Avaliação da atividade anti-inflamatória do extrato aquoso, frações e compostos identificados nos frutos de Hancornia Speciosa Gomes (Apocynaceae)

Hancornia speciosa Gomes (Apocynaceae), popularly known as ‘mangabeira’, has been used in folk medicine to treat inflammatory disorders, hypertension, dermatitis, diabetes, liver diseases and stomach disorders. Regarding the Hancornia speciosa fruits, the ethnobotany indicates its use especially for treating inflammation and tuberculosis. However, no study has been done so far to prove such biological activities. The objective was evaluation anti-inflammatory activity from the fruits of Hancornia speciosa Gomes (mangabeira). Aqueous extract was prepared by decoction, subsequently submitted the liquid-liquid fractionation. The secondary metabolites were identified by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with detector diode array (HPLC-DAD) and liquid chromatography diode array detector coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-MS). The anti-inflammatory properties of the aqueous extract, dichloromethane (CH2Cl2), ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and n-butanol (n-BuOH) fractions of the fruits from H. speciosa, as well as rutin and chlorogenic acid were investigated using in vitro and in vivo models. In vivo tests comprised the xylene-induced ear edema that was measured the formation of edema, carrageenan-induced peritonitis was evaluated the total leukocytes at 4h and zymosan-induced air pouch was measured the total leukocytes and differential cell count at 6, 24 and 48 hours, whereas in vitro tests were evaluated levels of cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12 and TNF-α using ELISA obtained of carrageenan-induced peritonitis model. The results showed the presence of rutin and chlorogenic acid were detected in the aqueous extract from H. speciosa fruits by HPLC-DAD and LC-DAD-ME. Furthermore, the aqueous extracts and fractions, as well as rutin and chlorogenic acid significantly inhibited the xilol-induced ear edema and reduced cell migration in the animal models such as carrageenan-induced peritonitis and zymosan-induced air pouch. In addition, reduced levels of cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12 and TNF-α were observed. This is the first study that demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effect of aqueous extract from Hancornia speciosa fruits against different inflammatory agents in animal models, suggesting that their bioactive molecules, especially rutin and chlorogenic acid contributing, at least in part, to the anti-inflammatory effect of aqueous extract. These findings support the widespread use of Hancornia speciosa in popular medicine and demonstrate that this aqueous extract has therapeutic potential for the development of a herbal drugs with anti-inflammatory properties.

Avaliação da suplementação de vitamina E sobre a concentração de alfa-tocoferol no leite materno em mulheres com partos prematuros

The term vitamin E refers to a group of eight molecular compounds which differ in structure and bioavailability, and the RRR-alpha-tocopherol more biologically active form. The composition of vitamin E in breast milk undergoes variations during lactation, colostrum and milk richer in this micronutrient compared to transitional and mature milk. Newborns, especially premature infants are more susceptible to vitamin E deficiency and to prevent the damage caused by this deficiency has been proposed supplementation of neonates with this micronutrient, however, there is no consensus to carry out this intervention. Thus, maternal supplementation with RRRalpha-tocopherol in the postpartum period can be a good alternative to try to raise the alpha-tocopherol levels in breast milk and therefore provide the premature newborn adequate amounts of vitamin E. This study to evaluate the effect of supplementation with 400 UI acetate RRR-alpha-tocopherol in women with premature births, on the concentration of alpha-tocopherol in breast milk colostrum, transitional and mature. The study included 89 healthy adult women were enrolled in the control group (n = 51) and supplemented group (n = 38). Blood samples were collected and milk colostrum soon after birth (0h milk) twenty-four hours, new rate of colostrum milk was collected (24h milk). The transitional and mature milk were collected in seven days (7d milk) and thirty days (30d milk) after delivery, respectively. Supplementation in the supplemented group was held after the collection of blood and 0h milk. The alpha-tocopherol analyzes were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Serum levels of alpha-tocopherol less than 516 μg/dL were considered indicative of nutritional deficiency. The average concentration of alphatocopherol in the serum of the control group mothers was 1159.8 ± 292.4 μg/dL and the supplemented group was 1128.3 ± 407.2 μg/dL (p = 0.281). All women had nutritional status in vitamin E suitable. In both groups, it was observed that the concentration of vitamin E in colostrum milk was higher compared to transitional and mature milk. In the supplemented group, the concentration of alpha-tocopherol in the milk increased 60 % after supplementation, from 1339.3 ± 414.2 μg/dL (0h milk) to 2234.7 ± 997.3 μg/dL (24h milk). While the control group values in colostrum 0h and colostrum 24h were similar (p = 0.681). In the control group the follow-on milk alphatocopherol value was 875.3 ± 292.4 μg/dL and in the group supplemented 1352.8 ± 542.3 μg/dL, an increase of 35% in the supplemented group compared to control (p <0.001). In mature milk alpha-tocopherol concentrations between the control group (426.6 ± 187.5 μg/dL) and supplemented (416.4 ± 214.2 μg/dL) were similar (p = 0.853). Only 24h milk supplemented group answered the nutritional requirement of alpha-tocopherol (4 mg/day) of the newborn. These results show that the transport of this micronutrient for milk occurs in a controlled and limited way. Thus, the native vitamin E supplementation increases the concentration of alpha-tocopherol in colostrum and milk and transition does not influence the concentration in mature milk. Only the increase in colostrum milk was sufficient to meet the nutritional requirement of premature newborns.

