The effect of pretreatments on the drying rate and quality of dried bananas

The effects that four pretreatments (blanching, chilling, freezing, and combined blanching and freezing), used prior to drying, had on the drying rate and quality of bananas were investigated. An untreated sample was used as a control. The bananas were dried at 50 degreesC in a heat pump dehumidifier dryer, using an air velocity of 3.1 m s(-1), until a final moisture content of approximately 25% dry weight basis was attained. While the initial drying rate was highest for the blanched treatment, the two pretreatments involving freezing resulted in the shortest drying times. The blanched sample was most preferred in terms of colour while the frozen samples exhibited extensive browning. The texture and flavour was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in all samples that involved blanching and/or freezing.

On measuring quality of a probabilistic commodity forecast for a system that incorporates seasonal climate forecasts

Regional commodity forecasts are being used increasingly in agricultural industries to enhance their risk management and decision-making processes. These commodity forecasts are probabilistic in nature and are often integrated with a seasonal climate forecast system. The climate forecast system is based on a subset of analogue years drawn from the full climatological distribution. In this study we sought to measure forecast quality for such an integrated system. We investigated the quality of a commodity (i.e. wheat and sugar) forecast based on a subset of analogue years in relation to a standard reference forecast based on the full climatological set. We derived three key dimensions of forecast quality for such probabilistic forecasts: reliability, distribution shift, and change in dispersion. A measure of reliability was required to ensure no bias in the forecast distribution. This was assessed via the slope of the reliability plot, which was derived from examination of probability levels of forecasts and associated frequencies of realizations. The other two dimensions related to changes in features of the forecast distribution relative to the reference distribution. The relationship of 13 published accuracy/skill measures to these dimensions of forecast quality was assessed using principal component analysis in case studies of commodity forecasting using seasonal climate forecasting for the wheat and sugar industries in Australia. There were two orthogonal dimensions of forecast quality: one associated with distribution shift relative to the reference distribution and the other associated with relative distribution dispersion. Although the conventional quality measures aligned with these dimensions, none measured both adequately. We conclude that a multi-dimensional approach to assessment of forecast quality is required and that simple measures of reliability, distribution shift, and change in dispersion provide a means for such assessment. The analysis presented was also relevant to measuring quality of probabilistic seasonal climate forecasting systems. The importance of retaining a focus on the probabilistic nature of the forecast and avoiding simplifying, but erroneous, distortions was discussed in relation to applying this new forecast quality assessment paradigm to seasonal climate forecasts. Copyright (K) 2003 Royal Meteorological Society.

Methodologies for calibration and predictive analysis of a watershed model

The use of a fitted parameter watershed model to address water quantity and quality management issues requires that it be calibrated under a wide range of hydrologic conditions. However, rarely does model calibration result in a unique parameter set. Parameter nonuniqueness can lead to predictive nonuniqueness. The extent of model predictive uncertainty should be investigated if management decisions are to be based on model projections. Using models built for four neighboring watersheds in the Neuse River Basin of North Carolina, the application of the automated parameter optimization software PEST in conjunction with the Hydrologic Simulation Program Fortran (HSPF) is demonstrated. Parameter nonuniqueness is illustrated, and a method is presented for calculating many different sets of parameters, all of which acceptably calibrate a watershed model. A regularization methodology is discussed in which models for similar watersheds can be calibrated simultaneously. Using this method, parameter differences between watershed models can be minimized while maintaining fit between model outputs and field observations. In recognition of the fact that parameter nonuniqueness and predictive uncertainty are inherent to the modeling process, PEST's nonlinear predictive analysis functionality is then used to explore the extent of model predictive uncertainty.

Utiliza????o do QFD: Quality Function Deployment como ferramenta de planejamento

A utiliza????o da matriz do QFD (em portugu??s, Desdobramento da Fun????o Qualidade) como entrada para o planejamento estrat??gico regional solidificou o entendimento da Diretoria Regional sobre as expectativas dos clientes ante seus principais processos, avaliados por meio de pesquisa externa realizada bianualmente. Direcionou as a????es a serem tomadas por meio da prioriza????o, da tradu????o e do desdobramento dos requisitos mais importantes para os clientes em todos os n??veis dos processos, alinhando essas a????es com as estrat??gias, a pol??tica da qualidade e o or??amento. Da mesma forma, serviu para estabelecer metas globais de satisfa????o por segmento, de forma mais estruturada, sistematizando a avalia????o dos resultados e focando sempre a satisfa????o dos clientes cujos resultados j?? se comprovaram: ??ndice de 8,6 em 2000 para 9,2 em 2004

