Metropolitan Area Of Curitiba Research Articles

One Health Index (OHI) applied to Curitiba, the ninth-largest metropolitan area of Brazil, with concomitant assessment of animal, environmental, and human health indicators

One Health has been defined as a comprehensive approach to human, animal, and environmental health, but unsuccessful in providing a specific index for city, state, or country assessment. Accordingly, the present study aimed to calculate the One Health Index (OHI) in 29 cities of the Curitiba metropolitan area, the ninth largest in Brazil. Animal and Environmental health indicators were obtained from the city secretary of environment. The social vulnerability index (SVI) was used as the overall human health indicator. The indicators were parameterized following a binary logic Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied in association with city population, per capita income, and distance from the capital Curitiba. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) was applied using the three first coefficients of the principal components obtained from Principal Component Analysis Plot (PCA) and exploring a pairwise comparison between the scenario ranges. A value of p less than 0.05 was considered significant. Overall, a higher OHI was associated with a higher city population and income, and shorter distance from the capital, and tendency of low-income cities to present lower OHI compared to higher-income cities. In conclusion, the OHI proposed herein portrays a holistic representation of a city's overall health. Moreover, animal issues should be considered part of local to global sustainability, considering OHI to calculate sustainability indexes.

Geographic Information Systems supported by multi-criteria decision analysis to indicate potentially suitable areas for construction and demolition waste disposal

In Brazil, the disposal of construction and demolition waste (CDW) quite often occurs in inadequate places, resulting in social, economic, and environmental problems. This reflects the need for selecting appropriate areas for the disposal of this type of waste. These areas must follow local standards and regulations to protect human health and the environment. Considering that, this study is intended to indicate potentially suitable areas for CDW landfill deployment, known as Class A landfill in Brazil, supported by a GIS-MCDA based model. The GIS-MCDA technique, used as a basic tool to identify potentially suitable areas, has several advantages, such as low cost, reduced spatial data subjectivity, and fast decision-making process. The place chosen for this study is the Urban Central Core of the Metropolitan Area of Curitiba. By integrating GIS with MCDA techniques in this research study, it was possible to indicate potentially suitable areas for CDW disposal in this region.

Outlines for accessible routes on sidewalks: a big challenge for small Brazilian cities

Sidewalks in Brazilian cities still have physical conditions that hamper pedestrians to move, especially those citizens with mobility impairments. Despite improvements on legal provisions, aiming to build more accessible cities, its fulfillment is still far from what is desired. The purpose of this paper is to present a method (virtual audit) to support local administrations, in particular of small cities, to define accessible routes on sidewalks. In order to illustrate the method application, it is shown an exploratory study in the Central Business District of Quitandinha municipality, located in Curitiba Metropolitan Area. The method allows a comprehensive knowledge of site problematic, and it is expected to stimulate local administrations to evaluate their sidewalks situation in order to include their suitability in their investment agendas; and regional and federal administrations to develop public policies towards urban environment qualification.

Animal welfare assessment in nine dog shelters of southern Brazil

The present study has tested the Shelter-Quality Protocol (SQ) and its applicability in nine long-term dog shelters in the Curitiba metropolitan area, State of Paraná, southern Brazil. Welfare indicators were scored on three different levels including shelter, pen and dogs. Data were qualitatively analyzed, presenting an average of 66.67 (±27.63) allocated dogs per shelter, receiving only dry food, with meal frequencies varying from once (44.4%), twice a day (33.3%), and ad libitum (22.2%). Water was available ad libitum in 98.5% of pens and was clean in (89.5%) of shelters. Most of the shelters grouped the dogs by size. Animals were kept indoors (41.0%) or entirely outdoors with only close movable shelters (41.3%), from which 78.5% had materials that could hurt the animals. None of the dogs were panting, crowding, or had any stereotypy behavior. No cough, swelling, and ectoparasites were observed. Animals were in satisfactory body-score condition and clean; no lameness was observed. In the human-animal relationship test, 15.3% of animals showed fearful and aggressive reactions. Hence, the level of shelter-quality was feasible and provided relevant information about the Brazilian dog shelter welfare. However, it is important in future studies to include and adopt additional indicators to gather other relevant aspects of dogs' welfare, such as health management, environmental enrichment, dogs' socialization, people involved in the chain, rate of adoption, and turnover of dogs.

