Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health / Sara Rosenkranz / The overall aim of this dissertation was to better understand the implications of improving the dietary quality (DQ) of school lunches. Chapter 2 includes a cross-sectional content analysis to determine whether there were significant differences in nutrient content and DQ between a best practice school lunch menu (BPM, with maximized DQ, created regardless of feasibility) and a typical school lunch menu (TM, with average DQ, from an actual school district). Results showed large significant differences in several important macro- and micro-nutrients and in DQ, favoring the BPM. These findings suggest the possibility for statistically and clinically significant variation in nutrient content and DQ of school lunches meeting National School Lunch Program (NSLP) nutrition standards. Building on that possibility for variation, and given schools report financial concerns as barriers to providing high DQ lunches, chapter 3 describes a cross-sectional content analysis to determine whether there were significant differences in nutrient content and DQ between middle school lunch menus from 85 Kansas school districts by socioeconomic status (SES) and rurality. The average DQ across all districts was 62.0±4.0 (Healthy Eating Index (HEI) score) out of 100, indicating a need for improvement. There were minimal differences in nutrient content and DQ by SES and rurality, suggesting efforts to improve DQ of Kansas school lunches should be applied equally across all SES and rurality categories. To determine best practices for improving DQ of school lunches, chapter 4 includes a critical review with the aim of developing school lunch best practices based on child DQ recommendations, and implementation techniques encouraging selection and consumption of healthier school lunches. Twenty-five articles were synthesized, creating a list of evidence-based school lunch best practices. Findings provide evidence that if implemented during menu and service planning, these best practices may help to improve school lunch DQ and increase selection and consumption of higher DQ lunches by schoolchildren. With best practices determined, chapter 5 describes a randomized crossover trial that included 36 elementary school-aged participants for the purpose of investigating the acceptability and feasibility of best practice school lunches (BPSL, implementing best practices, HEI score=90–95/100) as compared to typical school lunches (TSL, meeting baseline NSLP nutrition standards, HEI score=70–75/100). Results showed minimal differences in acceptability (taste, plate waste, and hunger) and feasibility (cost, equipment, and skill to prepare meals). However, preparation time requirements for BPSL were significantly longer than for TSL (~four-fold). When BPSL and TSL were offered concurrently, participants selected TSL significantly more frequently than BPSL (TSL=83.3%, BPSL=16.7%). These findings suggest that BPSL may be as acceptable and feasible as TSL, but when served concurrently, schoolchildren will likely choose the TSL. Collectively, results from this dissertation provide evidence that there is a need for improvement in the DQ of school lunches across the state of KS, which is likely to be feasible and acceptable, challenging previously reported barriers. This improvement may be accomplished by implementing best practices for higher DQ school lunches across rurality and SES categories. Collectively, these results could inform key stakeholders in policy- and decision-making.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:29:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2007-09-05Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:39:09Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 zuim_ce_me_ilha.pdf: 206454 bytes, checksum: 21d45110bfb35795b4aee587ba2a4496 (MD5) / Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) / A busca pela qualidade do solo como base de sustentação do sistema de produção, tem aumentado o desafio de compreender um sistema que, além de reduzir sensivelmente a degradação do meio ambiente, pode permitir maior retorno econômico ao agricultor. Nesse sentido o presente trabalho foi desenvolvido no período de abril de 2005 a abril de 2006, com o objetivo de avaliar na cultura da soja, no sistema de plantio direto, o efeito de diferentes culturas de cobertura e presença ou ausência de adubação orgânica e mineral. O trabalho foi desenvolvido no município de Guararapes-SP (50°39’W, 21°09’S e 412 m de altitude aproximadamente) em um Latossolo Vermelho amarelo, com textura média, sendo cultivado com culturas anuais a partir de 1993. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o em blocos casualizados com 4 repetições, com os tratamentos dispostos em um esquema fatorial 5x2x2, ou seja, 5 culturas de cobertura (milho, milheto, sorgo, braquiária e mamona), cultivadas no período de outono/inverno, na presença e ausência de adubação orgânica (11.512 kg/ha de esterco de galinha), sendo semeado em sucessão, a cultura da soja, cultivar MGBR 46 (Conquista), na presença ou ausência de adubação mineral (500 kg/ha da fórmula 02-20-15). As culturas de cobertura e a soja foram irrigadas pelo sistema pivô central. As avaliações constaram da produção de massa seca das culturas de cobertura, estado nutricional da soja no florescimento pleno, características agronômicas e produção de grãos da soja e características químicas do solo, em diferentes profundidades, após o cultivo da soja. Através dos resultados obtidos, verificou-se que o milho apresentou maior produção de massa seca como cultura de cobertura, mas todas as... / The search for the soil quality as sustentation base of production system, has stimulated the challenge to understand a system that, beyond sensibly reducing the environment degradation, may allows greater economic return to the farmer. Thus, the present work was developed in the period of April 2005 to April 2006, with the objective to evaluate in soybean crop, in no tillage system, the effect of different cover crops and presence or absence of organic and mineral fertilization. The work was developed at the municipal district of Guararapes, State of São Paulo (50°39' W, 21°09' S and 412 m altitude approximately) in a Typic Haplustox, with sandy texture, being cultivated with annual crops since 1993. The exeprimental design used was randomized blocks with four replications, with treatments disposed in a 5x2x2 factorial scheme, i.e., five cover crops (corn, millet, sorghum, braquiaria grass and castor bean), cultivated in the autumn/winter period, in presence and absence of organic fertilization (11,512 kg ha-1 of chicken manure fertilizer), being sowedin succession of soybean crop, MGBR 46 cultivar, in presence or absence of mineral fertilization (500 kg ha-1 of 02-20-15 formula). The cover cultures and soybean had been irrigated by center pivot irrigation systems.The evaluations was cover crops dry matter production, nutritional status in flowering, agronomic characteristics and soybean grain production, soil chemical characteristis, in different depths, after soybean. Through the obtained results, it verified that the corn presents greater dry matter production as cover crop, but all the evaluated cover crops are adjusted to precede soybean; organic fertilization increases cover crop dry matter production, beyond provided significant P, Ca and K increases in 0 to 0.05 and 0.05 to 0.10 m depth and P and K in 0.10 to 0.20 m depth; ...(Complete abstract click electronic access below)

M. Tech Food Service Management (Hospitality, Tourism and Public Relations, Faculty of Human Sciences), Vaal University of Technology. / Good maternal nutrition is vital for the health and survival of the developing foetus. Nutritive inadequacy has been associated with pregnant women in developing countries particularly Sub Saharan Africa. Adequate intake of both macro and micronutrients by this vulnerable group must be ensured to avoid maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. In this study, a novel approach was employed to develop a cost effective, culturally acceptable and nutrient-dense food multi-mix (FMM) supplement that would help meet 20-25 percent of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of pregnant women aged between 20and 30 years in the Vaal region. Twenty FMM supplements were formulated using South African food composition tables to ensure adequate nutritional content. Two out of the twenty, were selected and named FMM C1 and C3 respectively. FMM C I and C3 was selected owing to their better nutrient contents and affordability when compared with the others. Food items used to formulate FMM C 1 included maize meal, pea powder, peanut dry, milk powder and kidney beans. FMM C3 was formulated with sorghum, maize meal, peanut dry and onion powder. Chosen food items were dried, roasted, ground and mixed together proportionately. FMM supplements (C 1 & C3) were analyzed using standard laboratory techniques to determine their nutrient content. Results obtained were from the Agricultural Research Council (ARC). The shelf life of the FMM supplements was microbiologically tested. Shelf life testing proved safety for the time of consumption, as very little microbiological growth was found in 28 days. The FMM supplements were then incorporated in the development of two acceptable recipes (soup and gravy).Simple recipe leaflets were developed for use by the subjects. The process proved that it is possible to formulate a FMM or any other food product according to certain formulation criteria since formulated FMM supplements (C1 and C3) met the criteria of at least 20% RDA of Protein (g). However, the criteria for micronutrients and energy were difficult to meet as folate iron and energy showed lower percentages of 10%, 14% and 18% respectively in the experimental situation. Sensory evaluation was conducted to ascertain the acceptability of the developed recipes (soup and gravy). The sample consisted of pregnant women randomly selected from John Haynes and Sharpeville clinics respectively, it can be concluded it is possible to formulate and develop products that were culturally acceptable to the consumers (pregnant women) as sensory analysis indicated the majority (85%) of the respondents liked the gravy and 65% liked the soup. Further research is needed to address the impact on nutritional status, long-term compliance and development of range of FMM with various ingredients to determine the most nutritional, cost effective and acceptable product for pregnant women.