Reforma administrativa: o caso do Reino Unido

O artigo apresenta uma an??lise das principais caracter??sticas da reforma administrativa empreendida no Reino Unido a partir da do primeiro governo Thatcher em 1979. Inicialmente, s??o descritos dois aspectos peculiares que, segundo os autores, explicam a intensidade das reformas administrativas a?? empreendidas: seu sistema pol??tico, no qual sobressai sobremaneira a alta capacidade decis??ria do Executivo, e as debilidades de seu sistema administrativo, alvo de cr??ticas reiteradas desde o Relat??rio do Comit?? Fulton, publicado em 1968. A partir disso, os autores descrevem tr??s fases recentes na reforma administrativa inglesa p??s-Thatcher. Nesta descri????o, s??o enfocadas as principais caracter??sticas e experi??ncias inovadoras adotadas, enfatizando, entre outros: 1) os chamados ???escrut??neos de Rayner???; 2) os sistemas de informa????es gerenciais adotados (Management Information System for Ministers e o Management Accounting System); 3) o programa Citizen???s Charter; 4) o processo de privatiza????o ingl??s; 5) a experi??ncia de contrata????o externa de servi??os (com a ado????o de instrumentos como a ???licita????o competitiva???, que permite aos pr??prios servidores p??blicos apresentarem propostas para presta????o de servi??os em competi????o com as empresas privadas, al??m dos sistemas Market Testing e Competing for Quality) e, por fim; 6) a pol??tica de gest??o de recursos humanos, com destaque para o forte processo de demiss??es no servi??o p??blico, o sistema de avalia????o de desempenho dos funcion??rios e de remunera????o por performance adotados no Reino Unido.

Avalia????o de impacto do Programa de Fortalecimento e Melhoria da Qualidade dos Hospitais do SUS/ Minas Gerais (Pro-Hosp)

Este estudo avaliou o impacto do Programa de Fortalecimento e Melhoria da Qualidade dos Hospitais do SUS-MG (Pro-Hosp). Para tanto, foi empregado o m??todo diferen??as-em-diferen??as, que permite avaliar o impacto de pol??ticas p??blicas quando o indicador avaliado ?? observado em mais de um per??odo no tempo. Foram selecionados quatro indicadores de desempenho hospitalar: a propor????o m??dia de ces??rea, a taxa m??dia de ocupa????o, a taxa m??dia de mortalidade e o tempo m??dio de perman??ncia. Constatou-se que o Pro-Hosp teve impacto na propor????o m??dia de ces??reas no sentido esperado, ou seja, de reduzi-las

A lei geral de comunica????o eletr??nica de massa e a qualidade da programa????o televisiva

O presente artigo pretende analisar a quest??o da qualidade da programa????o na televis??o brasileira a partir da proposta de um novo marco regulat??rio para o setor de comunica????o social eletr??nica. Essa nova lei, entre outras disposi????es, ir?? regulamentar o artigo 221 da Constitui????o Federal, que trata dos princ??pios pelos quais o conte??do televisivo deve pautar-se. Com isso, define-se qualidade levando-se em considera????o dois aspectos: diversidade e ressalvas ?? liberdade de express??o, ambos previstos na Constitui????o Federal. A partir dessa conceitua????o, prop??e-se a instrumentaliza????o do controle social sobre o conte??do televisivo e a garantia de meios para a diversidade da programa????o. Com rela????o ao primeiro aspecto, recomenda-se a atua????o transparente de uma futura ag??ncia reguladora e a implementa????o de mecanismo de controle individual da programa????o. No que tange ?? diversidade, ressalta-se a import??ncia do fortalecimento das televis??es p??blicas e medidas governamentais no sentido de estimular a multiprograma????o propiciada pelo advento da tecnologia digital.

A gestão da capacitação baseada na gestão por competência : um estudo da viabilidade de implantação do sistema de capacitação do governo federal na UFES

A administração desde seu início desenvolveu vários modelos de gestão a fim de obter eficiência. Treinar, capacitar e desenvolver o pessoal esteve na maioria desses modelos como algo imprescindível para se alcançar os resultados desejados. O governo que há vários anos busca um serviço público profissional e de qualidade publicou o decreto n. 5.707/2006 que regulamenta o desenvolvimento de pessoal da administração pública autárquica e fundacional. Neste decreto ele institui que o desenvolvimento de servidores deverá seguir o modelo de Gestão por Competências. Este trabalho trata de verificar a possibilidade da implantação desse novo modelo de gestão para confeccionar o programa de capacitação dos servidores técnicos administrativos em educação da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES) elaborando uma proposta de projeto. Nesse sentido, faz-se uma revisão dos conceitos de treinamento, capacitação, desenvolvimento, competências e gestão por competências e através de seus constructos levanta-se a viabilidade de implantação de um programa de capacitação que inter-relacione as exigências do cargo com as habilidades e competências apresentadas ou não pelo servidor e o conteúdo dos treinamentos e cursos oferecidos pelo Departamento de Desenvolvimento de Pessoas da UFES.