Ecological impact and population status of non-native bees in a Brazilian urban environment

Abstract The introduction of species is an important global threat to native ecosystems and yet little is known about invasion risks of non-native bees. Moreover, urbanization is increasing rapidly around the world with impact on the bee fauna. The city of Curitiba (Brazil) could be considered a model system for studies under this scope, with historical samplings and monitoring programs since the 1940s. This paper aims to quantify the current ecological impact of the non-native bee species present in Curitiba by using an integrative measure of impact and to define their current population status by classifying them into a unified framework for biological invasions. Ten sites were actively sampled in the metropolitan area of Curitiba during ten months. In addition to Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758, we found two others non-native species, Anthidium manicatum (Linnaeus, 1758) and Melipona scutellaris Latreille, 1811. None of them changed the native bee community structure, but they got different values of impact due to their ranges and abundances. While the honeybee is a known invasive species, A. manicatum was also considered invasive and has persisted in the city since the 1940s, interacting with the non-native plant Leonurus japonicus Houtt. M. scutellaris, a cultivated stingless bee species, had its first record for the city and fits the casual non-native category. We suggest monitoring the non-native bee species and actions centered on beekeepers to avoid future illegal introductions. The honey production or hobby interest on stingless bees can offer additional obstacles for species conservation when decoupled of scientific knowledge.

Surveillance and Control of Threats in the Public Health System in Brazil: Mapping Managers’ Competencies

Introduction:With the increase in the number and intensity of disasters, integrated risk management has been a subject of discussion in Brazilian health system, in which the local level plays an important role. Competency Mapping of Managers working at a Municipal Health Office from a Metropolitan Area of Curitiba, Southern Brazil was developed.Aim:To describe gaps in core competencies identified for Surveillance and Control of Risks and Threats.Methods:The Public Health Core Competencies contained in the booklet: A Regional Framework for the Americas, of the Pan American Health Organization, originated a semi-structured self-assessment questionnaire. A Likert scale with levels of proficiency (from one to five) was aggregated to the 56 specific core competencies. It was applied to a sample of 78 managers between the months of October 2017 and January 2018. The data obtained were submitted to quantitative analysis. Gaps (Training Priority Degree) were defined according to the grade of importance and expression by means of a arithmetic mean and standard deviation.Results:Gaps were identified for the competencies: Design disaster risk management plans for natural, technological and biological threats so as to mitigate their impact on health (2.82 ± 1.16); Design investment projects for reducing the health risks of disasters (2.8 ±1.07); Provide an immediate response to threats, risks and damage from disasters based on the risk assessment, in order to protect health (2.89 ± 1.13); Plan and execute post-disaster reconstruction, based on the damage identified for the immediate restoration and protection of the population’s health (2.81 ± 1.11).Discussion:The degree of expression for these competencies indicate the need of preparing public health managers for surveillance, by monitoring the exposure of people or population groups to environmental agents, or their effects with an integrated approach to injuries and the etiology of emergencies and disasters.

Detection molecular of Rangelia vitalii in dogs from Parana State, Southern Brazil.

Rangelia vitalii infects erythrocytes, leukocytes and endothelial cells of dogs. The present study aimed to report the molecular detection confirmed by sequencing of R. vitalii in the state of Paraná, as well as describe the clinical, hematological and biochemical alterations of the infected dogs. Three sick dogs from the metropolitan area of Curitiba, PR, Brazil, underwent a physical exam, and laboratory tests included hematology, biochemistry, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and gene sequencing. Clinical signs included apathy, anorexia, and hemorrhage. Intra-erythrocytic and extracellular piroplasms were found on peripheral blood smears from all three dogs. Blood samples from these animals were positive for Babesia sp. by PCR targeting 18S rRNA. PCR products from all three dogs were sequenced, and BLAST analysis showed that the PCR-generated sequences were highly homologous with those of R. vitalii previously reported. Hematologic findings included severe anemia, shift of neutrophils to the regenerative left, and thrombocytopenia. Serum urea levels were increased in all three dogs, and direct bilirubin levels were elevated in one dog.