Avaliação da concentração de vitamina A materna e de neonatos prematuros e a termo

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for many physiological processes such as growth and development, so that their adequate nutritional state is essential during pregnancy and lactation. Lactating women and children in breastfeeding are considered risk groups for vitamin A deficiency and some factors may increase the risk of vitamin A deficiency, such as prematurity. The aim of this work was to evaluate the vitamin A concentration in preterm and term lactating women and newborns by determination of retinol in maternal serum, umbilical cord serum and breast milk collected until 72 hours postpartum. 182 mothers were recruited and divided into preterm group (GPT; n = 118) and term group (GT, n = 64). In preterm group were also analyzed transition milk (7th-15th day; n = 68) and mature milk (30th-55th day; n = 46) samples. Retinol was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Maternal retinol concentration in serum was 48.6 ± 12.3 µg/dL in GPT and 42.8 ± 16.3 µg/dL in the GT (p <0.01). Cord serum retinol was 20.4 ± 7.4 µg/dL in GPT and 23.2 ± 7.6 µg/dL in GT (p> 0.05). Among newborns, 43% of premature and 36% of term had low levels of serum retinol in umbilical cord (<20 µg/dL). In colostrum, the retinol in preterm and term groups had an average of 100.8 ± 49.0 µg/dL and 127.5 ± 65.1 µg/dL, respectively (p <0.05). The retinol average in preterm milk increased to 112.5 ± 49.7 µg/dL in transition phase and decreased to 57.2 ± 23.4 µg/dL in mature milk, differing significantly in all stages (p <0.05). When comparing with the recommendation of vitamin A intake (400 µg/day) GT colostrum reached the recommendation for infants, but in GPT the recommendation was not achieved at any stage. Mothers of premature infants had higher serum retinol than mothers at term; however, this was not reflected in serum retinol of umbilical cord, since premature had lower concentration of retinol. Such condition can be explained due to lower maternal physiological hemodilution and placental transfer of retinol to the fetus during preterm gestation. Comparison of retinol in colostrum showed lower concentrations in GPT; however the transition phase there was a significant increase of retinol content released by the mammary gland of preterm mothers. This situation highlights a specific physiological adaptation of prematurity, likely to more contribute to formation of hepatic reserves of retinol in premature infants.

