Improving the efficiency of a Pre- Rinse Spray Valve (PRSV) is one of the most cost effective water conservation methods in the Food Services Industry. A significant contributor to this cost efficiency is the reduction in the energy costs required to provide the mandatory hot water. This research paper estimates the potential quantity and dollar value of the water and energy that can be saved annually in Texas A&M University's dining services with the installation of low flow pre-rinse spray valves. The data collection was obtained from four of Texas A&M University's Dining Services facilities. The annual savings were estimated by contrasting the water consumption of the existing T & S Brass B 0107-M PRSVs with the latest and most advanced available low flow T and S Brass B 0107-C PRSV. The annual water consumption of the existing and new PRSVs were predicted by measuring an individual average flow rate for each and observing the number of hours per day the PRSV would be used. The observed and measured values were extrapolated to amount rates to determine cost savings. The dollar value was ascertained using the utility cost data recorded over a semester by the Facilities Coordinator of the Department of Dining Services. The findings of this study show that the water savings from a single PRSV could lead to an estimated annual saving ranging between 46% and 78% of the current operation cost. The T & S Brass B 0107-C PRSV is currently priced between $52- $60 per valve resulting in a payback period ranging between 1.5-6 months per valve. If every valve on campus was replaced, the University could reap a savings in the range of $ 5,400- $22,590 over the 5 year useful life of the valve, having initially invested less than $550.

The purpose of the present study is to determine the effect of three "non-rinse" washing compounds upon the tensile strength of cotton percale, in order to have some basis for recommendation as to use when teaching laundering to homemaking students and homemakers.

Carolina Rinse (CRS) has been shown to be effective in decreasing vascular permeability and neutrophil infiltration in reperfused equine small intestine. The objective of this study was to show that CRS applied topically and intraluminally could prevent immediate reperfusion injury after low flow ischemia or distention in the equine jejunum. Materials & Methods: Two groups of 5 horses were used to evaluate CRS treatment after low-flow ischemia (Group 1) and intraluminal distention (Group 2) of distal jejunum. Mesenteric blood flow, osmotic reflection coefficient (ORC), wet weight to dry weight ratios (WW/DW), and neutrophil accumulation in the serosa were measured. ORC is defined as the lymph protein concentration to plasma protein concentration ratio subtracted from one (1- Cl / Cp) at maximal lymph flow. The ORC from baseline values and at 60 minutes after initiating reperfusion was compared between Groups 1 and 2. Pair wise comparisons were made for mesenteric blood flow, tissue volume, neutrophil number, and WW/DW proximal control and CRS treated jejunal segments were made using a Mann Whitney U test (P< 0.05). Results: The mean ORC of bowel treated topically and intraluminally with CRS was similar to that recorded in normal bowel or ischemic intestine treated with CRS by arterial perfusion. The ORC after distention and decompression increased and was similar to that reported in untreated intestine. The WW/DW after both ischemia and distention increased compared to the proximal control segments. There was no difference in neutrophil number in either ischemic or distended intestine compared to the proximal control segments. Discussion: Carolina CRS was effective in preventing alterations in microvascular permeability during reperfusion afterischemia but not distention. Neutrophil migration curtailed in both groups suggesting that combined topical and intraluminal application of CRS to ischemic intestine may reduce the acute inflammatory responses during reperfusion thereby decreasing complications after ischemia or distention. / Master of Science

The aim of the diploma thesis is to analyse marketing strategy of Listerine Smart Rinse and recommend possible improvements into the future. Theoretical part is divided into three chapters. The first chapter deals with the essence of marketing and definition of marketing process. The second chapter covers brand policy and the importance of brand in marketing. The third chapter offers basic theoretical approaches for the formulation of product, pricing, promotional and distribution strategy which are applied in the practical part. The theoretical part is followed by analysis of Listerine Smart Rinse strategy in terms of 4Ps -- product, price, promotional and distribution policy. Based on the findings there are recommendations offered in the last chapter to improve marketing strategy for the future.