D. Tech. (Food Service Management, Dept. of Hospitality, Tourism and PR management), Vaal University of Technology / The main objective of this study was to develop a cost-effective, culturally acceptable, nutrient-dense food multimix (FMM) based on local food staples for pregnant women in the Vaal region. The impact of the consumption of the multimix on the nutritional status of the women, dietary diversity and outcomes of pregnancy was assessed in an intervention study by measuring the same variables as for a pilot study where the nutritional status of pregnant women was determined. Compliance was measured through monitoring of the FMM consumption and sensory evaluation tests. Quantitative food frequency questionnaires (QFFQs) and 24-hour recall questionnaires were completed in interviews. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were recorded. The pilot study indicated that the mean total iron intake was 9,74 mg/day, below the estimated average requirement (EAR) of 22 mg/day for pregnant women. Therefore, 41,7 per cent of the women were found to be iron deficient and 50 per cent suffered from iron deficiency anaemia. Food consumed supplied little iron. Eighty per cent of the women were overweight before falling pregnant. Based on the pilot study, the FMM was developed and subjected to the following processes: chemical analysis, shelf life tests, recipe development and sensory evaluation. The product was then implemented in an intervention programme. A control group of pregnant women received soup powder. The respondents were relatively healthy and did not suffer from any chronic diseases. According to the nutrient intakes measured by the QFFQ, indicating usual dietary intakes, the iron intake of 87,5 per cent of the experimental group and 94 per cent of the control group fell below the EAR before intervention. After the intervention it improved in that the iron intake of 35,2 per cent of the experimental group and 33,3 per cent of the control group fell below the EAR. The top 10 items consumed by the experimental group during pre- and post-intervention were mainly rich in carbohydrates. Food containing iron absorption inhibitors such as tannin in tea and phytates in maize meal and bread were among the top 10 foods listed. The highest number of individual food items consumed by an individual in seven days was 39 before the intervention and 52 after the intervention, among the experimental group. The individual food variety improved after the intervention. The reason for this could be the inclusion of the FMM in their diets. The majority of the respondents consumed eight to nine of the nutritious food groups before and after the intervention. The mean food variety score (FVS) for the control group was 38,9 (±10,5) before the intervention, which decreased to 35,8 (±8,39) after the intervention. No improvement in FVS was observed after the intervention in the control group and the FVS indicated medium dietary diversity (30-60 food items). The post-intervention results show that there was an improvement in most of the iron variables. The experimental group showed statistically significant differences between pre- and post-intervention measurements in transferrin and haematocrit levels and the control group in haematocrit levels. All the babies born to the mothers of both the experimental and control groups were healthy with measurements in the normal range. The reason for this could be that the inclusion of the FMM and soup powder in the diets of the experimental and control group, respectively, made the women more aware of the importance of pregnancy monitoring. Furthermore, the attention given to the women by the clinic sisters and the researchers could have contributed to all the improvements mentioned.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-01-26T18:56:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 CESAR_DISSERTACAO_23_05_2012VersaoFinal[1].pdf: 1149920 bytes, checksum: 991922afd9f166afcb350ec9c1c8ca6a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-04-23 / The cultivation of tomato in greenhouse is present in several regions of Paraná State, it is an option of income for family farmers, and small areas using family labor, in addition to monitoring weather conditions. One of the most important factors for successful cultivation of tomatoes is plant nutrition, however, because of the peculiarities observed in the greenhouse, the forms of interpretation of results of analyzes of soil or foliar nutrients that are made in isolation, is shown conflicting results when using the traditional methods of recommendation. The integrated diagnosis and recommendation (DRIS) has shown satisfactory results in different cultures by examining the interaction between nutrients. In the cultivation of tomato in greenhouse studies are lacking regarding the use of DRIS in this way, this study aimed to establish