Promoção, vencimento e avaliação de desempenho do professor do ensino fundamental: o PCCR da rede municipal de ensino de Natal/RN (2004-2010)

This study is about the enhancement of the elementary school in Natal/RN, (PCCR - Law No. 058/2004), concerning to the horizontal promotion through the performance evaluation. It uses as reference the education policy on the legislative field hegemony and the managerial model. The analysis of the teacher´s valorization is based on the policy of Funds (Fundef and Fundeb) in the Brazilian social and educational agenda. The study focuses on the Career Plan, Career and Remuneration of teachers in the period (2004-2010).The study focuses on the Career Plan, Career and Remuneration of teachers in the period (2004-2010). The thesis argues for the necessity to adopt a direct relationship between career development and horizontal promotion for more others fifteen classes, no matter to any conditioning variables. In addition, the performance shall be evaluated by interval of 25 years to reach at least the provisions decided in the law, which determines the salary adjustment in 5% at every two years, as pointed at the PCCR, about teachers remuneration, and teachers qualifications. A work of a bibliographic and a documental review about the education funding with the purpose of enhancement of educational work, career concepts, and also promotion and evaluation performance as well was performed based on experts authors in this field. The survey was organized with the aim of articulating quantitative and qualitative information, analyzing data from the teacher's salary - payrolls and paychecks - also applying a questionnaire. After the implementation of the PCCR, it was found that the wage indices for horizontal promotion during the teaching career are tied to a strategy for evaluating the performance which disqualifies the teacher‟s salaries in a minimum percentage of 25% (up to 25 years) and there are also elements that disturb the promotion strategy. The national minimum wage was set in three salaries by the PSPN Lei nº11.738/2008 but it never reaches the three salaries at Natal/RN educational system.Otherwise, the elements that structure the horizontal promotion in fifteen classes, throughout the career, flout the minimum years of teaching work, long established in 25 years. In addition, changes in terms in the salary increase depend on individual efforts by professional development through titration. Concerning to the career, despite of the category approving its PCCR, neither this instrument nor the Funds Policy managed to establish regulations were able to cope effective rules for valuing the teachers in the educational district system. It is necessary to ensure, in percentage terms and financial, the real remuneration of teachers with the attainment of horizontal promotion, reviewing the elements that structure the career and the determinants of performance evaluation.

Análise fitoquímica e avaliação das atividades anti-inflamatória, antipeçonhenta e citotóxica de extratos aquosos de Aspidosperma pyrifolium e Ipomoea asarifolia

Envenomation caused by venomous animals, mainly scorpions and snakes, are a serious matter of public health. Tityus serrulatus is considered the most venomous scorpion in South America because of the high level of toxicity of its venom. It is responsible for causing serious accidents, mainly with kids. The species Bothrops jararaca is a serpent that has in its venom a complex mixture of enzyme, peptides and other molecules. The toxins of the venom of B. jararaca induce local and systemic inflammatory responses. The treatment chosen to serious cases of envenomation is the intravenous administration of the specific antivenom. However, the treatment is not always accessible to those residents in rural areas, so that they use medicinal plant extracts as the treatment. In this context, aqueous extracts, fractions and isolated compounds of Aspidosperma pyrifolium (pereiro) and Ipomoea asarifolia (salsa, salsa-brava), used in popular medicine, were studied in this research to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity in the peritonitis models induced by carrageenan and peritonitis induced by the venom of the T. serrulatus (VTs), and in the local oedema model and inflammatory infiltrate induced by the venom of the B. jararaca, administrated intravenously. The results of the assays of cytotoxicity, using the MTT, showed that the aqueous extracts from the plant species presented low toxicity to the cells that came from the fibroblast of the mouse embryo (3T3).The chemical analysis of the extracts by High Performance Liquid Chromatography revealed the presence of the rutin flavonoid, in A. pyrifoliu, and rutin, clorogenic acid and caffeic acid, in I. asarifolia. Concerning the pharmacological evaluation, the results showed that the pre-treatment using aqueous extracts and fractions reduced the total leukocyte migration to the abdominal cavity in the peritonitis model caused by the carrageenan and in the peritonitis model induced by the T. serulatus venom. Yet, these groups presented anti-oedematous activity, in the local oedema model caused by the venom of the B. jararaca, and reduced the inflammatory infiltrate to the muscle. The serum (anti-arachnid and anti-bothropic) specific to each venom acted inhibiting the inflammatory action of the venoms and were used as control. The compounds identified in the extracts were also tested and, similar to the plant extracts, showed meaningful anti-inflammatory effects, in the tested doses. Thus, these results are indicating the potential anti-inflammatory activity of the plants studied. This is the first research that evaluated the possible biological effects of the A. pyrifolium and I. asarifolia, showing the biological potential that these species have.

