RESUMO Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar o impacto de programas comerciais de resfriamento rápido na qualidade físico-química de mangas ‘Rosa’. O estudo foi realizado em um packing house de mangas na região do Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina, PE, Brasil, entre Agosto e Outubro de 2018. O experimento seguiu um delineamento em blocos casualizados com três repetições e um palete por repetição. Os tratamentos foram organizados em esquema fatorial 2 × 2 × 3 (dois tempos de resfriamento rápido [120 e 240 min] × dois tempos de armazenamento x três posições no palete). Sessenta mangas foram distribuídas proporcionalmente em três camadas de diferentes alturas em cada um dos seis paletes. Três paletes foram submetidos ao resfriamento rápido por 120 min e outros três por 240 min. Todas as frutas foram armazenadas por 7 e 14 dias a 6 °C mais três dias de vida de prateleira a 20 °C. Independentemente do programa de resfriamento e da posição da fruta no palete, o tempo de resfriamento de sete oitavos (SECT) não foi alcançado. A acidez titulável do fruto com 240 min de resfriamento rápido diminuiu significativamente após 14 dias de armazenamento refrigerado. A perda de peso das frutas, a firmeza da polpa, a matéria seca e o teor de sólidos solúveis não foram afetados pelos programas de resfriamento rápido, tanto após o armazenamento quanto durante a vida de prateleira. O programa comercial de resfriamento rápido pode ser executado por 120 min.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to verify the impact of commercial fast-cooling programs on physicochemical quality of ‘Rosa’ mangoes. The study was carried out in a mango packing house in the São Francisco Valley region, Petrolina, PE, Brazil, between August and October 2018. The experiment followed a randomized block design, with three replicates and one pallet per replicate. The treatments were organized in a factorial scheme 2 × 2 × 3 (two fast-cooling times [120 and 240 min] × two storage times x three positions in the pallet). Sixty mangoes were proportionally distributed in three layers at different heights on each of the six pallets. Three pallets were subjected to fast cooling for 120 min and the other three for 240 min. All fruits were stored for 7 and 14 days at 6 °C plus three days of shelf-life at 20 °C. Regardless of cooling program and fruit position in the pallet, the seven-eighths cooling time (SECT) was not attained. The titratable acidity of fruits under 240-min fast cooling decreased significantly after 14 days of cold storage. Fruit weight loss, pulp firmness, dry matter, and soluble solids content were not affected by the fast-cooling programs, both after storage and during shelf-life period. Commercial fast-cooling program can be performed for 120 min.

ABSTRACT Rapid cooling is necessary to remove heat from fruit; however, it directly affects the water loss of grapes under certain conditions. Fuzzy logic is an important theory for analyzing results as it simplifies the assimilation of the phenomena through refined adjustments, allowing the prediction of the weight loss of fruits in relation to rapid cooling conditions. The objective of this study was to develop a fuzzy model that could predict weight loss as a function of the rapid cooling of table grapes in different plastic film bags. Modeling was performed using three types of plastic film bags (micro-perforated, macro-perforated, and non-perforated) at three levels of palletization (lower, intermediate, and upper), arranged in an experimental design in randomized blocks, in a 3 × 3 factorial scheme, with three blocks. The influence of the relative humidity and amplitude of humidity on the variable weight loss percentage of the Arra 15 grape variety was measured. The average percentage error of the fuzzy model was 9.78%. The intermediate level alone showed an error of 4.02%. Thus, the developed fuzzy model provided a good prediction of the weight loss of table grapes.

Abstract Mango quality is affected by thermal storage conditions. Therefore, it is important to use cooling techniques and their monitoring to maintain desirable properties in the fruit. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of commercial rapid cooling programs on the quality of ‘Rosa’ mango. Mangoes were distributed on different horizontal positions of six pallets. All pallets were put through two rapid cooling times, three pallets for 120 minutes and three pallets for 240 minutes. Subsequently, the fruits were stored in a cold chamber for 7 and 14 days, followed by an evaluation of shelf life for 3 days at 20°C. Experimental design was in randomized blocks with three replicates, with one pallet per replicate. The weight, pH, and skin color of the fruit were assessed. According to the results, fruits closer to the air inlet in the packages showed the highest cooling rates. After storage and shelf life, quality parameters were not significantly affected by the rapid cooling programs. In conclusion, the 120-minute program can be satisfactorily adopted for the rapid cooling process of the ‘Rosa’ mango, considering the reduction of energy costs and the reduction of the dwell time of the fruit in the cold chamber.