To pursue a career in accounting or not: a study based on the Theory of Planned Behavior

Abstract This study investigates the intention of 691 students graduating from Accounting courses at public universities in the state of Paraná to pursue a career in the area of accounting, based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. For the analysis, the sample was divided into ten mesoregions according to the criteria of the Paranaense Institute for Economic and Social Development (Ipardes). The data collected were treated using descriptive statistics and structural equations techniques. The research hypotheses were corroborated in most of the mesoregions and the main findings show that attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control variables affect the students' intention to pursue a career in the area of accounting. The samples for six mesoregions (1. Curitiba Metropolitan Area, 2. East Center, 4. North Central, 5. Northwest, 6. West, and 9. South Center), in which the three hypotheses were corroborated, represent the largest and most developed cities in Paraná. The results in the ten mesoregions studied explain an intention variance of between 27.84% and 64.31%. The findings of this research contribute to understanding the profiles of accounting graduates from public institutions in the state of Paraná, providing elements to support the managers of the institutions in analyzing and elaborating differentiated strategies in relation to course curricula and approaches, according to the particular region. In addition, regulatory agencies can use these findings as a basis for in-depth research on the variables that influence the intentions of future professionals and to develop policies that guide institutions in developing courses with more adequate and consistent content for the market.

ANÁLISE SOCIOECONÔMICA DA PRODUÇÃO DE CAPÍTULOS FLORAIS E ÓLEO ESSENCIAL DE CULTIVARES DE CAMOMILA

A camomila [Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rauschert] é uma das plantas medicinais mais cultivadas e utilizadas no Brasil e no mundo. A cultivar Mandirituba apresentou a melhor produtividade de capítulos florais, óleo essencial e o melhor rendimento econômico entre as cultivares de camomila analisadas, e também quando comparada com culturas anuais de soja, milho e trigo exploradas na região metropolitana de Curitiba. A melhor alternativa econômica para o agricultor familiar é a comercialização do produto seco (capítulos florais e camomila mista) para as indústrias de chás e farmacêuticas. A cultura contribui para o desenvolvimento regional, através dos benefícios econômicos e sociais aos produtores e municípios pela alta renda por área e uso intensivo de mão de obra em todas as fases da cultura e uma excelente alternativa de produção de baixo impacto ambiental.

PARASITOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF CRESS (NASTURTIUM OFFICINALE, BARBAREA VERNA E LEPIDIUM SATIVUM) SAMPLES FROM CURITIBA AREA, BRAZIL

Food-borne parasite infections affect communities worldwide by transmitting microorganisms, imposing a serious risk to human and animal health. The aim of this study was to analyze the parasitological contamination in cress (Nasturtium officinale, Barbarea verna e Lepidium sativum) from various establishments in the metropolitan area of Curitiba, State of Parana. We analyzed 50 cress samples using the wash and centrifugation technique and the sedimentation method. Among the samples, 6 presented trophozoites of Balantidium coli, cyst of Entamoeba coli and parasites of Stronylidae and Trichuridae Family and 14 samples were contaminated with maggots, slugs and snails. Factors related to this parasitological contamination may be the failure in the quality of water used for irrigation, and the planting, storage and the distribution of the plants. As these vegetables are mainly eaten in natura, we recommend the inclusion of safety procedures along the entire process to protect the health of consumers, since vegetables can be a zoonosis transmitter vehicle. Food-borne parasite infections affect communities worldwide by transmitting microorganisms, imposing a serious risk to human and animal health. The aim of this study was to analyze the parasitological contamination in cress ( Nasturtium officinale, Barbarea verna e Lepidium sativum ) from various establishments in the metropolitan area of Curitiba, State of Parana. We analyzed 50 cress samples using the wash and centrifugation technique and the sedimentation method. Among the samples, 6 presented trophozoites of Balantidium coli , cyst of Entamoeba coli and parasites of Stronylidae and Trichuridae Family and 14 samples were contaminated with maggots, slugs and snails. Factors related to this parasitological contamination may be the failure in the quality of water used for irrigation, and the planting, storage and the distribution of the plants. As these vegetables are mainly eaten in natura, we recommend the inclusion of safety procedures along the entire process to protect the health of consumers, since vegetables can be a zoonosis transmitter vehicle.