Avaliação anti-inflamatória e antipeçonhenta das espécies Hancornia speciosa e Mimosa tenuiflora em modelos experimentais de inflamação e envenenamento induzidos por Bothrops jararaca e Tityus serrulatus

Accidents caused by venomous animals represents a significant and serious public health problem in certain regions of Brazil, as well as in other parts of the world by the frequency with which they occur and the mortality they cause. The use of plant extracts as an antidote for poisoning cases is an ancient practice used in many communities that have no access to antivenom. Medicinal plants represent an important source of obtaining bioactive compounds able to assist directly in the treatment of poisoning or indirectly supplementing serum therapy currently used. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of extracts, fractions and isolated compounds from M. tenuiflora and H. speciosa in the inflammatory process induced by carrageenan and the venom of B. jararaca and T. serrulatus. The results showed that both M. tenuiflora and H. speciosa were capable of inhibiting cell migration and cytokines levels in peritonitis induced by carrageenin and venom of T. serrulatus. In poisoning by B. jararaca model, mice treated with the plants in studies decreased the leukocyte influx into the peritoneal cavity. Finally the M. tenuiflora and H. speciosa had antiphlogistic activity, reducing edema formation and exerted inhibitory action of leukocyte migration in local inflammation induced by the venom of B. jararaca. Through of Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) analysis was possible identified the presence of flavonoids ,saponins and/or terpenes in aqueous extract of M. tenuiflora. By High Performance Liquid Chromatography analysis, it was possible to identify the presence of rutin and chlorogenic acid in aqueous extract of H. speciosa. We conclude that the administration of extracts, fractions and isolated compounds of H. speciosa and M. tenuiflora resulted in inhibition of the inflammatory process in different experimental models. This study demonstrates for the first time the effect of M. tenuiflora and H. speciosa in inhibition of the inflammation caused by B. jararaca and T. serrulatus venom.

Caminhos para a avaliação da formação em odontologia: desenvolvimento, validação e aplicação de critérios

The need for universal access to health and the failure of the pedagogical model centered on the transmission of knowledge has led to changes in the training of health professionals. The objective of this study was to provide a new alternative for evaluating dental students through the development, validation and application of evaluation criteria based on the National Curriculum Guidelines (DCN in Brazil). Therefore, the study was conducted in three phases: development and validation of evaluation criteria of Dentistry courses based on the DCN; a pilot study to verify the applicability of the validated criteria and evaluation of the dentistry courses in the Northeast. In the first stage, a logical model was formulated, allowing for the construction of a criteria matrix, validated by a modified Delphi consensus technique. The validated matrix has the following dimensions: Profile of graduates, health care guidance, teaching and service integration, and pedagogical approach. The pilot study was conducted in five dental courses through a documentary study of the pedagogical project course (PPC), and application of validated questionnaires and interviews with course coordinators. The results of the pilot study indicate the possibility of being verified by means of validated criteria and using different methodological proposals, advances and curricular limitations facing the proposed reorientation of training recommended by DCN. The evaluation of Northeast Dentistry courses was carried out by applying a questionnaire validating a matrix of 30 course coordinators, including public and private institutions. The data were submitted to descriptive analysis, and also tested the difference between means and the correlation between the assessment of the coordinators in the dimensions and sub-dimensions with each other, among the general evaluation of courses and between the following variables: administrative category, time since last curriculum updating, participation in reorienting the training of health professionals programs, ENADE and CPC (Preliminary Concepts of the Course) scores in the year 2013. Positive correlation (p <0.01) was found between the means obtained by the perception of the coordinators in most dimensions, and also between them and the overall performance of the course. There were no significant differences between the coordinators’ perception about course performance and the administrative category (public / private). This difference is slightly higher when the average performance is compared with respect to time due to the last curriculum update, getting better performance in courses with the latest updated curriculum, even with there not 11 being this significant difference between dimensions. Better averages of performance were obtained in courses that do not participate in reorientation programs of professional training, with a significant difference (p<0.05) for the overall score and for all dimensions except the dimensions of teaching-service Integration (p = 0.064). There was no significant correlation between the assessment of coordinators in all dimensions, in the overall assessment or ENADE and CPC scores in 2013. The final instrument proposed in this study is a different alternative assessment for health training of both dentists and other professionals, considering that the DCN providing for the training and graduation of professionals is focused on the health needs of the population, integrated with the SUS (the National Brazilian Health System) and based on student-centered learning.