Title: An assessment of the effectiveness of Andolex-C ® mouth rinse on oral palliation in HIV-infected patients. Background: The majority of HIV-infected patients present with oral lesions associated with the disease. HIV-infected patients experience profound disorders like oral infections and ulcerations, discomfort and greater levels of social impact than non-HIV patients as a result of oral lesions. Studies have indicated that mouth pain is a significant symptom reported by HIV-infected patients. In order to relieve pain and discomfort and improve quality of life, management of HIV-infected patients should include relief of mouth pain, discomfort as well as the social and psychological distress caused by the oral lesions. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of oral lesions associated with HIV among a cohort of HIV-infected patients. To assess the effectiveness of Andolex-C® mouth rinse on oral palliation in HIV-infected patients. Methods: The intervention of Andolex C® mouth rinse plus a proven preventive oral hygiene regimen was compared to an established oral hygiene intervention. Two hundred and ninety nine patients were randomly assigned into Groups 1 and 2. Patients in Group 1 were given toothbrushes and toothpaste and oral hygiene instruction ‘routine oral hygiene package’. Those in Group 2 received Andolex-C® mouth rinse in addition to the ‘routine oral hygiene package’ given to the first group. A baseline assessment of mouth pain and/or discomfort was done via a clinical examination and an assessment of quality of life was done using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) questionnaire. The intervention was carried out over a four week period after which a follow-up assessment was done using the same tools. Comparison of baseline versus post-treatment scores was performed to determine impact of intervention in both groups. Results: The prevalence of combined candidal lesions was 71.6% of which Pseudomembranous candidiasis was 43.2%. Erythematous candidiasis and angular cheilitis were the next commonly seen, each with an equal prevalence of 14.2 %. Group 2 (Andolex-C® mouth rinse) showed a statistically significant improvement in quality of life on all subscales related to functioning, pain, psychological and social aspects when using the OHIP index. The patients demonstrated substantial reduction of [64%] of mouth pain and/or discomfort and a 73% reduction of oral lesions compared to Group 1 where there was a much smaller [22%] reduction of mouth pain and/or discomfort and a 40% reduction of the oral lesions. Conclusion: Andolex-C® mouth rinse improved the quality of life of HIV-infected patients who presented with mouth pain and/or discomfort and demonstrated that in combination with proper oral care and good hygiene habits, this regimen could be recommended for oral palliation in HIV positive patients.