Genetic divergence in cocoa progenies for backcrossing program to witches' broom disease resistance

Backcrossing has been little used in cacao breeding, particularly due to the long time required to transfer genes and recover the genetic background of the recurrent parent. The objective of this study was to select individuals, resulting from the backcross CEPEC-42 x SIC-19, genetically related to the recurrent parent SIC-19 by using RAPD molecular markers, among those with resistance to witches' broom. Of the 31 plants that clustered with SIC-19, 18 from the replanted material remained free of the disease in the field, with good vegetative aspect and, therefore can be used for backcross to reach the desired objective.

Postharvest quality of cocona (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal) stored under ambient condition

Cocona (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal) is an important genetic resource that has been traditionally used for a variety of purposes, including food, medical and cosmetics applications. The objective of this study was evaluated the quality and the period of postharvest shelf life of cocona 'Mosquet", through the physical, chemical and physiological characterization of fruits stored under the ambient conditions. Physiologically mature fruits were harvested from an orchard, washed with tap water and soaked in a solution of the fungicide Prochloraz (49.5 g/100 L of water) for 5 minutes. After air drying, the fruits were packed in plastic containers and stored at 24 ± 2 ºC and relative humidity 60 ± 5% for 15 days. The fruits developed a respiratory climacteric respiratory patern and remained fit for consumption up to day 6 of storage, that is, without visual symptoms of loss of water and firmness. At this stage, the fruits showed firmness of 117,42 kPa, soluble solids of 6.62º Brix and citric acid of 1.22 %.

Influence of the N/K ratio on the production and quality of cucumber in hydroponic system

The objective of this work was to evaluate the quality of fruits and the nutritional status of cucumber CV. Aodai cultivated in nutrient solutions with different N:K ratios. The hydroponic cultivation was initially performed, during the vegetative growth, in nutrient solution with 1:2.0 mmol L-1 N:K, and, later, during fruit setting, in four different nutrient solutions with N:K (w/w) at the ratios 1:1.4, 1:1.7, 1:2.0 and 1:2.5. An additional treatment with a nutrient solution containing the ratio 1:2.2 (w/w) N:K during the vegetative growth and N:K 1:1.4 (w/w) during fruit setting, both with 10% ammonium (NH4+) was included. The treatments were arranged in a randomized design with six replicates. Irrigation was carried out with deionized water until seed germination, and then with nutrient solution until 30 days after germination, when plants were transplanted. Plants in the hydroponic growing beds were irrigated with the solutions for vegetative growth, and, after 21 days, the solutions were replaced by solutions for fruit setting. At 45 and 60 days after transplanting, the fresh weight, length, diameter, volume and firmness of the fruit were evaluated, and, at 45 days after transplanting, the macronutrient concentrations in the leaves were determined. The use of different N:K ratios during fruit setting influenced the cucumber production. The ratio of 1.0:1.7 N: K (w/w), with 10% of N in the form of ammonia, is recommended for the whole cycle.

The main benefits associated with health and safety management systems certification in Portuguese small and medium enterprises post quality management system certification

The purpose of this study is to characterize how Portuguese Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) view the Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMSs) certification process, after receiving the Quality Management System (QMS) certification. References were based on the ISO 9001 standard for a QMS and OHSAS 18001 for OHSMS. The method used to evaluate the implemented systems, was by form of questionnaire. Those questioned had to have a certified quality management system, an implemented OHSMS and be a SME. The questionnaire was sent to 300 SMEs; 46 responses were received and validated. Of them, only 12 SMEs had the OHSMS certificate according to OHSAS 18001. Within those 12 companies that participated: 7 SMEs are from the industrial sector; 3 belong to the electricity/telecommunications sector and 2 SMEs are from the trade/services activity sector. The size of the sample was small, but corresponds to Portuguese reality. Moreover, 34 SMEs did not have the OHSMS certificate. The questionnaire requested the main reasons for SMEs to opt for non-certification and it was related with high costs, while the main reasons to certificate were, among others, needed to eliminate or minimize risks to workers. The main benefits that Portuguese SMEs have gained from the referred certifications have been, improved working conditions, ensuring compliance with legislation and better internal communication about risks and hazards. Also presented are the main difficulties in achieving an OHSMS certification including high certification costs, difficulties motivating personnel, difficulties in changing the company’s culture and increased bureaucracy.

Program slicing by calculation

Program slicing is a well known family of techniques used to identify code fragments which depend on or are depended upon specific program entities. They are particularly useful in the areas of reverse engineering, program understanding, testing and software maintenance. Most slicing methods, usually oriented towards the imperative or object paradigms, are based on some sort of graph structure representing program dependencies. Slicing techniques amount, therefore, to (sophisticated) graph transversal algorithms. This paper proposes a completely different approach to the slicing problem for functional programs. Instead of extracting program information to build an underlying dependencies’ structure, we resort to standard program calculation strategies, based on the so-called Bird-Meertens formalism. The slicing criterion is specified either as a projection or a hiding function which, once composed with the original program, leads to the identification of the intended slice. Going through a number of examples, the paper suggests this approach may be an interesting, even if not completely general, alternative to slicing functional programs