Extração, caracterização e avaliação bioativa do extrato de Arrabidaea chica

The use of plants for medicinal purposes is ancient, with widespread application in medicinal drugs. Although plants are promising sources for the discovery of new molecules of pharmacological interest, estimates show that only 17% of them have been studied for their possible use in medicine. Thus, biodiversity of Brazilian flora represents an immense potential for economic use by the pharmaceutical industry. The plant Arrabidaea chica, popularly known as “pariri”, is common in the Amazon region, and it is assigned several medicinal properties. The leaves of this plant are rich in anthocyanins, which are phenolic compounds with high antioxidant power. Antioxidant compounds play a vital role in the prevention of neurological and cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes, among others. Within the anthocyanins found in Arrabidaea chica, stands out Carajurin (6,7-dihydroxy-5,4’- dimethoxy-flavilium), which is the major pigment encountered in this plant. The present work aimed to study on supercritical extraction and conventional extraction (solid-liquid extraction) in leaves of Arrabidaea chica, evaluating the efficiency of the extractive processes, antioxidant activity and quantification of Carajurin contained in the extracts. Supercritical extraction used CO2 as solvent with addition of co-solvent (ethanol/water mixture) and were conducted by the dynamic method in a fixed bed extractor. The trials followed a 24-1 fractional factorial design, the dependent variables were: process yield, concentration of Carajurin and antioxidant activity; and independent variables were: pressure, temperature, concentration of co-solvent (v/v) and concentration of water in the co-solvent mixture (v/v). Yields (mass of dry extract/mass of raw material used) obtained from supercritical extraction ranged from 15.1% to 32%, and the best result was obtained at 250 bar and 40 °C, co-solvent concentration equal to 30% and concentration of water in the co-solvent mixture equal to 50%. Through statistical analysis, it was found that the concentration of co-solvent revealed significant effect on the yield. Yields obtained from conventional extractions were of 8.1% (water) and 5.5% (ethanol). Through HPLC (High-performance liquid chromatography) analysis, Carajurin was quantified in all the extracts and concentration values (Carajurin mass/mass of dry extract) ranged between 1% and 2.21% for supercritical extraction. For conventional extraction, Carajurin was not detected in the aqueous extract, while the ethanol extract showed Carajurin content of 7.04%, and therefore, more selective in Carajurin than the supercritical extraction. Evaluation of antioxidant power (radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl – DPPH – sequestration method) of the supercritical extracts resulted in EC50 values (effective concentration which neutralizes 50% of free radicals) ranged from 38.34 to 86.13 μg/mL, while conventional extraction resulted in EC50 values of 167.34 (water) and 42.58 (ethanol) μg/mL. As for the quantification of total phenolic content (Folin-Ciocalteau analysis) of the supercritical extracts resulted in values ranged from 48.93 and 88.62 mg GAE/g extract (GAE = Gallic Acid Equivalents), while solid-liquid extraction resulted in values of 37.63 (water) and 80.54 (ethanol) mg GAE/g extract. The good antioxidant activity cannot be attributed solely to the presence of Carajurin, but also the existence of other compounds and antioxidants in Arrabidaea chica. By optimizing the experimental design, it was possible to identify the experiment that presented the best result considering the four dependent variables together. This experiment was performed under the following conditions: pressure of 200 bar, temperature of 40 °C, co-solvent concentration equal to 30% and concentration of water in the co-solvent mixture equal to 30%. It is concluded that, within the studied range, it is possible to purchase the optimum result using milder operating conditions, which implies lower costs and greater ease of operation.