Em processos de eletrodeposição, substâncias à base de cianeto são empregadas como complexantes e portadores do metal a ser depositado. Entretanto, a toxicidade associada ao cianeto e a evolução das legislações ambiental e trabalhista impulsionaram a exploração de matérias-primas alternativas aos sais cianídricos. Um estudo desenvolvido no Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas avaliou a modificação de um banho comercial isento de cianeto para processos de deposição de cobre em substratos de Zamac. Neste estudo, foi utilizado um banho à base do ácido 1,hidroxietano-1,1- difosfônico, ou HEDP, um composto orgânico capaz de formar complexos estáveis com íons metálicos. Para viabilizar a substituição do cianeto pelo HEDP, deve-se consolidar uma metodologia para o tratamento do efluente gerado nas operações que o envolvam. A técnica de eletrodiálise surge como uma alternativa considerada limpa, que dispensa mudanças de fase e adição de produtos químicos ao processo. O método consiste na utilização de membranas íon-seletivas para promover a separação de espécies iônicas entre soluções utilizando a diferença de potencial elétrico entre dois pólos como força motriz. Neste trabalho, avaliou-se a aplicação da eletrodiálise no tratamento de um efluente galvânico à base de HEDP. Foram utilizadas soluções sintéticas simulando as águas de lavagem de um banho toque composto por complexos de cobre e HEDP. A construção das curvas de polarização permitiu a determinação da densidade de corrente limite a ser empregada na eletrodiálise. Nos ensaios de eletrodiálise, foi avaliada a extração percentual dos íons de cobre e de HEDP das soluções sintéticas. As membranas utilizadas também foram analisadas para investigação de possíveis alterações estruturais. Os resultados mostraram extração de até 99,7% de cobre e 94,4% de HEDP, possibilitando o reaproveitamento das soluções tratadas nos tanques de lavagem e, simultaneamente, a reutilização dos íons extraídos, compensando perdas por arraste. As análises químicas comprovaram a presença de complexos aniônicos formados entre o cobre e o HEDP. A alteração na acidez do meio permite a separação deste complexo e a recuperação de cobre e de HEDP em compartimentos separados. As análises realizadas por MEV/EDS mostraram a presença de picos de cobre e fósforo nas superfícies das membranas. A avaliação feita por um processo de lixiviação indicou a ocorrência de depósitos nas superfícies das membranas. Os incrementos na acidez das soluções finais indicam recuperação do HEDP e as análises de foto-oxidação do ácido orgânico apontaram degradação inferior a 7% nos ensaios avaliados. / In electroplating processes, cyanide-based substances are used as complexing agents and as raw materials in form of metal salts. However, the toxicity associated with cyanide and the evolution of environmental and employment laws have been promoting research for the development of new raw materials in electroplating processes. A study conducted at the Institute for Technological Research evaluated the modification of commercial cyanide free bath for processes of copper coating on zinc alloys. In the performed study, a news alkaline copper bath was formulated using 1 hydroxyethane-1, 1 diphosphonic, or HEDP, an organic compound known for forming stable complexes with metal ions. To support the replacement of cyanide, it becomes necessary to consolidate a methodology for treatment of the wastewaters generated by operations involving HEDP. Electrodialysis is considered a clean technology which dispenses phase changes and the addition of chemicals to the treatment process. The method consists in the use of ion-selective membranes to promote the separation of ionic species from solutions, using as driving force the difference of electrical potential between two electrodes. In this study the application of electrodialysis in the treatment of electroplating wastewaters containing HEDP was evaluated. Synthetic solutions were prepared, simulating the rinsing water from a bath composed of copper and HEDP complexes. The construction of the current-voltage-curves allowed the determination of the limiting current density applied in the electrodialysis stack. During electrodialysis, the percentage of extraction of copper and HEDP from synthetic solutions were evaluated. The membranes used were analyzed to investigate possible structural changes. The results showed extracting rates up to 99,7% copper and 94,4% HEDP, allowing the reuse of solutions in rinse steps and simultaneously reuse of copper and HEDP ions to compensate drag-out losses. Chemical analysis confirmed the presence of anionic complexes formed between copper and HEDP. The decrease of pH allows the separation of these complexes and the recovery of copper and HEDP in separate compartments. The results of SEM/EDS analysis of membranes showed the presence of peaks of copper and phosphorus. The analysis made by a leaching process showed the occurrence of deposits on the membranes surface. The increases in acidity of the final solutions indicate recovery of HEDP and the photooxidation analysis indicated degradation of the organic acid under 7% in evaluated samples.

Magister Chirurgiae Dentium (MChD) / Chlorhexidine has been established as the gold standard against which new chemical plaque control agents are tested (Jones, 1997). The addition of alcohol in a chlorhexidine mouthwash had been widely used, however the comparative efficacy of alcohol free chlorhexidine mouthwash had not fully been explored in this study, two chlorhexidine mouthwash preparations were tested to evaluate their comparative efficacy in the treatment of periodontal disease. Aims: To assess the efficacy of alcohol-free chlorhexidine mouth wash in comparison to alcohol containing chlorhexidine mouth wash. Objectives: To determine pre- and post- operative clinical parameters and microbial load in the management of patients with chronic periodontitis. Methodology: A double blinded randomised control trial was conducted. Patients diagnosed with active chronic periodontitis were included in the study and randomised to either a test (chlorhexidine without alcohol) or control group (chlorhexidine with alcohol). A total of 50 patients were selected for the study. Results: The Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was used to test the difference between the pre-post pair per clinical indicator and Bana-Zyme. The differences between before and after treatment per indicator were significant at P<0.001 for respectively Paroex and Peridex. These values demonstrated the difference between the clinical parameters taken before the treatment and six weeks post treatment. Conclusion: Both mouth wash solutions with and without alcohol had proven to reduce the microbial load as shown by the BANA-Zyme test, with the alcohol containing solution having been more effective.

