<p>The main project Dry preservation of food waste from households includes a new technique concerning drying and storage of dried biowaste as well as a study of the sorting of household waste and further usage of the dried biowaste. A question asked in the project is, can the dried biowaste be used as a soil amendment? If organic waste is used as a soil amendment, precaution concerning hygienic safety risks has to be accounted for. The objective of this M. Sc. Thesis Work was to first find a suitable method to attain hygienic safety through a literature study, to test and evaluate the method and to test if a method changes the composition or structure of the material. An existing recipe for food waste was developed and used throughout the work.</p><p>Heating of the dried biowaste is probably the most suitable method to reach and attain a hygienically safe product. Three time-temperature proportions were tested, 55, 70 and 80°C. The results show that a raise in temperature lead to a change in the composition of the dried biowaste, most distinctively for the highest temperature. Nitrogen losses of 21% of the total nitrogen content were noticed. A composting experiment showed that the biowaste heated to the highest temperature was decomposed to a higher degree. It does not, however, seem like a heating process will decrease the possibility to use dried biowaste as a soil improvement.</p> / <p>Projektet Torrkonservering av matavfall från hushåll innefattar en ny teknik för torkning och lagring av bioavfall, hushållens sortering och vidare användning av det torkade materialet. För att sluta det naturliga kretsloppet utreds om det torkade bioavfallet kan användas som ett jordförbättringsmedel. När organiskt avfall ska användas som ett jordförbättringsmedel ställs krav på hygienisk säkerhet. Examensarbetets syfte var att, genom litteraturstudier, utreda lämplig hygieniseringsmetod att vidare testa praktiskt, samt att testa om en hygieniseringsprocess medför några förändringar på det torkade bioavfallets materialegenskaper. Ett befintligt standardrecept på matavfall vidareutvecklades och användes.</p><p>Resultaten tyder på att upphettning av det torkade bioavfallet förmodligen är den mest lämpliga hygieniseringsmetoden. Tre olika tid- temperaturförhållanden testades, 55, 70 och 80°C. Laborationer och analyser tyder på att det torkade bioavfallet genomgår en viss förändring av den kemiska sammansättningen vid upphettning, vilket är tydligast för den högsta hygieniseringstemperaturen. Bland annat sker kväveförluster på upp till 21 % av totalkvävet. Komposteringstester visar på att nedbrytningsgraden är högst för bioavfall som hygieniserats vid den högsta temperaturen. Det verkar inte som om hygienisering, genom upphettning, minskar möjligheten att använda torkat bioavfall som ett jordförbättringsmedel.</p>

<p>The main project Dry preservation of source-separated organic household wastes involves a new technique for treatment of biowaste through drying. Investigations are going on to determine how the dried biowaste best can be used to close the natural circular flow of nutrients. The objective of this degree project is to determine if the dried biowaste can be used as a soil conditioner. By restoring the nutrients in the material to the ground, the natural circular flow is closed. A declaration of contents, including the nutrient levels, C/N ratio, pH and the electrical conductivity of the dried biowaste, was constructed and a germination test was done to make sure that the material did not inhibit sprouting. Further on a method was developed to study the decomposition process, and in particular the nitrogen mineralization of the dried biowaste. This method was then used practically.</p><p>The results of this degree project indicate that the decomposition capacity of the dried biowaste is very good. The germination test showed that the material in a diluted form (up to 50 % dried biowaste) did not inhibit sprouting. The examination of the nitrogen mineralization showed a fast liberalisation of nutrients available to plants, with only a shorter period of nitrogen immobilization. Together these results imply that the dried material could function well as a soil conditioner.</p> / <p>Projektet Torrkonservering av matavfall från hushåll innefattar en helt ny teknik för behandling av bioavfall genom torkning. Undersökningar pågår angående hur det torkade bioavfallet bäst kan användas för att sluta det naturliga kretsloppet. Examensarbetets huvudsyfte var, som ett led i dessa undersökningar, att utreda om det torkade bioavfallet kan användas som ett jordförbättringsmedel. Genom att tillföra bioavfallet till jord så återförs näringen i materialet till marken och kretsloppet sluts. En varudeklaration, med materialets näringshalter, C/N-kvot, pH och elektrisk konduktivitet, togs fram och ett groningstest utfördes för att kontrollera att bioavfallet inte var groningshämmande. Vidare utvecklades en metod för att studera det torkade bioavfallets nedbrytningsegenskaper i form av dess kvävemineralisering. Denna metod användes därefter praktiskt.</p><p>Resultatet av detta examensarbete tyder på att torkat bioavfall har mycket goda nedbrytningsegenskaper. Groningsförsöket visade att materialet i utspädd form (upp till 50 % torkat bioavfall) inte är groningshämmande, och mineraliseringsförsöket visade på en snabb frigörelse av växttillgängligt kväve, och en immobiliseringsperiod på ett par veckor. Tillsammans indikerar dessa resultat att det torkade materialet kan fungera väl som ett jordförbättringsmedel.</p>