Avaliação do tratamento eletroquímico (direto e indireto) como alternativa de degradação do corante azul de metileno

Textile industry has been a cause of environmental pollution, mainly due to the generation of large volumes of waste containing high organic loading and intense color. In this context, this study evaluated the electrochemical degradation of synthetic effluents from textile industry containing Methylene Blue (AM) dye, using Ti/IrO2-Ta2O5 and Ti/Pt anodes, by direct and indirect (active chlorine) electrooxidation. We evaluated the influence of applied current density (20, 40 and 60 mA/cm2 ), and the presence of different concentrations of electrolyte (NaCl and Na2SO4), as well as the neutral and alkaline pH media. The electrochemical treatment was conducted in a continuous flow reactor, in which the electrolysis time of the AM 100 ppm was 6 hours. The performance of electrochemical process was evaluated by UV-vis spectrophotometry, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC). The results showed that with increasing current density, it was possible to obtain 100 % of color removal at Ti/IrO2-Ta2O5 and Ti/Pt electrodes. Regarding the color removal efficiency, increasing the concentration of electrolyte promotes a higher percentage of removal using 0,02 M Na2SO4 and 0,017 M NaCl. Concerning to the aqueous medium, the best color removal results were obtained in alkaline medium using Ti/Pt. In terms of organic matter, 86 % was achieved in neutral pH medium for Ti/Pt; while a 30 % in an alkaline medium. To understand the electrochemical behavior due to the oxygen evolution reaction, polarization curves were registered, determining that the presence of NaCl in the solution favored the production of active chlorine species. The best results in energy consumption and cost were obtained by applying lower current density (20 mA/cm2 ) in 6 hours of electrolysis.

Desenvolvimento e avaliação do emprego de dispositivo ajustável ao corpo para treinamento de habilidade de acesso venoso periférico no membro superior

OBJECTIVE: To dev elop and evaluate the use of a body adjustable device for training of peripheral venous catheterization for healthcare undergraduate students . METHODS: This study involved two phases: I) development of the innovative simulator and II) a controlled trial co mparing the performance of the body adjustable device in relation to the commercial simulator for the training of venipuncture skills. A total of 79 first - year medical students participated in the intervention phase, which consisted of pretest assessment, lecture on peripheral venous access, randomization into two groups according to the simulator used for training (Commercial Simulator and Experimental Simulator), real venipuncture procedure, post - test assessment and evaluation of satisfaction. RESULTS: Gr oups were homogeneous in age, sex, pre - test and post - test scores, attitudinal assessment and performance in performing the real venipuncture. Students from the Experimental Simulator group performed better on the filling of simulated records. At the end of the study, cognitive gain significantly increased in both groups. The degree of realism perceived by students was equivalent for two groups. A total of 85.7% of students rated the Experimental Simulator as good or excellent. CONCLUSIONS: Experimental simu lator proved to be a low cost alternative for the training of venipuncture skills in upper limb. The cognitive procedural and attitudinal performances of students who used the experimental simulator were similar to those observed in the group trained with commercial simulator.