AVALIAÇÃO DA COBERTURA DE MADEIRA DE UMA EDIFICAÇÃO HISTÓRICA – CASA DA CULTURA DA COLÔNIA MURICI – SÃO JOSÉ DOS PINHAIS - PR

O objetivo desse estudo foi a realização de uma avaliação estrutural das condições da resistência mecânica e do estado de conservação da estrutura de madeira da Casa da Cultura, edifício histórico da Colônia Murici, município de São José dos Pinhais, região metropolitana de Curitiba - PR. A avaliação estrutural foi realizada de acordo com as normas ABNT NBR 7190 (1997) - Projeto de estruturas de madeira e ABNT NBR 6123 (1988) - Forças devidas ao vento em edificações, e o diagnóstico visual seguiu as recomendações da norma italiana UNI 11119 (2004). Os resultados obtidos demonstraram danos pontuais causados por degradação física e por ataque de agentes biológicos. A partir da análise visual, um mapa detalhado dos pontos e agentes de degradação foi produzido. Através dos cálculos foi possível concluir que ainda que houvesse alterações de geometria, a estrutura ainda apresentaria resistência e não comprometeria a segurança de seus usuários. Identificaram-se, através da análise visual, insetos da ordem Coleoptera, além de fungos de podridão-parda e de podridão-mole. Porém, é recomendada a inspeção periódica para controlar o decréscimo da seção transversal do elemento estrutural para evitar o colapso da estrutura e garantir a preservação deste patrimônio.

Impact of a 3-year pet management program on pet population and owner’s perception

Although pet population management programs have been established worldwide, few reports on program evaluation have been carried out to date. Accordingly, a 3-year longitudinal study has been carried out in a 4000 household neighborhood located within the metropolitan area of Curitiba, the eighth most populated city of Brazil. Visits were conducted and questionnaires completed to estimate and characterize the local pet population (animal sex, reproductive and vaccination status, street access). Care provided by owners, community perception on stray dog management and the possible changes were compared in these variables over time (2010 and 2013) were evaluated, after the establishment of a city pet population management program. In addition, associations between having children, owning dogs and cats, responsible pet ownership education and owner’s perception on stray dogs were statistically tested. A total of 354/4000 (8.9%) household families were interviewed in 2010 and 70/354 (19.8%) of the same families again in 2013. No significant changes were found in overall number of dogs and cats and average pet age, animal care and owner’s perception on stray dogs following the 3-year population management program. In 2010, an average of 1.6 dogs and 0.3 cats were found per family, with slightly more females (51.3% dogs and 51.1% cats), adults (4.0±3.5years for dogs and 2.1±2.4 for cats), intact (not neutered; 94.2% dogs and 84.0% cats) and lacking regular visit to veterinarian (71.6%). Although more families (53.1%) had children under 12 years old, no association was found between having children and having dogs and cats. Questionnaires revealed that owners perceived neutering/spaying to be the best pet population control method (42.4%), with “society” (50%) and “government” (49.4%) as responsible for pet population management. A significant positive association has been found between education level and the best way to control stray dogs (p=0.03), between having dogs and in favor of neutering/spaying (p=0.04) and considering neutering/spaying as the best control method (p=0.02). The chances of thinking the best way to control stray dogs by neutering/spaying and adoption were almost 2.0 fold higher than other methods. In conclusion, the present study has provided indicators (education level, having dogs) for pet population control program assessment and effectiveness evaluation. Moreover, this study may serve as a warning on the real long-term effect of such programs, which should be periodically evaluated to identify necessary adjustments and/or improvements.

Nutritional composition of school meals serving children from 7 to 36 months of age in municipal day-care centres in the metropolitan area of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.

