profile of the target population; transcription of interviews; categorization of information and analysis in light of hermeneutic-dialectic. The concept of Occupational Health reported by subjects investigated, although simplified with respect to specificities of workers, was revealed with a wide dimension, with perspective of workers’ approach in their physical, mental and social context, suggesting a good seizure according to the expanded concept of health. Furthermore, it was possible to affirm the recognition of an incipient performance of primary care nurses on Occupational Health, whose performance was appointed as defective. In general, some specific actions of Occupational Health, carried out in health facilities, were cited. Other activities showed up to be routine, being held by a minority of professionals aware of the importance and need to reach these users, in order to engage them in the routine of the health unit. Most professionals reported not having approached Occupational Health during undergraduate nursing, highlighting a lack in theoretical and practical aspects of the area

Diagnóstico da comercialização de produtos da medicina popular em feiras livres do semiárido do Rio Grande do Norte: avaliações socioeconômicas e sanitárias, com proposta de legislação específica

Historically, man has empirically acquired knowledge about the therapeutic applications of extracted elements of the natural environment in which belonged. Such knowledge over time culminated in the formation of traditional health systems. Among its features, the use of bioactive plant species - medicinal plants - stands out for its efficiency and high popular acceptance. Despite its importance for public health, the population still has in the open-air fairs the main source for the acquisition of the species used. In these spaces, the trade generally occurs informally, under unfavorable conditions to the quality of the products and to the financial sustainability of the business. In this context, this study aimed to characterize the socioeconomic, cultural and sanitary aspects related to the trade of medicinal plants in municipalities of a semiarid region of Rio Grande do Norte, and additionally, proposing a specific legislation to the activity. Socioeconomic data were collected through on-site interviews, guided by structured form. The observations about the hygienic and sanitary adequacy of physical facilities and practices employed at the point of sale /environment were conducted and recorded with the use of assessment tool developed for use in open markets. The adequacy of medicinal plants to consumption was determined by microbiological analysis. The activity was carried out by individuals who are aged between 21 and 81 years of age, low educational level and low-income, predominantly males. The data showed a tendency to extinction of the activity in all the districts studied. It was observed in all the fairs studied hygiene and sanitation inadequacies that characterized very high health risk, representing in this way, the high probability of Food Transmitted Diseases outbreaks Such conditions were reflected in the high percentage of inadequacy to the consumption of the analyzed medicinal plants samples, illustrating the potential health risk to consumers. To contribute to the correction of hygiene and sanitation inadequacies observed in the studied open-air fairs, educational interventions were made to the training of traders in Good Practices. As a complement, was drafted a specific legislation for the marketing of folk medicine's products in open-air fairs. Such actions, products and its developments will contribute significantly to improving the quality of products available to the population and the preservation of activity, potentially reducing the risks to public health.

Acolhimento na estratégia saúde da família: o que dizem os usuários?

The objective of the National Humanization Policy (NHP) is to humanize relations between professionals and users. It is guided by the proposal of expanded clinic and proposes the embracement as a strategy for its existence. The embracement requires qualified hearing, the provision of adequate technologies and the establishment of relations for better solving health problems of users. The objective of this study was to evaluate user satisfaction of the Family Health Strategy (FHS) regarding the embracement from the perspective of qualified hearing and improved relations in the city of Recife- PE. In this quantitative, qualitative, evaluative and cross-sectional study, 297 users of the services offered by the FHS were interviewed in six health districts of the city. For data collection, the Satisfaction Rating Scale of users with Mental Health Services - Satis-BR- abbreviated and adapted to the subject embracement was used. Quantitative data were analyzed by using the software Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) 17.0, calculating the absolute and relative frequencies. Qualitative data were analyzed by content analysis of Bardin with the elaboration of thematic categories. The results indicate that most users are satisfied with the embracement offered by the teams. About 66% reported being very or fairly heard by professionals; 80.2% reported to have obtained some or much help when searched for embracement; 64.6% indicated that the embracement is friendly or very friendly. Regarding ambience, 55.9% of users demonstrated indifference and dissatisfaction with comfort and appearance; regarding general facilities of the service, 69.4% reported as regular to awful. Three thematic categories were revealed by the speeches: satisfaction with embracement, dissatisfaction with the ambience, and suggestions for improvements in embracement and service. This study contributed to the understanding that both the hearing and relations are present in the embracement of the city and also to demonstrate that the ambience is a possible weakness in the opinion of the users.