DRIS norms for growing tomatoes in greenhouses, by studying some of the major nutrients and the interactions between them influencing production. Was used results of chemical analysis of sheets for the nutrients N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn in the yield of 61 greenhouses covered with plastic, with tomato crops, comprising a total area covered implanted with the tomato crop of 24,436 m2 or 2.44 ha. The greenhouses were planted with hybrids, Colibri, Pizzadoro, Max and Deborah Granadero. Samples were collected from April to December of 2010, in greenhouses of the counties of Barra do Jacare, Cambara, Joaquim Tavora, Santo Antonio da Platina and Siqueira Campos, located in the North of Paraná Pioneer. For the formation of the database were used five levels of production, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 kg planta-1, with the establishment of binary relationships between all the nutrients studied in all samples. With this information, calculate the mean, standard deviation and variance for each concentration of nutrients, but also for relations between them, in each sub-population. 55 relationships were maintained, which showed the highest ratio in the variance between sub-populations. We calculated the nutritional content of each nutrient and the nutrient balance index (NBI) of each production level. Defined thus the production of 8 kg plant-1 as an index to be used because it presented the best correlation between the NBI and the productions analyzed, and the DRIS norms developed using this pattern of production. In samples that were less than 6 output kg planta-1 was the marked deficiency of K and B, and P, Cu, Mn and Zn on a smaller scale and excess Mg, N and P. In the establishment of DRIS norms when compared to existing standards recommended in the study. It was observed that there were no difference for the nutrients P, K, Ca, Mg and S, the copper content was above the standards, N, Fe and Mn were below the standard and nutrients Zn and B had an amplitude differentiated between the maximum and minimum levels accepted as the norm ideals between DRIS and established standards. / O cultivo do tomateiro em ambiente protegido está presente em diversas regiões do Estado do Paraná, pois é uma opção de renda para o agricultor familiar, utilizando pequenas áreas e mão de obra familiar, além do monitoramento das condições climáticas. Um dos fatores de maior importância para sucesso do cultivo do tomateiro é a nutrição da planta, porém, devido as peculiaridades observadas no cultivo protegido, as formas de interpretação de resultados de análises de solo ou de teores foliares que são feitas por nutrientes isoladamente, tem apresentado resultados conflitantes quando são utilizados os métodos tradicionais de recomendação. O sistema integrado de diagnose e recomendação (DRIS) tem mostrado resultados satisfatórios em diversas culturas por analisar a interação entre os nutrientes. No cultivo do tomateiro em ambiente protegido faltam estudos quanto ao uso do DRIS, desta forma, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo, estabelecer normas DRIS para a cultura do tomateiro em cultivo protegido, através do estudo de alguns dos principais nutrientes e as interações entre eles que influenciam a produção. Utilizou-se resultados da análise química de folhas para os nutrientes N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn com as produtividades de 61 estufas com cobertura plástica, com lavouras de tomate, compreendendo uma área total coberta implantada com a cultura do tomate de 24.436 m2 ou 2,44 ha. As estufas foram cultivadas com os híbridos, Colibri, Pizzadoro, Débora Max e Granadero. As amostras foram coletadas nos meses de abril a Dezembro do ano de 2010, em estufas dos municípios de Barra do Jacaré, Cambará, Joaquim Távora, Santo Antonio da Platina e Siqueira Campos, localizados na Região Norte Pioneiro do Paraná. Para a formação do banco de dados foram utilizados cinco níveis produtivos, de 6, 7, 8, 9, e 10 kg planta-1, com o estabelecimento de todas as relações binárias entre os nutrientes estudados em todas as amostras. Com estes dados, calculou-se a média, o desvio padrão e a variância para cada concentração de nutriente, como também para as relações entre estes, em cada subpopulação. Foram mantidas 55 relações, que apresentaram a maior razão na variância entre as subpopulações. Calculou-se o índice nutricional de cada nutriente e o índice de balanço nutricional (IBN) de cada nível produtivo. Definiu-se assim a produção de 8 kg planta-1 como índice a ser usado por ser o que apresentou melhor correlação entre o IBN e as produções analisadas, sendo as normas DRIS estabelecidas utilizando este padrão de produção. Nas amostras analisadas que tiveram produção menor que 6 kg planta-1, ocorreu a deficiência acentuada de K e B, além de P, Cu, Mn e Zn em menor escala e excesso de Mg, N e P. No estabelecimento das normas DRIS quando comparados com padrões de recomendação existentes na pesquisa. Observou-se que, não ocorreram diferenciação para os nutrientes P, K, Ca, Mg e S, o Cobre apresentou teores acima dos padrões, os nutrientes N, Fe e Mn apresentaram teores abaixo do padrão e os nutrientes B e Zn apresentaram uma amplitude diferenciada entre os níveis máximo e mínimo de teores aceitos como ideais entre a norma DRIS estabelecida e os padrões existentes.