ABSTRACT Bell peppers are one of the most cultivated and consumed vegetables in Brazil, and their high production yield largely depends on the use of high-quality seedlings. Supplementary lighting using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can help in the production of seedlings and improve their quality. This study aims to develop a fuzzy model to predict the agronomic parameters of bell pepper seedlings under different light intensities. Experimental data on the lighting levels and biometric responses of bell pepper seedlings were used to develop a fuzzy model, and the lighting levels defined in five sets were used as the input variable. The model was used to predict the output variables, namely the plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, internode number, shoot fresh weight, and root fresh weight. The results indicated that the use of supplemental lighting at a level of 75 μmol m-2s-1 was the most beneficial, producing seedlings with more leaves, higher stem diameters, internode numbers, and fresh weights. The model error rates were satisfactory for the predicted values of all variables, demonstrating the usefulness of the fuzzy model for estimating the best lighting levels in the cultivation of bell pepper seedlings.

ABSTRACT Temperature variation in egg incubation can negatively affect the hatching time and weight gain of chicks, hence improving the incubator temperature accuracy can improve hatching rates. Controllers based on the fuzzy methodology have shown great potential for use in controlling incubator temperature variations. Therefore, the objective of this study is to develop and evaluate a fuzzy logic-based controller for egg incubation. Four identical incubators were configured: two with a fuzzy controller and two with a conventional controller. After evaluation and validation, a case study of the incubating eggs of free-range chickens was conducted on where 12 incubation cycles consisting of 20 eggs per incubator. The variables obtained include hatchability and electricity consumption. The results showed that the fuzzy logic-based controller maintained uniform internal temperature and a 10.68% saving on electricity usage when compared with the conventional controller. Thus, the fuzzy methodology has great potential for use in the incubation of free-range eggs.

RESUMO Embora o pré-resfriamento por ar forçado seja amplamente utilizado na remoção do calor de campo de uvas de mesa frescas, muitas vezes não há conhecimento sobre seu funcionamento e eficiência. Fatores como temperatura e umidade relativa do ar, quantidade e temperatura inicial das frutas, velocidade do ar e embalagens, influenciam o processo. Objetivou-se neste estudo avaliar o efeito e eficiência do resfriamento de uvas de mesa sujeitas a resfriamento por ar forçado. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, em um fatorial 2 × 3, correspondente a dois tipos de embalagens e três alturas no pallet: inferior, meio e superior com quatro repetições. Foi avaliado o gradiente de temperatura no sentido do fluxo de ar. Há heterogeneidade de resfriamento tanto no sentido vertical quanto horizontal dos paletes, com uma zona de calor concentrada na região central em ambas as direções. Nenhuma embalagem apresentou design favorável ao resfriamento rápido, já que em ambas o tempo de resfriamento foi de 15,5 horas, além de valores de umidade relativa do ar muito abaixo do ideal para uvas de mesa.

ABSTRACT Although precooling by forced air is widely used to remove field heat from fresh table grapes, there is no knowledge about its use and efficiency. Factors influencing the process include temperature and relative air humidity, amount and initial temperature of the fruits, air velocity, and packaging. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cooling effect and efficiency of forced air cooling on table grapes in two types of packages. The experimental method used randomized blocks, in a 2 × 3 factorials, corresponding to two package types (polystyrene and cardboard) and three heights on the pallet - lower, middle, and upper - with four replicates. The temperature gradient in the direction of the airflow was evaluated. There was heterogeneity in cooling, both vertically and horizontally, on the pallets with a central heat zone for both the directions. None of the packages was suitable for fast cooling as both types of packages showed a cooling time of 15.5 h; moreover, relative humidity values were far below the ideal value for table grapes.