Master of Science / Department of Animal Sciences and Industry / John Jaeger / Cattle grazing dormant native range (< 7% crude protein; CP) require supplementation of additional protein to sustain body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS). Daily delivery of these supplements is an economic burden to cattle producers faced with challenging economic circumstances. Supplementing cows infrequently (as little as once/week) has produced equivalent BW and BCS changes compared to daily delivery. Dried distiller’s grains with solubles (DDGS) provides more ruminally-undegradable protein (RUP; 50-60%) compared to traditional oilseed-meal supplements (i.e. soybean meal) that are >50% ruminally-degradable protein (RDP). Therefore, our objective was to evaluate the effects of supplementation frequency on performance, reproductive success, eating behavior, and subsequent calf performance of spring-calving cows supplemented with DDGS. No differences in ending BW (P = 0.69) and BCS (P = 0.49), or changes in BW and BCS over the supplementation period (P = 0.82 and 0.70, respectively) were observed among cows supplemented every d, every 3 d, or every 6 d. Calf BW at birth, weaning weight (WW), and average daily gain (ADG) were similar among treatments (P = 0.19, 0.12, and 0.10, respectively). First-service conception rate (FSCR) and final pregnancy rate (PR) were also not affected by supplementation frequency (P = 0.62 and 0.76, respectively). The development of replacement heifers is a large expense for cow-calf producers. Improved breeding and heifer development strategies aimed at ensuring the success of replacement females have been developed but reproductive failure still remains a problem. The stress associated with breeding and handling procedures may decrease reproductive success. Therefore, the objective was to determine if intramuscular administration of flunixin meglumine (1.1 mg/kg BW) 14 days post-breeding would improve FSCR and PR in non-transported replacement heifers. Under the conditions of our study, flunixin meglumine did not improve (P = 0.87) first service conception rate above that of control heifers (41.2% and 42.3%, respectively). Final pregnancy rate also was not different between treatments and averaged 81.8% (P = 0.40).

Master of Science / Department of Animal Sciences and Industry / Terry Houser / Crossbred yearling steers (n = 144 initial BW 367 ± 18.46 kg) were randomly allotted by BW to a randomized complete block design with a 2x3 factorial treatment arrangement to 1) assess the impact of supplementing dried distiller grain with solubles (DDGS) while grazing late season forage for 90 d and 2) the impact of a short feeding period on animal performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality traits. Treatments consisted of DDGS supplementation during grazing (0 or 1% of BW as DDGS; DM basis) and finishing days on feed (DOF;75, 100, 125). During grazing supplemented cattle had greater (P < 0.01) ADG than un-supplemented cattle but un-supplemented cattle had greater ADG than supplemented cattle during the finishing period. There were no differences between grazing treatments for DMI (P = 0.91) during the finishing period. Supplemented cattle had decreased (P = 0.02) G:F during the finishing period compared to un-supplemented cattle. Supplemented cattle had heavier (P < 0.01) HCW and larger (P = 0.02) LM area than un-supplemented cattle. Increasing DOF linearly increased (P ≤ 0.03) HCW, 12th rib fat thickness, LM area and USDA marbling score. No differences were observed for USDA yield grade. Increasing DOF decreased (Linear; P < 0.01) carcass protein %, moisture %, and increased (Linear; P < 0.05) carcass fat %. Increasing DOF increased (Quadratic; P = 0.01) L* values, while decreasing (Quadratic; P < 0.01) a* and b* values for external fat color. No differences were observed with respect to the percentages of any fatty acids for any treatment. Increased (P = 0.01) sensory off-flavors were present at 100 DOF when compared to 125 DOF. No other differences among treatments were observed for any sensory traits, instrumental tenderness, lean color or fatty acid profile for any treatment. In conclusion, supplementing cattle with 1 % DDGS during grazing altered grazing and feedlot performance as well as impacted carcass characteristics. In addition, utilizing a shortened feeding period had minimal effects on meat quality traits, but increasing DOF resulted in a greater amount of whiter external fat.