Fatores determinantes da near miss materna em uma unidade de terapia intensiva obstétrica: avaliação das competências profissionais da área médica

Objective: Evaluate the determinants of morbidity and mortality in an obstetric intensive care unit and professional medical skills of students/residents at a university hospital. Methods: observational cross - sectional with 492 pregnant/pue rperal women and 261 students/residents. Patients were admitted to the obstetric intensive care unit during a year, being informed about the proposals of the study and a questionnaire was applied. The analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 2013 and G raphPad6. Chi - square tests were used to evaluate risk factors and student t test evaluates resident/students' skills concerning the cognitive test and the Mini - Cex. Results: the main risk factors to near miss were: non - white race (OR = 2.527; RR = 2.342) ; marital status(married women) (OR = 7.968; RR = 7.113) , schooling (primary) (OR = 3.177 ; RR = 2.829) , from country town (OR = 4.643 ; RR = 4.087), low income (OR = 7014 ; RR = 5.554) , gestational hypertensive disorders (OR = 16.35 ; RR = 13.27) , re alization of pre - natal (OR = 5.023 ; RR = 4.254) and C - section before labor(OR = 39.21 ; RR = 31.25). In cognitive/Mini - cex analysis were noted significant difference in the performance of students on the subject (3.75 ± 0.93, 4.03 ± 0.94 and 4.88 ± 0.35). We still observed the best performance of residents, when compared to graduation students (p < 0.01). Conclusions: the prevalence of near miss was associated with socioeconomic/clinics factors and care issues, revealing the importance of interventions to improve these indicators. In addition, we suggest a better curriculum insertion of this subject in the medical Course disciplines due the importance to avoid the near miss through of adequacy of medical education.

Análise do processo de avaliação de desempenho ambiental face às diretrizes da ISO 14031: um estudo de caso

The present dissertation aims to analyze the evaluation process of environmental performance inside an organization from the building construction section of civil construction based on the NBR ISO 14031 guidelines, which provide orientation regarding the implementation of this project towards the internal organizational management. The theoretical research has addressed concepts and historical development of environmental management inside organizations, from the emergence of the first models to the strengthening of environmental management through the standardization of the Environmental Management System caused by the publication of ISO 14001. It has also addressed the evaluation of environmental performance, the NBR ISO 14031 (concepts, types of indicators of evaluation of environmental performance, the elaboration process of such indicators, as well as its use and evaluation by the high administration). The research has an applied character, with exploratory and descriptive goals, and a qualitative approach based on case study. The data collection will be made through questionnaires, interviews, and documental analysis. Through the present research project, one expects to learn the elements taken into consideration by the organization for the elaboration and selection of indicators; to identify which interested parties contribute in the aforementioned process; to discover which sources are taken into consideration by the organization while establishing its environmental performance goals; to learn how the different kinds of environmental indicators are handled by organizations on daily basis, considering the existence of interferences on the decision making process, whether or not the interested parties are integrated, and if there is an periodical evaluation of environmental performance and how it is handled. One also expects to identify the opportunities for improvement regarding the organization that is object of study.

Benchmarking e regulação do setor de distribuição de energia elétrica nacional: proposta para avaliação dos custos operacionais eficientes

In Brazil, the National Agency of Electric Energy (ANEEL) represents the energy regulator. The rates review have been one of its main tasks, which establish a pricing practice at a level to cover the efficient operating costs and also the appropriate return of the distributors investments. The changes in the procedures to redefine the efficient costs and the several studies on the methodologies employed to regulate this segment denote the challenge faced by regulators about the best methodological strategy to be employed. In this context, this research aims to propose a benchmarking evaluation applied to the national regulation system in the establishment of efficient operating costs of electricity distribution utilities. The model is formulated to promote the electricity market development, partnering with government policies ant to society benefit. To conduct this research, an integration of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) with the Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) is adopted in a three stages procedure to correct the efficiency in terms of environmental effects: (i) evaluation by means of DEA to measure operating costs slacks of the utilities, in which environmental variables are omitted; (ii) The slacks calculated in the first stage are regressed on a set of environmental variables by means of SFA and operating costs are adjusted to account the environmental impact and statistical noise effects; and, (iii) reassess the performance of the electric power distribution utilities by means of DEA. Based on this methodology it is possible to obtain a performance evaluation exclusively expressed in terms of management efficiency, in which the operating environment and statistical noise effects are controlled.