Fatores de virulência, resistência ao estresse osmótico e susceptibilidade de isolados de Candida tropicalis oriundos de ambiente costeiro do nordeste brasileiro

Several studies have been developed regarding health risks associated with the recreational use of beaches contaminated with domestic sewage. These wastes contain various microorganisms, including Candida tropicalis, etiologic agent of both superficial infections such as systemic, as well as indicator of fecal contamination for the environment. In this context, the objective of this study was to characterize C. tropicalis isolates from the sandy beach of Ponta Negra, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, regarding the expression of in vitro virulence factors, adaptation to osmotic stress and susceptibility to antifungal drugs. We analyzed 62 environmental isolates of C. tropicalis and observed a great variation between them for the various virulence factors evaluated. In general, environmental isolates were more adherent to CEBH than C. tropicalis ATCC13803 reference strain, besides the fact they were also highly biofilm producers. In relation to morphogenesis, most isolates presented wrinkled phenotype in Spider medium (34 isolates, 54.8 %). When assessing enzyme activity, most isolates had higher proteinase production than C. tropicalis ATCC13803 reference strain. In addition, 35 isolates (56.4 %) had high hemolytic activity (hemolysis index > 55). With regard to C. tropicalis resistance to osmotic stress, 85.4% of the isolates were able to grow in a liquid medium containing 15% sodium chloride, corroborating to high survival capacity described for this yeast at marine environment. Finally, with regard to sensitivity to antifungal drugs, it was observed high resistance to the azoles tested, with the occurrence of the "Low-high" phenomenon and similar effect to the paradoxical growth which occurs to the echinocandins. For the three azoles tested we verified that 15 strains were resistant (24.2 %). Some strains were also resistant to amphotericin B (14 isolates, 22.6 %), while all of them were sensitive for the echinocandins tested. Therefore, our results demonstrate that C. tropicalis isolated from the sand of northeast of Brazil can fully express virulence attributes and showed a high persistence capacity on the coastal environment, in addition of being significantly resistant to most applied antifungals in current clinical practice. This constitutes a potential health risk to visitors of this environment, especially immunocompromised individuals and those with extreme age range.

As ações em saúde mental nos Núcleos de Apoio à Saúde da Família - NASF

The National Police for Basic Care (PNAB), regulated by ordinance nº2488 from October 2011, restates the Family Health Strategy (ESF) as a priority to the expansion, consolidation and qualification of basic attention to health matters in Brazil. In order to bring it about, city counsellors along with other federal entities ought to ordinate their work process deepening principals, directions and fundaments of Basic Care (AB). Besides ESF, the new PNAB expatiates on the Family Health Support Centres (NASF), reaffirming their role on broadening the scope of basic care actions and their improvements, ratifying their ability to share knowledge and support Basic Care professionals. All this considered, the purpose of this work is to investigate how NASF is currently structured in João Pessoa and what has been achieved by it on what concerns to mental health. Its main objectives are to analyse the practices of mental health professionals that are part of NASF teams and if they differ from what has been developed by the other members of the teams; to discuss the articulation of NASF in managing mental health measures on what concerns to internal organisatio n and to the city health network; to identify strategies used to organise such measures on mental health in Basic Care. To reach such goals, individual interviews have taken place two city health managers and four of NASF professionals that participated on the Mental Health Office as representatives of their sanitary districts. Also a focal group formed by various supporters of NASF was created, contemplating the diversity of professional categories involved with the teams and sanitary districts. It was possible to identify in NASF, in João Pessoa, an organisation based by the matrix support in which both management and basic care demands reflect a series of actions developed alongside with ESF. Amongst such actions, matrixing, home visits and the Singular Therapeutic Project (PTS) stand out. These activities have been discussed on the focal group and integrate the daily work of all NASF supporters despite their professional categories. NASF presents itself as a powerful strategy to SUS proper qualification and support to strengthen Basic Care and broaden family health teams‟actions.

Avaliação de processo de lodos ativos por batelada seguido de tratamento terciário com ênfase na remoção de matéria orgânica e na sedimentabilidade do lodo

This paper evaluate the performance of a Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in sequential batch activated sludge modality with tertiary treatment step, located in high temperature region. It also presents the analysis of organic matter’s removal and the evaluation of sludge sedimentation conditions through reactors in bench scale, fed with different substrate’s and biomass’ concentrations, from the WWTP in study. The results showed high efficiency and stability of the treatment process using Sequential Batch Reactors for domestic sewage, even with sudden changes of organic and hydraulic load, reaching more than 90% of efficiency in the removal of biodegradable organic matter. The removal of organic matter and sedimentation tests in bench reactors showed the good performance in respect of the organic matter’s removal, however, the high concentration of micro-organism results in a lower sludge sedimentation rate, which can compromise the quality of the final effluent. The relation Food/Microorganism in the conditions of the WWTP’s current operation showed a value of 0.06 gCOD/gVSS.d. and zonal sedimentation velocity of 0.59 m/h, the great ratio of the concentration of the substrate by biomass concentration, which obtained the maximum operational efficiency, showed a value of 0.09 gCOD/gVSS.d. and zonal sedimentation velocity of 1.4 m/h.

Avaliação de processo de lodos ativos por batelada seguido de tratamento terciário com ênfase na remoção de matéria orgânica e na sedimentabilidade do lodo

This paper evaluate the performance of a Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in sequential batch activated sludge modality with tertiary treatment step, located in high temperature region. It also presents the analysis of organic matter’s removal and the evaluation of sludge sedimentation conditions through reactors in bench scale, fed with different substrate’s and biomass’ concentrations, from the WWTP in study. The results showed high efficiency and stability of the treatment process using Sequential Batch Reactors for domestic sewage, even with sudden changes of organic and hydraulic load, reaching more than 90% of efficiency in the removal of biodegradable organic matter. The removal of organic matter and sedimentation tests in bench reactors showed the good performance in respect of the organic matter’s removal, however, the high concentration of micro-organism results in a lower sludge sedimentation rate, which can compromise the quality of the final effluent. The relation Food/Microorganism in the conditions of the WWTP’s current operation showed a value of 0.06 gCOD/gVSS.d. and zonal sedimentation velocity of 0.59 m/h, the great ratio of the concentration of the substrate by biomass concentration, which obtained the maximum operational efficiency, showed a value of 0.09 gCOD/gVSS.d. and zonal sedimentation velocity of 1.4 m/h.