O tomate constitui-se uma das hortaliças mais exploradas cientificamente, devido à sua importância comercial. O tomate pode, através de processamento adequado, dar origem a inúmeros produtos, alguns deles de elevado consumo no Brasil. Depois da boa aceitação do tomate cereja pelo consumidor, um novo segmento de mini-tomate, chamado Grape, começa a despontar nos mercados brasileiros. O destaque é o híbrido Sweet Grape, que está agradando ao gosto do consumidor e animando agricultores que aderiram às experiências com a nova cultivar. Seu teor de sólidos solúveis chega a 10 °Brix e tem menos acidez, comparado a outras variedades, as quais contem entre 4 e 5 °Brix. Nesse trabalho foi avaliado o processo produtivo do tomate seco, a partir de mini-tomates sweet grape, congelados desidratados em secador solar e convencional, visando obter um alimento seguro do ponto de vista microbiológico, físico-quimica, instrumental cor e aceitabilidade) Os tomates cereja tipo Sweet Grape, foram secos até teores de umidade entre 35% e 0%, e observadas suas mudanças em relação aos tomates in natura , e seu comportamento nos períodos de armazenamento após processados de 0, 30, 60 e 90 dias, verificando assim a sua estabilidade. Foi ainda caracterizado o fruto in natura e submetido a um précongelamento para uma previa perda de água facilitando a secagem. A avaliação da qualidade do produto foi realizada através das análises microbiológicas, físico-químicas, composição centesimal e sensorial. Houve diferença significativa entre os secadores, elétrico e solar, para todos os parâmetros analisados, porém não houve alteração significativa para o período de armazenamento. Em relação à avaliação sensorial, o tomate seco ao sol obteve melhor aceitação entre os provadores / The tomato is one of the vegetables are more scientifically investigated, due to its commercial importance. The tomato can, through appropriate processing, giving rise to numerous products, some of high consumption in Brazil. After the good acceptance by consumers of cherry tomatoes, a new segment of mini-tomato, called Grape, begins to emerge in the Brazilian markets. The highlight is the hybrid Sweet Grape, which is pleasing to the taste of consumers and encouraging farmers adhered to experiment with new cultivars. Your soluble solids content reaches 10 ° Brix and has less acidity compared to other varieties, which contain between 4 and 5 ° Brix. In this study we evaluated the production process of dried tomato, from mini-sweet grape tomatoes, frozen and dehydrated in conventional solar dryer was used to obtain a food safe from microbiological point of view,. physico-chemical, instrumental color and acceptability) Cherry Tomatoes Sweet Grape type, have been dried to moisture contents between 35% and 50%, and observed their changes for tomatoes in nature, and their behavior during periods of storage after processed 0, 30, 60 and 90 days, thus confirming its stability. It was further characterized the fresh fruit and undergo a pre-freeze to a predicted loss of water facilitating drying. Assessing the quality of the product was carried out by microbiological, physicochemical, chemical composition and sensory. There were significant differences between the dryers, electric and solar, for all parameters analyzed, but no significant change for the period of storage. Regarding the sensory evaluation, the sun-dried tomatoes the best won acceptance among judges