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-18T17:51:09Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 CESAR_DISSERTACAO_23_05_2012VersaoFinal[1].pdf: 1149920 bytes, checksum: 991922afd9f166afcb350ec9c1c8ca6a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-04-23 / The cultivation of tomato in greenhouse is present in several regions of Paraná State, it is an option of income for family farmers, and small areas using family labor, in addition to monitoring weather conditions. One of the most important factors for successful cultivation of tomatoes is plant nutrition, however, because of the peculiarities observed in the greenhouse, the forms of interpretation of results of analyzes of soil or foliar nutrients that are made in isolation, is shown conflicting results when using the traditional methods of recommendation. The integrated diagnosis and recommendation (DRIS) has shown satisfactory results in different cultures by examining the interaction between nutrients. In the cultivation of tomato in greenhouse studies are lacking regarding the use of DRIS in this way, this study aimed to establish DRIS norms for growing tomatoes in greenhouses, by studying some of the major nutrients and the interactions between them influencing production. Was used results of chemical analysis of sheets for the nutrients N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn in the yield of 61 greenhouses covered with plastic, with tomato crops, comprising a total area covered implanted with the tomato crop of 24,436 m2 or 2.44 ha. The greenhouses were planted with hybrids, Colibri, Pizzadoro, Max and Deborah Granadero. Samples were collected from April to December of 2010, in greenhouses of the counties of Barra do Jacare, Cambara, Joaquim Tavora, Santo Antonio da Platina and Siqueira Campos, located in the North of Paraná Pioneer. For the formation of the database were used five levels of production, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 kg planta-1, with the establishment of binary relationships between all the nutrients studied in all samples. With this information, calculate the mean, standard deviation and variance for each concentration of nutrients, but also for relations between them, in each sub-population. 55 relationships were maintained, which showed the highest ratio in the variance between sub-populations. We calculated the nutritional content of each nutrient and the nutrient balance index (NBI) of each production level. Defined thus the production of 8 kg plant-1 as an index to be used because it presented the best correlation between the NBI and the productions analyzed, and the DRIS norms developed using this pattern of production. In samples that were less than 6 output kg planta-1 was the marked deficiency of K and B, and P, Cu, Mn and Zn on a smaller scale and excess Mg, N and P. In the establishment of DRIS norms when compared to existing standards recommended in the study. It was observed that there were no difference for the nutrients P, K, Ca, Mg and S, the copper content was above the standards, N, Fe and Mn were below the standard and nutrients Zn and B had an amplitude differentiated between the maximum and minimum levels accepted as the norm ideals between DRIS and established standards. / O cultivo do tomateiro em ambiente protegido está presente em diversas regiões do Estado do Paraná, pois é uma opção de renda para o agricultor familiar, utilizando pequenas áreas e mão de obra familiar, além do monitoramento das condições climáticas. Um dos fatores de maior importância para sucesso do cultivo do tomateiro é a nutrição da planta, porém, devido as peculiaridades observadas no cultivo protegido, as formas de interpretação de resultados de análises de solo ou de teores foliares que são feitas por nutrientes isoladamente, tem apresentado resultados conflitantes quando são utilizados os métodos tradicionais de recomendação. O sistema integrado de diagnose e recomendação (DRIS) tem mostrado resultados satisfatórios em diversas culturas por analisar a interação entre os nutrientes. No cultivo do tomateiro em ambiente protegido faltam estudos quanto ao uso do DRIS, desta forma, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo, estabelecer normas DRIS para a cultura do tomateiro em cultivo protegido, através do estudo de alguns dos principais nutrientes e as interações entre eles que influenciam a