RESUMO Os produtores de frango caipira se preocupam com o ambiente térmico e iluminação das instalações, buscando proporcionar bem-estar às suas aves. Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa, avaliar a espacialização das variáveis iluminância e entalpia, em dois galpões de frangos caipira de corte: um de alvenaria com telha de barro, e o outro de madeira com cobertura de palha. Os dados de temperatura do ar, umidade relativa do ar e iluminância foram registrados entre setembro e outubro de 2018, por cinco semanas não consecutivas, em dois períodos do dia: manhã (9 horas) and tarde (15 horas). Os dados foram coletados em 42 pontos por galpão, espaçados por 0,40 x 0,75 m. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado no esquema fatorial 2 x 2, considerando dois períodos e dois galpões. A dependência espacial foi avaliada por geoestatística e mapas de interpolação por krigagem. Os galpões apresentaram-dependência espacial forte ou moderada em todas as variáveis e períodos observados. Devido aos pequenos beirais e manejo inadequado das cortinas no galpão de alvenaria, este apresentou maiores valores de iluminância nos dois períodos. Embora não ter apresentado valores ideais para um ambiente confortável, o galpão de madeira foi mais eficiente termicamente.

ABSTRACT Free-range broiler producers are concerned with the thermal environment and lighting of their facilities and seek to improve these factors for the increased welfare of their broilers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the spatialization of illuminance and enthalpy in two free-range broiler sheds, one of masonry with a clay tile roof and the other built of wood with a straw roof. The data on air temperature, relative air humidity, and illuminance were recorded between September and October 2018 for five non-consecutive weeks in two periods during the day: morning (9 hours) and afternoon (15 hours). The data were collected at 42 points per shed, spaced 0.40 × 0.75 m. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme, considering two periods and two sheds. Spatial dependence was evaluated using geostatistics and interpolation maps by kriging. The facilities presented strong or moderate spatial dependence for all observed variables and periods. The small edges and lack of management of curtains resulted in the masonry shed having higher illuminance values during both periods. Although it did not present ideal values for a comfortable environment, the wood shed was more thermally efficient.

Abstract The electronic monitoring of physiological responses is essential for managing animal production systems considering market demands for animal welfare. The objective of this study was to design, build, and test an electronic monitoring system, with recording and wireless transmission capability, for measuring the heart rate and skin temperature in small ruminants. The system had two components: a mobile base unit, mounted on the animal under study, and a fixed base unit. Wireless communication between the mobile and fixed units was performed using a Xbee Series 2 radio frequency transceiver whereas data were recorded and transferred to a secure digital card in the mobile unit. The device was mounted in Santa Inês crossbred sheep using reference equipment while the animals were restrained in steel cages. Subsequently, the device was validated in free-living Dorper sheep in two collection periods (morning and afternoon). The results indicated that the monitoring system accurately measured physiological responses and efficiently recorded and transmitted data, particularly heart rate data. However, one of the limitations was low energy autonomy.

ABSTRACT The bioclimatic architecture can contribute significantly to moderate thermal environment of agricultural installations, reducing the energy input used in the air conditioning. The present article presents the results of a diagnosis made in packing houses of table grapes, located in a semi - arid region in the Brazilian Northeast. The objective was to verify which strategies of the bioclimatic architecture were applied in the buildings, and also, to propose recommendations for future projects. The methodology consisted of the elaboration of a checklist, from the application of the Mahoney Method and the Brazilian Bioclimatic Zoning, considering Petrolina - PE climate. The checklist was applied in twenty-five packing houses, of three different sizes. It was concluded that the bioclimatic architectural strategies were applied in an isolated way in the buildings. Therefore, the bioclimatic architectural strategies were not effective in the thermal efficiency of the buildings, and the packing houses of small rural producers were the most inappropriate.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to modeling and bioclimatic zoning of ‘Saanen’ goat milk production in northeastern Brazil. Data were obtained from a 14-year dairy control program for 246 ‘Saanen’ goat matrices. Dairy production meteorological influence and mathematical modeling were assessed through statistical analyses such as Pearson’s correlation matrix and path analysis. Bioclimatic zoning for current and future scenarios, with climate changes, were delineated using inverse-square distance (ISD) and spherical model (kriging) interpolations. Results showed maximum air temperature to contribute substantially to goat dairy production; therefore, its modeling was based thereon. Current and future dairy production maps highlighted Maranhão and Piauí as regions of limited ‘Saanen’ milk production. Furthermore, we should emphasize that temperature rises in further scenarios may have significant impact on the potential of dairy farming for the region under study.