The Brazilian National School Feeding Program (PNAE) seeks to meet student's nutritional needs during the period they remain in school. This study aimed to determine the nutritional composition of meals provided in municipal day-care centres serving children of 7-11 months (group A) and 12-36 months (group B) of age and to compare observed values with the PNAE's and dietary reference intakes' (DRI) recommendations. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 4 day-care centres in the metropolitan area of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, between June and November 2013. Food samples of six daily meals were collected during 20 non-consecutive days, totalling 120 samples. For each meal, average served and consumed portions were submitted for laboratory analysis of moisture, ash, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, dietary fibre, Na, Ca and Fe and compared with the PNAE's and DRI's values. No statistically significant difference was found between age groups (P=0·793) regarding portion sizes and nutritional composition. The same menu was offered to both groups in 95 % of the meals (n 114), although the groups' nutritional needs were different. For group A, served meals met PNAE's recommendations for energy, carbohydrates, proteins, Na and Ca content, and consumed portions provided 70 % of the nutritional needs for carbohydrates, proteins and Ca. For group B, served portions complied with the PNAE's values for proteins, Na and Ca. Proteins and Na reached 70 % of the nutritional needs when consumed food was evaluated. School feeding in day-care centres partially meet PNAE's guidelines and children's nutritional requirements, contradicting the primary objective established by the national programme.

Intersected ruralities: "Campeiro" youth and narratives of self and other in social media

This article presents current research on gender and identity among youth who take part in the campeiro cultural circuit in the Curitiba metropolitan area. We look specifically at the narratives that these youth formulate through use of social media, focusing on how they represent masculinity and femininity, sexuality and the body, consumption, cultural identities and leisure interests. Based on a study of young men and women and their Facebook profiles, linked to a broader project of ethnographic research, we argue that social media facilitate their participation in wider fields of discourse circulation, offering an opportunity and perhaps even encouraging them to express themselves in ways that partially disrupt conventional "traditionalist" patterns and ideals.

Determination of total phenolic compounds in yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) combining near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and multivariate analysis

A quick method to determine the content of phenolic compounds (TPC) in yerba mate based on near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) was studied aiming to provide reductions of cost and analysis time for the mate industry without generating laboratory effluents. A total of 111 samples of yerba mate from different regions of the State of Paraná, Brazil (Southeast, South Central and Metropolitan Area of Curitiba) was analyzed by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The average contents of TPC found were 84.82, 133.31 and 37.00 mg g−1, respectively. The samples were separated into three groups (regarding the different growing regions) using the principal component analysis (PCA). Models were developed using partial least squares (PLS) and some preprocessing strategies of the spectral data were evaluated. The best result was obtained by Multiplicative Scatter Correction (MSC) and first derivative with six latent variables. The best model presented a correlation coefficient of 0.81 with a prediction error of 12%. The results showed that NIR can be applied as an efficient method for the assessment of TPC, which allows classifying samples in relation to its origin of planting, processing and agronomic practices applied, aiding the decision of referral and use of yerba mate in different final products.

Portuguese

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14244/19827199598 The objective of this study was to investigate the potential for using mathematical modeling as a tool in the education of prisoners. The study group was composed of prisoners from the Penitentiary System of Parana State, Brazil, in the metropolitan area of Curitiba. Our research proposal was based on qualitative methodology from an action-research perspective. It was conducted with six prisoner-students enrolled in the State Center for Basic Education for Youth and Adults “Dr. Mario Faraco”, which is a formal education system for youth and adults that operates within all the penal units in the metropolitan region of Curitiba, under the auspices of the Penitentiary Department of Parana State. The use of mathematical modeling involved the students in the framing of questions, collection of data and other information, and analyses and interpretation of results. These activities helped the students develop creative and critical skills, and increased their self-esteem, intuition and curiosity, which are important factors for re-socialization. The interaction with information and data, using mathematical modeling as a tool, and the resulting discussions helped the students realize the value of academic learning for analysis and interpretation in daily life and society. The results of the research demonstrate that, under the right conditions, mathematical modeling can be a valuable tool in the education of prisoners. Keywords: Mathematics education, Mathematical modeling, Learning and teaching, Prison.