produção. Utilizou-se resultados da análise química de folhas para os nutrientes N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn com as produtividades de 61 estufas com cobertura plástica, com lavouras de tomate, compreendendo uma área total coberta implantada com a cultura do tomate de 24.436 m2 ou 2,44 ha. As estufas foram cultivadas com os híbridos, Colibri, Pizzadoro, Débora Max e Granadero. As amostras foram coletadas nos meses de abril a Dezembro do ano de 2010, em estufas dos municípios de Barra do Jacaré, Cambará, Joaquim Távora, Santo Antonio da Platina e Siqueira Campos, localizados na Região Norte Pioneiro do Paraná. Para a formação do banco de dados foram utilizados cinco níveis produtivos, de 6, 7, 8, 9, e 10 kg planta-1, com o estabelecimento de todas as relações binárias entre os nutrientes estudados em todas as amostras. Com estes dados, calculou-se a média, o desvio padrão e a variância para cada concentração de nutriente, como também para as relações entre estes, em cada subpopulação. Foram mantidas 55 relações, que apresentaram a maior razão na variância entre as subpopulações. Calculou-se o índice nutricional de cada nutriente e o índice de balanço nutricional (IBN) de cada nível produtivo. Definiu-se assim a produção de 8 kg planta-1 como índice a ser usado por ser o que apresentou melhor correlação entre o IBN e as produções analisadas, sendo as normas DRIS estabelecidas utilizando este padrão de produção. Nas amostras analisadas que tiveram produção menor que 6 kg planta-1, ocorreu a deficiência acentuada de K e B, além de P, Cu, Mn e Zn em menor escala e excesso de Mg, N e P. No estabelecimento das normas DRIS quando comparados com padrões de recomendação existentes na pesquisa. Observou-se que, não ocorreram diferenciação para os nutrientes P, K, Ca, Mg e S, o Cobre apresentou teores acima dos padrões, os nutrientes N, Fe e Mn apresentaram teores abaixo do padrão e os nutrientes B e Zn apresentaram uma amplitude diferenciada entre os níveis máximo e mínimo de teores aceitos como ideais entre a norma DRIS estabelecida e os padrões existentes.

Submitted by Michele Mologni (mologni@unoeste.br) on 2018-08-08T17:41:50Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Luís Fernando Xavier Gasqui.pdf: 694924 bytes, checksum: 34ee156d2e9833414ddbea664e5394bb (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-08T17:41:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Luís Fernando Xavier Gasqui.pdf: 694924 bytes, checksum: 34ee156d2e9833414ddbea664e5394bb (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-06-28 / The present research aims to stablish DRIS guidelines for sugarcane plantation based on Total Recoverable Sugars (ATR), through the study of the relation between nutrients and quality as well as their interactions that influence ATR production at sugarcane plantation, like some of the variable able to affect them. Were used foliar analysis results for the nutrients N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn with the productivity of 80 stands which belonged to Maracaí database, an area in the São Paulo State countryside, comprising a total area of approximately 1.020 hectares. These stands presented 4 different genetic materials, RB 72454, RB 845210, SP 813250 and RB 935744. The foliar samples were collected in the months of April to June 2012.It was used, for the formation of the database, the division in 7 ATR productive levels ≥150, ≥152.5, ≥155, ≥157.5, ≥160, ≥162.5, ≥165 Kg.ton-1, for high productivity, with the establishment of all the binary relations among the nutrients studied, then it was averaged the rate, the standard deviation and the variation of each nutrient concentration, as well as the relation among them, in each sub-population, being kept 55 relations that presented the biggest ratio in the variation among the sub-population. It was calculated the index for each nutrient and each population IBN. So, it was defined the productivity of 160 Kg.ton-1 as an index to be used because it has been the one which has presented the best relationship between IBN and the analyzed productivities. It was verified that, among all the analyzed samples, the scarcest were Ca, S, B and Cu. Referring to the nutrients P, K, Fe, Mn, the levels haven’t been different to the existing standards, however, with regard to the others, it was observed in this study, that they have been below existing standards. / O presente trabalho têm por objetivo estabelecer normas DRIS para a cultura da cana-de-açúcar fundamentado nos Açúcares Totais Recuperáveis (ATR), através do estudo da relação existente entre nutrientes e a qualidade bem como interações entre eles que influenciam a produção de ATR na cultura da cana-de-açúcar, bem como algumas das variáveis capazes de afetá-los. Utilizou-se resultados das análises foliares para os nutrientes N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn com as produtividades de 80 talhões pertencentes ao banco de dados referente a região de Maracaí-SP, compreendendo uma área total de aproximadamente 1.020 ha. Estes talhões expressaram 4 diferentes materiais genéticos, RB 72454, RB 845210, SP 813250 e RB 935744. As amostras foliares foram coletadas nos meses de abril a junho do ano de 2012. Utilizou-se para a formação do banco de dados a divisão em 7 níveis produtivos de ATR ≥150, ≥152.5, ≥155, ≥157.5, ≥160, ≥162.5, ≥165 Kg.ton-1, para altas produtividades, com o estabelecimento de todas as relações binárias entre os nutrientes estudados, então calculou-se a média, o desvio padrão e a variância para cada concentração de nutriente, como também para as relações entre estes, em cada sub-população, sendo mantidas 55 relações, que apresentaram a maior razão na variância entre as sub-populações. Calculou-se o índice de cada nutriente e o IBN de cada população. Definiu-se assim a produtividade de 160 Kg.ton-1 como índice a ser usado por ser o que apresentou melhor correlação entre o IBN e as produtividades analisadas. Verificou-se que dentre as amostras analisadas os elementos mais escassos foram Ca, S, B e Cu. Para os nutrientes P, K, Fe, Mn os teores não diferem dos padrões existentes, porém para os demais, observou-se no estudo, que ficaram abaixo dos padrões existentes.

Herbivores have a significant role in tundra ecosystem composition and processes. They can cause changes of vegetation composition and nutrient content that result in altered palatability of the vegetation and food availability for herbivores. The direct effect of herbivores on plant quality and quantity have been studied in detail, and recent studies have shown that present vegetation composition and soil processes might show legacies of historical grazing a century ago. This raises the question if historical grazing also has a legacy on the palatability of the vegetation. In this study, I investigated if the quality of the vegetation of the Historical Milking Grounds (HMGs) heavily grazed up until a century ago is still under influence a century after the heavy grazing has ceased. I focused on the nitrogen content and digestibility of the vegetation, since these should be two independent measures of food quality which, when evaluated together, should give a good estimate of the quality of the forage.

Orientador: Edson Lazarini / Banca: Marco Eustáquio de Sá / Banca: Edson Luiz Mendes Coutinho / Resumo: A busca pela qualidade do solo como base de sustentação do sistema de produção, tem aumentado o desafio de compreender um sistema que, além de reduzir sensivelmente a degradação do meio ambiente, pode permitir maior retorno econômico ao agricultor. Nesse sentido o presente trabalho foi desenvolvido no período de abril de 2005 a abril de 2006, com o objetivo de avaliar na cultura da soja, no sistema de plantio direto, o efeito de diferentes culturas de cobertura e presença ou ausência de adubação orgânica e mineral. O trabalho foi desenvolvido no município de Guararapes-SP (50°39'W, 21°09'S e 412 m de altitude aproximadamente) em um Latossolo Vermelho amarelo, com textura média, sendo cultivado com culturas anuais a partir de 1993. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o em blocos casualizados com 4 repetições, com os tratamentos dispostos em um esquema fatorial 5x2x2, ou seja, 5 culturas de cobertura (milho, milheto, sorgo, braquiária e mamona), cultivadas no período de outono/inverno, na presença e ausência de adubação orgânica (11.512 kg/ha de esterco de galinha), sendo semeado em sucessão, a cultura da soja, cultivar MGBR 46 (Conquista), na presença ou ausência de adubação mineral (500 kg/ha da fórmula 02-20-15). As culturas de cobertura e a soja foram irrigadas pelo sistema pivô central. As avaliações constaram da produção de massa seca das culturas de cobertura, estado nutricional da soja no florescimento pleno, características agronômicas e produção de grãos da soja e características químicas do solo, em diferentes profundidades, após o cultivo da soja. Através dos resultados obtidos, verificou-se que o milho apresentou maior produção de massa seca como cultura de cobertura, mas todas as ...(Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The search for the soil quality as sustentation base of production system, has stimulated the challenge to understand a system that, beyond sensibly reducing the environment degradation, may allows greater economic return to the farmer. Thus, the present work was developed in the period of April 2005 to April 2006, with the objective to evaluate in soybean crop, in no tillage system, the effect of different cover crops and presence or absence of organic and mineral fertilization. The work was developed at the municipal district of Guararapes, State of São Paulo (50°39' W, 21°09' S and 412 m altitude approximately) in a Typic Haplustox, with sandy texture, being cultivated with annual crops since 1993. The exeprimental design used was randomized blocks with four replications, with treatments disposed in a 5x2x2 factorial scheme, i.e., five cover crops (corn, millet, sorghum, braquiaria grass and castor bean), cultivated in the autumn/winter period, in presence and absence of organic fertilization (11,512 kg ha-1 of chicken manure fertilizer), being sowedin succession of soybean crop, MGBR 46 cultivar, in presence or absence of mineral fertilization (500 kg ha-1 of 02-20-15 formula). The cover cultures and soybean had been irrigated by center pivot irrigation systems.The evaluations was cover crops dry matter production, nutritional status in flowering, agronomic characteristics and soybean grain production, soil chemical characteristis, in different depths, after soybean. Through the obtained results, it verified that the corn presents greater dry matter production as cover crop, but all the evaluated cover crops are adjusted to precede soybean; organic fertilization increases cover crop dry matter production, beyond provided significant P, Ca and K increases in 0 to 0.05 and 0.05 to 0.10 m depth and P and K in 0.10 to 0.20 m depth; ...(Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

M. Tech. (Hospitality and Tourism, Faculty of Human Sciences), Vaal University of Technology. / The primary objective of this study was to formulate a multi-mix, which could supply at least one-third of the daily requirements of primary school children, aged six to 13 years. The secondary objective was to ensure the adherence to the criteria of multi-mix formulation, which included affordability, convenient, palatability, culturally acceptable and cost effective, whilst providing high nutritional value for the specified target group. The nutritional criteria included the Index Nutrient Quality (INQ) and Energy Density (ED) requirements, for a specific target group. This study was conducted in Eatonside, an informal settlement situated in Gauteng. A situational analysis previously conducted in Eatonside (Napier 2003) showed that the children between the ages of six and 13 years, were 17% underweight (weight-for-age -2SD from the reference NCHS median), 12,7% were wasted (BMI-for-age -2SD) and 18% stunted (height-for-age -2SD). With the nutritional requirements of children and the most consumed food list, the multi-mix formulation began. Foods from the Top 20 list (Napier 2003), were combined with the ingredients most common within the households, and vegetable gardens already established . Estimated nutritional values were calculated using the food composition tables of South Africa. The ingredients were prepared and chemically analysed to determine the experimental nutritional value and to assess if the nutritional objectives were being achieved. The multi-mix was then combined with other commonly consumed ingredients to form recipes and sensory evaluated by professionals and the primary school children to assess the acceptability of the multi-mix and recipes. The multi-mix and recipe products were then sent for shelf life testing to assess its storage time at room temperature. The results from the nutritional analyses showed nutrient values to be above 30 percent of the Estimated Average Requirements (EAR). The INQ of the targeted nutrients was above 1,0 and the ED at 3,7kcal/g, which was within the 3,6-4,5 kcal/g requirements. The sensory evaluation for the multi-mix recipes had proved favourable response to snack items with preference for sweet products. The final evaluation session resulted in scores of 83.9 percent preference to the biscuit with the sweet muffin scoring 94.5 percent liking, whilst the savoury muffin at 73.1 percent. The average scores for all three recipes were above 80 percent. The multi-mix had a shelf life of minimum one-month, the biscuit, seven days and muffins, only 24 hours, at room temperature. The objectives of cultural acceptability had been achieved through the positive response from the use of ingredients within the community. The multi-mix had been cost effective as the final cost of R1.55, was within the R2.90 spent per person per day, for all three meals (Oidewage-Theron eta/. 2005). Further studies need to be conducted in order to implement the multi-mix into an intervention within the community to assess the effect on nutritional status. This study, aimed to reduce the underlying cause of malnutrition, food insecurity, by improving the nutritional status of children aged six to 13 years with the strengthening of food intake, through the combination of various scant ingredients, a multi-mix, providing maximum nutritional value with small quantities. An advantage of the multi-mix is a lower cost when compared with tablet supplementation on the market and versatility in relation to various recipes. / Vaal University of Technology National Research Foundation