O comércio varejista brasileiro expõe o bacalhau salgado seco inteiro ou porcionado sem refrigeração. Esta condição, tradicionalmente aceita pelos consumidores, contraria as especificações do fabricante de manter o produto sob refrigeração, o que frequentemente gera conflitos entre as autoridades sanitárias e o comércio. Perante este fato, o presente estudo avaliou parâmetros microbiológicos e físico-químicos de 56 amostras de bacalhau obtidas no município de São Paulo, armazenadas sob refrigeração (0 a 5ºC) e em temperatura ambiente (20ºC a 25ºC), nos tempos zero, sete e 14 dias de armazenamento. As amostras foram agrupadas em 4 categorias: A-amostras refrigeradas não manipuladas e B, C e D manipuladas, respectivamente, com zero, 7 e 14 dias de armazenamento em temperatura ambiente. A temperatura ambiente variou de 20,5 a 23,5ºC e a umidade relativa do ar de 52,5 a 67%. Pesquisaram-se: Staphylococcus coagulase positiva, Clostridium sulfito redutores, coliformes totais e termotolerantes, Salmonella spp, bolores, leveduras e bactérias halofílicas. As análises físico-químicas realizadas foram: umidade, pH, atividade de água (Aa) e resíduo mineral fixo. Não houve diferenças nos resultados obtidos entre as 4 categorias e estes apresentaram-se dentro dos limites estabelecidos pela legislação brasileira. Com relação às análises físico-químicas também não houve diferença estatística entre as 4 categorias. Os valores médios obtidos, por categoria, foram: A: 54,9% de umidade; Aa=0,748; pH=6.0; B: 54,0% de umidade; Aa=0,749; pH=6.0; C: 49,1% de umidade; Aa=0,749; pH=6.0 e para a categoria D: 50,7% de umidade; Aa=0,748; pH=6.0 e 21,6% de resíduo mineral fixo. Todos os valores de umidade encontrados estavam acima do padrão (45%); os valores de pH obtidos estavam de acordo com o padrão (6 a 7) e os valores de resíduo mineral fixo contemplaram a legislação vigente (mín. 10%). Com relação à Aa, os valores sugerem que esta é uma importante barreira para o desenvolvimento microbiano e, embora não haja padrão para este parâmetro, julga-se necessário determinar um valor referência como limite máximo. Conclui-se que, nas condições do presente estudo, o comércio do bacalhau salgado seco mantido sob refrigeração ou em temperatura ambiente por 14 dias oferece as mesmas condições de segurança sanitária para o consumidor. / The Brazilian retail exposes the dried salt cod, whole or portioned without refrigeration. This condition is traditionally accepted by consumers, contrary to the manufacturer specifications to keep the product refrigerated, which often create conflicts between health authorities and traders. Given this fact, this study evaluated microbiological parameters and physico-chemical properties of 56 samples of cod collected in São Paulo, stored refrigerated (0-5 ° C) and ambient temperature (20 ° C to 25 ° C), for zero, seven and 14 storage days. The samples were grouped into four categories: A-refrigerated samples unmanipulated and B, C and D manipulated, respectively, zero, 7 and 14 days of storage at ambient temperature. The temperature ranged from 20.5 to 23.5 ° C and relative humidity from 52.5 to 67%. The following investigations were conducted: coagulase positive Staphylococcus, Clostridium sulfite reducer, total and fecal coliforms, Salmonella spp, molds, yeasts and bacteria halophilic. The following physic chemical analyzes were carried out: moisture, pH, water activity (Aw) and ash. The results presented no differences between the four categories and respected the limits established by Brazilian legislation. With respect to physical and chemical analyzes, they also showed no statistical differences among the four categories. The average results for each category were: A: 54.9% moisture, Aa = 0.748, pH = 6.0, B: 54.0% moisture, Aa = 0.749, pH = 6.0, C: 49.1% moisture, Aa = 0.749, pH = 6.0 and for D: 50.7% moisture, Aa = 0.748, pH = 6.0 and 21.6% of ash. All results had higher humidity values compared to the standard threshold (45%), pH results were obtained in accordance with the pattern limits (6-7) and the ash results contemplated the legislation limit (min. 10%). With respect to Aa, the figures suggest that this is an important barrier to microbial growth and, although there is no standard limits for this parameter, it is necessary to determine a reference threshold for this parameter. We conclude that, under the conditions of the present study, the trade of dried salt cod kept refrigerated or at ambient temperature for 14 days offer the same health and safety conditions for the consumer.