Measurements of 222Rn activity in well water of the Curitiba metropolitan area (Brazil)

Abstract Considering that 222Rn activity concentration in well water can contribute to indoor radon concentration levels, which represent a radiation risk for the public, measurements of 226Ra and 222Rn activity in well water in Curitiba, Parana State, Brazil were performed. Each water sample was submitted to four measurements for radon concentration over an interval of three days. After two months, the same samples were submitted again to 222Rn concentration measurements with the objective of indirectly evaluating the amount of 226Ra in them. The 222Rn concentration measurements were performed with an AlphaGUARD radon monitor (SAPHYMO), and the 226Ra concentration was evaluated with the decay curves of 222Rn. Within a few hours after extraction, about 70% of water samples from monitored wells presented 222Rn concentration values above the limit of 11.1 Bq/L recommended by the EPA of the United States. The obtained activity values varied between 1.6 Bq/L and 215 Bq/L for radon concentration, and radium concentrations deviated within an interval of 0.50 Bq/L and 6.8 Bq/L. The results reveal that the biggest part of 222Rn found in water samples originated not from soluble 226Ra compounds but from gas exhalation by the soil and rocks adjacent to the well. The results point to the necessity of mitigation procedure development for better control of global alpha radioactivity in drinking water.

Incidence of canine leptospirosis in the metropolitan area of Curitiba, State of Parana, Southern Brazil

The incidence of canine leptospirosis in Brazil needs to be assessed. The same dogs in southern Brazil were sampled over two years to determine the prevalence, incidence and association of canine leptospirosis with various risk factors. In 2009, the prevalence was 33 (14.4%) of 228 dogs, with a predominance of serovar Canicola (33.4%). In 2010, 90 dogs were re-evaluated (the remaining dogs were lost to deaths, address changes and donations), and the prevalence was found to be 35 (38.9%) of 90, with the predominant serovar being Icterohaemorrhagiae (51.4%). Moreover, the incidence was 26 of 90 (28.9%), and the disease was statistically associated with age (2009) and street access (2010). Our findings revealed instability in the dog population and age to be relevant risk factors for canine leptospirosis.

Simulação numérica do comportamento térmico do reservatório do Rio Verde

Mudanças na temperatura da água e na dinâmica de estratificação térmica podem causar efeitos negativos sobre os processos físicos, químicos e biológicos de reservatórios. A variação da temperatura afeta a densidade da água e, como consequência, altera os processos de transporte. Um modelo unidimensional de transferência de calor é utilizado para simular a temperatura do reservatório do Rio Verde, localizado na região metropolitana de Curitiba, Estado do Paraná. Na solução da equação, usou-se o método de diferenças finitas. O modelo foi calibrado e validado por meio dos dados de dois meses: julho de 2009 e março de 2010. Os resultados mostram uma boa concordância entre os valores simulados e observados. Esses resultados ainda permitem avaliar as relações da profundidade da termoclina com a radiação solar e a velocidade do vento.

Impact of demographic characteristics in pet ownership: Modeling animal count according to owners income and age

Pet owner characteristics such as age, gender, income/social class, marital status, rural/urban residence and household type have been shown to be associated with the number of owned pets. However, few studies to date have attempted to evaluate these associations in Brazil. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to evaluate the association between age and income of owners and the number of owned dogs and cats in a Brazilian urban center. Pinhais, metropolitan area of Curitiba, Southern Brazil, the seventh largest city in Brazil, was chosen for this study. Questionnaires were administered door-to-door between January and February 2007 and data were analyzed by zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) models. A total of 13,555 of 30,380 (44.62%) households were interviewed. The majority (62.43%) of households reported having one or more dogs, with one or two dogs being the most common (29.97% and 19.71%, respectively). Cat ownership per household was much lower (P=0.001) than dog ownership, with 90% of the households reported having no owned cats. ZINB analyses indicated that income is not associated with the number of both dogs and cats among households that have pets. However, households from higher income categories were more likely to have dogs (but not cats) when compared to the lowest income category (P<0.05), contradicting a common belief that the poorer the family, the more likely they have pets. Certain age categories were significantly associated with the number of dogs or cats in households that have pets. In addition, most age categories were significantly associated with having dogs and/or cats (P<0.05). In conclusion, our study has found that age but not household income is associated with the number of dogs or cats in households that have pets; higher income households were more likely to have dogs when compared to low-income households.