Avaliação da toxicidade subcrônica e reprodutiva do extrato seco de pericarpo de passiflora edulis variedade flavicarpa degener em ratos

The pericarp of Passiflora edulis var. flavicarpa Degener is now being investigated for medicine purposes. There are no reports about it toxicity. The aim of the present study was investigate the sub chronic toxicity in male rats and reproductive toxicity in pregnant rats and exposed fetuses of an extract obtained by infusion of the pericarp in water (1:3 m/v;100o C, 10 min). The extract composition was evaluated by tube reactions and thin lawyer chromatography (TLC). Adult male rats (n=8) were treated with 300 mg/kg of the extract, by gavage, during 30 days and pregnant rats (n=7) from gestation day 0 to day 20. Control received tap water (1 mL). Water and food intakes and body weight gain were recorded. At day 29 of treatment the sexual behavior of the males was analyzed and then half of males from each group received cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg, i.p.) to (anti)genotoxic assessment in bone marrow. At day 30, males were anesthesized for parameters collection. At day 20 of gestation, the dams were anesthesized for reproductive performance evaluation. The fetal analysis was conducted by visceral and skeletal. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, unspecific alkaloids, phenols and triterpenic compounds. Statistical analysis revealed absence of significant differences between experimental and control. This study suggest that the aqueous extract obtained from pericarp of P. edulis var. flavicarpa Degener was not able to promote toxic effects in rats. Cytotoxicity was evaluated with the PCE/NCE ratio (NCE=normochromatic erythrocytes). Statistical analysis (mean ± SEM) revealed absence of changes in the frequency of MNPCE (negative control: 3.26±0.42; positive control: 11.72±1.02; negative experimental: 4.02±0.13; positive experimental: 10.47±0.87) or cytotoxicity (negative control: 0.37±0.08; positive control: 0.23±0.05; negative experimental: 0.37±0.07; positive experimental: 0.23±0.02). This study suggests that the extracts showed no (anti)genotoxic and no cytotoxic activities under the experimental conditions.

Avaliação do desempenho de argamassas à base de cimento Portland para rejuntamento de placas cerâmicas tipo II com adição de pó de borracha de pneus

In this work it is assessed the performance of Portland cement-based mortar to the grouting of type II ceramic plates with the addition of unusable tire rubber powder. It is presented a bibliographical review about the subject in which is done the theoretical and methodological foundation of the whole investigative process. The analyzed universe comprises a sample of mortar to the grouting of conventional ceramic plates type II (reference sample) and five more samples to the grouting of ceramic plates type II, which were made up of the addition of unusable tire rubber powder in the respective proportion (in mass) of 4%, 8%, 12%, 16% and 20%. These mortar samples were subject to the trials of determination of the consistency index (Brazilian Standard NBR 13276:2005), water retention ( Brazilian Standard NBR 14992 Attachment B:2003), permeability in 240 minutes (Brazilian Standard NBR 14992 Attachment G:2003), absorption of water by immersion (Brazilian Standard NBR 9781:2013), resistance to compression (Brazilian Standard NBR14992 Attachment D: 2003), resistance to traction in the flexion (Brazilian Standard NBR 13279:2005), resistance of traction adherence (Brazilian Standard NBR 14081 part 4:2012) and hardened mass density (Brazilian Standard NBR 13280: 2005). It has been found out from the analyzes of the results in the trial the following situation: the reference mortar used met the established requirements in the norms of specifications corresponding to only six from the eight parameters assessed in the research; the mortar with addition of 4,0% of tire rubber powder met the established requirements corresponding to only the resistance to compression and the resistance of adherence to traction. Thus, the other kinds of mortar with addition of 8,0 %, 12,0 %, 16,0 % and 20,0 % of tire rubber powder met the requirements of specifications corresponding to only the resistance to compression and the resistance of adherence to traction. This result concludes that the adding of tire rubber powder does not grant improvement to the mortar of type II grouting to the laying of ceramic plates.