Grãos secos de destilaria com solúveis (DDGS) são uma fonte alternativa protéica e energética, de baixo custo se comparado com a farinha de peixe e o farelo de soja. Neste estudo avaliou-se a influência dos diferentes níveis de DDGS no desempenho produtivo e reprodutivo de lambari-de-rabo amarelo, bem como analisou-se a viabilidade econômica deste produto. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado composto de 4 tratamentos (níveis de DDGS) e 4 repetições. Foram elaboradas dietas contendo 0%, 10%, 20% e 30%, de DDGS em substituição parcial e total do farelo de soja e quirera de arroz. Um total de 2400 alevinos de lambari foram estocados em 16 tanques de 500L, contendo biofiltro e um sistema individual de recirculação de água, à densidade de 0,3 peixes/ L. Os peixes foram alimentados 4 vezes ao dia no primeiro mês e 2 vezes nos meses subsequentes durante 150 dias, à taxa diária do arraçoamento de 5% de peso vivo. Mensalmente os peixes foram pesados e no final determinou-se os parâmetros produtivos tais como: ganho de peso, índice de conversão alimentar, taxa de sobrevivência, taxa de crescimento específico, taxa de eficiência protéica, índice de crescimento instantâneo, taxa de ganho de peso, fator de condição corporal e composição química do corpo inteiro e do músculo. Após o período de alimentação foram determinados os seguintes parâmetros reprodutivos: índice gonadossomático, volume dos ovos, fertilidade inicial, fertilidade inicial relativa, taxa de fertilidade, índice de desova, fertilidade final, fertilidade final relativa, taxa de eclosão e sobrevivência, diâmetro dos ovos e do vitelo e comprimento das larvas. Foi feita a histologia das gônadas das fêmeas e dos machos e avaliação do sêmen. Também se analisou a viabilidade do uso do DDGS. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância (&alpha; = 0,05), à regressão e teste de tendência, e para a comparação das médias de viabilidade económica utilizou-se o teste Tukey por meio do programa SAS. A adição de DDGS não afetou os parâmetros produtivos (P &GT; 0,05), exceto para a matéria mineral do músculo (P &LT; 0,05). Ocorreram diferenças (P &LT; 0,05) para fertilidade inicial, peso, comprimento total e padrão dos machos. Histologicamente não se evidenciou diferenças entre as estruturas morfológicas dos ovários, nos testículos dos peixes alimentados com dieta de 30% de DDGS apresentaram células espermáticas abundantes, portanto o desenvolvimento gonadal não foi influenciado negativamente pelo DDGS. Economicamente as dietas contendo DDGS (10, 20 e 30%) foram respetivamente 2; 7 e 11% menos onerosas do que a dieta com farelo de soja e quirera de arroz. As médias do custo do ganho não diferiram (P &GT; 0,05) entre si, indicando que se pode substituir o farelo de soja e quirera de arroz com o DDGS sem grandes prejuízos no desempenho e a baixo custo de alimentação. / Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) is a protein and energy source alternative, is used to formulate diets to feed fishes in replecement of fish meal and soya, and the cost is low. This research was carried out to investigate the influence of dietary inclusion of DDGS levels on growth and reprodution performance and evaluate its economical value of lambari. The experimental delineament were four isonitrogenous diets were formulated that contain 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% of DDGS in substituation of soja meal and broken rice. A total of 2400 lambari were stored in 16 tanks 500L, provided with a biofilter and a single system of water recirculation, density were 0,3 fish / L. During 150 days the groups of fish were fed with experimental diets until visual satiety four times per day for the first month and twice in the remaining months, the daily rate of feeding were 5% of body weight. Each month the fish were weighed for determination of production parameters such as: weight gain, feed conversion rate, survival rate, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, instantaneous growth rate, weight gain rate, condition factor physical and chemical composition of the whole body and muscle. After the feeding period terminated reproductive parameters such as: gonadossomatic index, egg volume, initial fertility, relative initial fertility, fertility rate, spawning rate, final fertility, final relative fertility, hatching and survival rate, diameter of eggs and length of the larvae. It was made the histology of the gonads (females and males) and semen evaluation. Also analyzed the economic viability of using DDGS in the diets. The data were subjected to ANOVA, regression and trend test, economical value analised by Turkey test (&alpha; = 0,05). Addition of DDGS did not affect the productive parameters (P &GT; 0,05) except for the mineral of muscle (P &LT; 0,05). There were differences (P &LT; 0,05) in initial fertility (FI), weight, total and pattern length of males. Histologically no detectable morphological differences between the structures of the ovaries, but testes of fish fed with diet of 30% DDGS showed abundant sperm cells, therefore gonadal development was not negatively influenced by the DDGS. Economically diets containing DDGS (10, 20 and 30%) were respectively 2; 7:11% cheaper than the diet with soy meal and broken rice. The cost gain was no significant (P &GT; 0.05). The result from this resarch shows that DDGS can replace soybean meal and broken rice without major losses in performance and low cost supply.