Em processos de eletrodeposição, substâncias à base de cianeto são empregadas como complexantes e portadores do metal a ser depositado. Entretanto, a toxicidade associada ao cianeto e a evolução das legislações ambiental e trabalhista impulsionaram a exploração de matérias-primas alternativas aos sais cianídricos. Um estudo desenvolvido no Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas avaliou a modificação de um banho comercial isento de cianeto para processos de deposição de cobre em substratos de Zamac. Neste estudo, foi utilizado um banho à base do ácido 1,hidroxietano-1,1- difosfônico, ou HEDP, um composto orgânico capaz de formar complexos estáveis com íons metálicos. Para viabilizar a substituição do cianeto pelo HEDP, deve-se consolidar uma metodologia para o tratamento do efluente gerado nas operações que o envolvam. A técnica de eletrodiálise surge como uma alternativa considerada limpa, que dispensa mudanças de fase e adição de produtos químicos ao processo. O método consiste na utilização de membranas íon-seletivas para promover a separação de espécies iônicas entre soluções utilizando a diferença de potencial elétrico entre dois pólos como força motriz. Neste trabalho, avaliou-se a aplicação da eletrodiálise no tratamento de um efluente galvânico à base de HEDP. Foram utilizadas soluções sintéticas simulando as águas de lavagem de um banho toque composto por complexos de cobre e HEDP. A construção das curvas de polarização permitiu a determinação da densidade de corrente limite a ser empregada na eletrodiálise. Nos ensaios de eletrodiálise, foi avaliada a extração percentual dos íons de cobre e de HEDP das soluções sintéticas. As membranas utilizadas também foram analisadas para investigação de possíveis alterações estruturais. Os resultados mostraram extração de até 99,7% de cobre e 94,4% de HEDP, possibilitando o reaproveitamento das soluções tratadas nos tanques de lavagem e, simultaneamente, a reutilização dos íons extraídos, compensando perdas por arraste. As análises químicas comprovaram a presença de complexos aniônicos formados entre o cobre e o HEDP. A alteração na acidez do meio permite a separação deste complexo e a recuperação de cobre e de HEDP em compartimentos separados. As análises realizadas por MEV/EDS mostraram a presença de picos de cobre e fósforo nas superfícies das membranas. A avaliação feita por um processo de lixiviação indicou a ocorrência de depósitos nas superfícies das membranas. Os incrementos na acidez das soluções finais indicam recuperação do HEDP e as análises de foto-oxidação do ácido orgânico apontaram degradação inferior a 7% nos ensaios avaliados. / In electroplating processes, cyanide-based substances are used as complexing agents and as raw materials in form of metal salts. However, the toxicity associated with cyanide and the evolution of environmental and employment laws have been promoting research for the development of new raw materials in electroplating processes. A study conducted at the Institute for Technological Research evaluated the modification of commercial cyanide free bath for processes of copper coating on zinc alloys. In the performed study, a news alkaline copper bath was formulated using 1 hydroxyethane-1, 1 diphosphonic, or HEDP, an organic compound known for forming stable complexes with metal ions. To support the replacement of cyanide, it becomes necessary to consolidate a methodology for treatment of the wastewaters generated by operations involving HEDP. Electrodialysis is considered a clean technology which dispenses phase changes and the addition of chemicals to the treatment process. The method consists in the use of ion-selective membranes to promote the separation of ionic species from solutions, using as driving force the difference of electrical potential between two electrodes. In this study the application of electrodialysis in the treatment of electroplating wastewaters containing HEDP was evaluated. Synthetic solutions were prepared, simulating the rinsing water from a bath composed of copper and HEDP complexes. The construction of the current-voltage-curves allowed the determination of the limiting current density applied in the electrodialysis stack. During electrodialysis, the percentage of extraction of copper and HEDP from synthetic solutions were evaluated. The membranes used were analyzed to investigate possible structural changes. The results showed extracting rates up to 99,7% copper and 94,4% HEDP, allowing the reuse of solutions in rinse steps and simultaneously reuse of copper and HEDP ions to compensate drag-out losses. Chemical analysis confirmed the presence of anionic complexes formed between copper and HEDP. The decrease of pH allows the separation of these complexes and the recovery of copper and HEDP in separate compartments. The results of SEM/EDS analysis of membranes showed the presence of peaks of copper and phosphorus. The analysis made by a leaching process showed the occurrence of deposits on the membranes surface. The increases in acidity of the final solutions indicate recovery of HEDP and the photooxidation analysis indicated degradation of the organic acid under 7% in evaluated samples.