O sistema aquífero Barreiras na região de Parnamirim, RN: uso das águas e potencialidades

The study area is within the Pirangi River Basin, eastern sector of Rio Grande do Norte state, where is located of the Parnamirim city. It has an area of approximately 370 km². Urbanization has developed much fast without an appropriate infrastructure, mainly by the lack of sewage systems, with risks of contamination of groundwater that may cause serious damage to the health of the population. The Barreiras Aquifer System groundwater in the area represents the main source of water supply for urban and rural populations. The use of groundwater occurs without adequate planning and therefore, important recharge areas are being occupied. This study was conducted to quantify the use and evaluation of the potential of groundwater, in order to increase good water quality supply and lower risks of being affected by polluting activities. With these objectives, the following activities were carried out: 268 points of water have been registered; characterization of the lithological, thickness and hydrogeological structure of the Barreiras aquifer, based on the correlation of well logs; and evaluation of hydrodynamic parameters of the aquifer, from the interpretation of results well pumping tests. It was found that the saturated thickness increases from west to east towards the sea, with values ranging from 15,47-56,5 m with an average of 32,45 m. The hydrodynamic parameters using Cooper-Jacob method were: average transmissivity of 5,9x10-3 m²/s and average hydraulic conductivity 2,82x10-4 m/s. The effective porosity is of 15%, obtained by applying Biecinski equation. The potentiometric map shows the main direction of groundwater flow, from west to east, and identifies the recharge areas corresponding to the region of the tablelands of the "Barreiras". The river valleys refer to the discharge areas of the aquifer system. The Recharge was estimated at 253 mm/year, which corresponds to the 16.4% rate of infiltration.

O sistema aquífero Barreiras na região de Parnamirim, RN: uso das águas e potencialidades

The study area is within the Pirangi River Basin, eastern sector of Rio Grande do Norte state, where is located of the Parnamirim city. It has an area of approximately 370 km². Urbanization has developed much fast without an appropriate infrastructure, mainly by the lack of sewage systems, with risks of contamination of groundwater that may cause serious damage to the health of the population. The Barreiras Aquifer System groundwater in the area represents the main source of water supply for urban and rural populations. The use of groundwater occurs without adequate planning and therefore, important recharge areas are being occupied. This study was conducted to quantify the use and evaluation of the potential of groundwater, in order to increase good water quality supply and lower risks of being affected by polluting activities. With these objectives, the following activities were carried out: 268 points of water have been registered; characterization of the lithological, thickness and hydrogeological structure of the Barreiras aquifer, based on the correlation of well logs; and evaluation of hydrodynamic parameters of the aquifer, from the interpretation of results well pumping tests. It was found that the saturated thickness increases from west to east towards the sea, with values ranging from 15,47-56,5 m with an average of 32,45 m. The hydrodynamic parameters using Cooper-Jacob method were: average transmissivity of 5,9x10-3 m²/s and average hydraulic conductivity 2,82x10-4 m/s. The effective porosity is of 15%, obtained by applying Biecinski equation. The potentiometric map shows the main direction of groundwater flow, from west to east, and identifies the recharge areas corresponding to the region of the tablelands of the "Barreiras". The river valleys refer to the discharge areas of the aquifer system. The Recharge was estimated at 253 mm/year, which corresponds to the 16.4% rate of infiltration.

Avaliação de sustentabilidade ambiental do sistema de abastecimento de água e esgotamento sanitário de Uberaba - MG

This paper analyses the sustainability under the environmental (ecological) perspective of Water Supply and Sanitary Sewers Systems from Uberaba city, MG. It was accomplished in this analysis, An Environmental Sustainability Assessment of those systems, by the means of specific sustainability indicators proposed for Uberaba, but which may be used for other simi-lar cities. To the characterization of the systems, visitations were made to the main units as well as a documental was elaborated. The definition of the level or stage of the sustainability by the indicators was made based on a literature review, on interviews with the technicians and managers of the systems and based on the characterization and observation of the system reality, being attributed to them the following classification: Non Sustainable, Low Sustaina-bility, Medium Sustainability and High Sustainability. It was verified that the indicators that have lower compatibility to the process of sustainability to the studied systems are those rela-ted to the water physical losses, to the water per capita consumption, to the electricity con-sumption and to the sludge from the water treatment plants disposal untreated into a water body, for the Water Supply System. And those ones related to the attendance with sewage treatment, to the electricity consumption and to the usage of the treated sewage, for the Sani-tary Sewers, all of them classified as Non Sustainable.