Tendo em vista os vários problemas envolvendo a metodologia correntemente utilizada para a determinação da viabilidade no controle de qualidade da vacina BCG liofilizada, foi levado a efeito um estudo a respeito do assunto. Foi procedido um estudo de métodos alternativos a serem empregados em procedimentos de controle de qualidade da vacina BCG liofilizada. Com esse objetivo foi desenhado e construído um polarógrafo de eletrodo de oxigênio constituído de eletrodo de platina e o de referência de Ag-AgCl embutido em peça única e ainda dotado de sensor de temperatura, com circuito eletrônico permitindo a medida de consumo de oxigênio. Levou-se a efeito, então, estudo comparativo de viabilidade de vacina BCG liofilizada pela medida polarográfica de consumo de oxigênio em comparação à manométrica pelo clássico método de Warburg e o método de contagem de colônias (UFC). A análise de 66 diferentes lotes de vacina BCG liofilizada produzidas pelo Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, e pela Fundação Ataulpho de Paiva, Rio de Janeiro, demonstrou que a técnica polarográfica revelou ser altamente reprodutível e muito mais conveniente que os métodos manométrico e de contagem de colônias. Verificou-se que entre o método polarográfico e o manométrico e UFC os resultados da regressão linear mostraram correlação positiva de alta intensidade e significante ao nível de a= 0,05, permitindo indicar o método polarográfico descrito, como procedimento de escolha para operações de controle de qualidade em laboratórios de produção de vacina BCG bem como em Unidades de Saúde, para determinações adequadas de viabilidade de lotes de vacinas, a serem utilizadas para fins de imunização. / Considering the several problems regarding the procedures currently employed in the assays o f the control of quality, and the viability of the freeze-dried BCG vaccines, a study on various methods used for this purpose was carried out. Aiming to introduce a much more suitable, sensitive and less time consuming method than the classic Warburg technique and the colony count test (CFU) bacteriological procedure, currently used, a new oxygen electrode polarograph was designed with the aim of employing it for the study of the viability of the freeze-dried BCG vaccine. This polarograph electrode was built in a single piece containing the platinun and theAgAgCl reference electrode besides a temperature sensor. By using this assembly a comparative study was carried on the viability of the freeze-dried BCG vaccine assayed by the polarographic method in comparison with the manometric and the CFU methods. The analysis of the viability of 66 different batches of freeze-dried BCG vaccines produced at the Butantan Institute, São Paulo, and at the Ataulpho de Paiva Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, demonstrated that the polarograpbic technique revealed to be highly reliable and much more convenient than both the manometric and the CFU methods: it has been found out that between the polarographic and the manometric and the CFU, the linear regression sbowed a high intensity positive correlation and significant at the level of a = 0,05. In this way, the polarographic method could be considered as a choice method for the control of quality procedure as well as for the establishment of the viability of the batches of vaccines to be used for human immunization in Units of the Health Department.