Salmonella has been studied and researched for more than a hundred years and yet it remains a problem for human and animal health. The goal of this dissertation was to apply the systems thinking approach to Salmonella contamination and develop a System Dynamics (SD) simulation model for Salmonella contamination in the chill tank of a poultry processing plant. But first the appropriate carcass rinse sampling method that would not impact on the resulting Salmonella contamination status of the broiler carcass was studied. Kappa agreement analysis was used to evaluate three sampling methods. The adjacent rinse method was found to be the best method. In the absence of actual data, literature data was used to develop a literature-based SD simulation model of Salmonella contamination of broiler carcasses in the chill tank. The literature-based SD model is the first application of system dynamics simulation modeling in the poultry-processing field. The model was able to show and simulate the dynamic and non-linear interrelationships between parameters, namely pH, chlorine (Cl) level, water flow and turbidity. Actual data collection was done using a specially designed apparatus that recorded the time, temperature, pH, chlorine, water flow and turbidity in the chill tank as carcass rinse samples were collected. Linear regression analysis was used to identify the statistically significant models for relationships between the parameters in the chill tank. Finally, the data was analyzed using logistic regression to determine the association between the parameters in the chill tank and the occurrence of Salmonellaa in carcasses exiting the chill tank. These results were used to develop a data-based SD model. The data-based model was then validated using the validity tests proposed by various authors for SD simulation models and found to be a valid model. The developed model offers a fresh perspective to the problem of Salmonella contamination- to view it as a system of factors that are interrelated and have a feedback mechanism, rather than the traditional concept of linear causation. The developed model is a powerful cost efficient tool for testing interventions for reducing Salmonella contamination in the poultry processing plant.

Campylobacter is a foodborne pathogen commonly found in live poultry and raw poultry products. Identifying areas of contamination or modes of transmission during commercial processing can lead to strategies to reduce the level of Campylobacter on finished products. Monitoring levels of airborne Campylobacter may be useful for identifying the presence or relative concentration of the pathogen in a processing plant environment. In this study, air sampling was used to detect and quantify Campylobacter in a commercial chicken processing plant by location within the plant and collection time during the day. Air was sampled from evisceration and post-chill areas in a poultry processing plant on four days and at 4 hour intervals onto Campy-Cefex agar plates or gelatin filters that were subsequently transferred to Campy-Cefex agar plates. Additionally, pre-evisceration and post-chill carcass rinses were analyzed quantitatively for Campylobacter. The mean level of airborne Campylobacter was 5 CFU/1000L of air sampled (10% samples positive) in comparison with 413 CFU/mL from carcass rinses (70% samples positive). Higher concentrations were found in carcass rinse samples from pre-evisceration. Airborne Campylobacter was detected from the evisceration area more frequently than from the post-chill carcass area of the plant (P < 0.05). This study shows that airborne Campylobacter can be quantified with a selective agar and with gelatin filter collection. Further research is needed to prove the utility of airborne detection of Campylobacter for estimating the relative contamination level of live poultry flocks and the processing plant environment and the potential for cross-contamination. / Master of Science in Life Sciences