Tendo em vista os vários problemas envolvendo a metodologia correntemente utilizada para a determinação da viabilidade no controle de qualidade da vacina BCG liofilizada, foi levado a efeito um estudo a respeito do assunto. Foi procedido um estudo de métodos alternativos a serem empregados em procedimentos de controle de qualidade da vacina BCG liofilizada. Com esse objetivo foi desenhado e construído um polarógrafo de eletrodo de oxigênio constituído de eletrodo de platina e o de referência de Ag-AgCl embutido em peça única e ainda dotado de sensor de temperatura, com circuito eletrônico permitindo a medida de consumo de oxigênio. Levou-se a efeito, então, estudo comparativo de viabilidade de vacina BCG liofilizada pela medida polarográfica de consumo de oxigênio em comparação à manométrica pelo clássico método de Warburg e o método de contagem de colônias (UFC). A análise de 66 diferentes lotes de vacina BCG liofilizada produzidas pelo Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, e pela Fundação Ataulpho de Paiva, Rio de Janeiro, demonstrou que a técnica polarográfica revelou ser altamente reprodutível e muito mais conveniente que os métodos manométrico e de contagem de colônias. Verificou-se que entre o método polarográfico e o manométrico e UFC os resultados da regressão linear mostraram correlação positiva de alta intensidade e significante ao nível de a= 0,05, permitindo indicar o método polarográfico descrito, como procedimento de escolha para operações de controle de qualidade em laboratórios de produção de vacina BCG bem como em Unidades de Saúde, para determinações adequadas de viabilidade de lotes de vacinas, a serem utilizadas para fins de imunização. / Considering the several problems regarding the procedures currently employed in the assays o f the control of quality, and the viability of the freeze-dried BCG vaccines, a study on various methods used for this purpose was carried out. Aiming to introduce a much more suitable, sensitive and less time consuming method than the classic Warburg technique and the colony count test (CFU) bacteriological procedure, currently used, a new oxygen electrode polarograph was designed with the aim of employing it for the study of the viability of the freeze-dried BCG vaccine. This polarograph electrode was built in a single piece containing the platinun and theAgAgCl reference electrode besides a temperature sensor. By using this assembly a comparative study was carried on the viability of the freeze-dried BCG vaccine assayed by the polarographic method in comparison with the manometric and the CFU methods. The analysis of the viability of 66 different batches of freeze-dried BCG vaccines produced at the Butantan Institute, São Paulo, and at the Ataulpho de Paiva Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, demonstrated that the polarograpbic technique revealed to be highly reliable and much more convenient than both the manometric and the CFU methods: it has been found out that between the polarographic and the manometric and the CFU, the linear regression sbowed a high intensity positive correlation and significant at the level of a = 0,05. In this way, the polarographic method could be considered as a choice method for the control of quality procedure as well as for the establishment of the viability of the batches of vaccines to be used for human immunization in Units of the Health Department.

Thesis (MSc. Agriculture (Agronomy)) -- University of Limpopo, 2013 / Maize (Zea mays L.) is the third most important cereal crop after wheat and rice in the world. Maize/legume intercropping system has become one of the solutions for food security among small scale maize producers due to unaffordability of chemical nitrogenous fertilizers and limited access to arable land. A study was conducted to determine the effect of maize/dry bean and maize/lablab intercropping on maize grain yield and soil fertility status. A field experiment was conducted during 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 growing seasons at the University of Limpopo experimental farm. Treatments included sole maize (ZM 521, an improved open pollinated variety, ex- CIMMYT), sole lablab (Rongai, indeterminate cultivar), sole dry bean (DBS 360, indeterminate Type II cultivar), maize/dry bean and maize/lablab intercrops arranged in randomized complete block design with five replications. Phosphorus (P) was applied on sole and intercropped maize at the rate of 30 kg P/ha in the form of superphosphate (10.5%P) at planting and 40 kg N/ha of nitrogen (N) was applied in the form of Limestone Ammonium Nitrate (LAN) (28%N) on both sole and intercropped maize four weeks after plant emergence. For maize and dry bean, grain yield, yield components and biomass were determined. Only biomass yield was measured for lablab. Soil samples were collected for soil analysis at the beginning and the end of the experiment The results showed that maize/lablab intercropping yielded significantly (P<0.05) lowered maize grain (1259.3 kg/ha) than sole maize and maize/dry bean intercropping which yielded maize grain of 2093.7 kg/ha and 2156.3 kg/ha, respectively. Sole dry bean yielded significantly (P <0.05) higher dry bean grain (1778.5 kg/ha) than intercropped dry bean (691.8 kg/ha). Rongai was only flowering by the time maize and dry bean matured hence only maize yield is reported for the Maize/lablab intercrop. Maize/dry bean intercropping was advantageous to sole cropping with a Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) of 1.42. The partial Land Equivalent Ratio (PLER) for maize in maize/lablab intercropping was 0.60. Dry bean was outcompeted by maize as calculated aggressivity value was positive at +0.64.The highest monetary value was achieved in sole dry bean and the lowest monetary value was found in intercrop dry bean. Soil TN, P, K, Ca, Mg and Na were reduced by both sole cropping and intercropping systems. Intercropping with lablab is likely to significantly lower maize yield under dryland conditions. Key words: dry bean, grain yield, Intercropping, lablab, maize, smallholder, soil fertility.