RESUMO O conhecimento da variabilidade espacial de atributos climáticos e a construção de mapas de krigagem podem auxiliar no projeto e no manejo de instalações para animais confinados, ao permitir uma visão espacial útil ao planejamento e ao controle das informações do ambiente de produção. O trabalho teve, como objetivo principal, caracterizar a variabilidade espacial da temperatura do ar de um galpão free-stall utilizado para confinamento de bovinos leiteiros, localizado na cidade de Petrolina, PE, em diferentes estações e horários. A variável temperatura do ar foi registrada em 136 pontos distribuídos na área do galpão e sombrite, para o estudo da variabilidade espacial e a construção de mapas por krigagem. As coletas dos dados de temperatura do ar foram realizadas nas estações de inverno e verão, nos meses de julho e agosto (2013), janeiro e fevereiro (2014) em diferentes horários (9 e 15 h). Por meio dos resultados obtidos foi possível definir áreas com diferentes variabilidades espaciais para temperatura do ar e áreas específicas no free-stall que apresentaram valores acima do recomendado para o conforto térmico animal. Notou-se também que a parte central da instalação é a região que apresentou os menores valores de temperatura do ar devido à presença de um lanternim.

ABSTRACT The knowledge on the spatial variability of climatic attributes and the building of Kriging maps can assist in the design and management of confined animal facilities, by allowing a spatial visualization that is helpful for the planning and control of information from the production environment. The study aimed to characterize the spatial variability of air temperature in a free-stall barn used for dairy cattle confinement located in Petrolina-PE, Brazil, in different seasons and at different times. The variable air temperature was recorded at 136 points distributed in the areas under the shed and the shade cloth for the study of spatial variability and the construction of maps by Kriging. Air temperature data was collected in the winter and in the summer, in the months of July and August (2013) and January and February (2014), at different times (9 and 15 h). According to the results, the use of geostatistics enabled to define areas with different spatial variabilities in air temperature and specific areas in the free-stall with values higher than the recommended levels for thermal comfort. In addition, the central part of the facility is the region with the lowest values of air temperatures, due to the presence of a ridge vent.

RESUMO O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a influência de três tipos de cores e dois materiais de cobertura sob a temperatura interna de colônias de abelhas Apis mellifera. O experimento foi conduzido no Câmpus de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, localizada em Petrolina-PE, em novembro e dezembro de 2013, utilizando 24 colônias alojadas em colmeias do tipo Langstroth. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial (3x2), sendo três cores de caixa (azul, branca e tradicional) e dois tipos de tampa (com e sem o uso de gesso), com seis tratamentos e quatro repetições. Foram registrados dados de temperatura interna das colônias a cada hora, durante as 24 horas, e de temperatura superficial a cada hora, entre as 8 h e as 17 h. Os maiores valores de temperatura superficial e interna foram registrados em caixas pintadas de azul sem o uso da placa de gesso e em caixas pintadas de azul cobertas com placa de gesso, respectivamente. Já os menores valores foram encontrados em colmeias pintadas de branco e que não receberam a placa de gesso. Recomenda-se pintar as caixas de cores claras, e o uso da placa de gesso não influenciou na redução da temperatura interna das mesmas.

ABSTRACT The current study aimed to evaluate the influence of three colors and two types of roofing materials under the internal temperature of bee colonies Apis mellifera. The experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Sciences Campus at the Federal University of Sao Francisco Valley located in Petrolina-PE, in November and December 2013, using 24 colonies housed in Langstroth hives. The experiment was a completely randomized factorial design (3x2) with three colors of box (blue, white, and traditional) and two types of cover (with and without the use of plaster) with six treatments and four replications. The internal temperature dates of the colonies were hourly recorded, during 24 hours, and surface temperatures were hourly recorded between 08h00 and 17h00. The highest values for surface and internal temperature were registered in the blue painted boxes without the use of plasterboard, and the blue painted boxes covered with plasterboard respectively. However, the lowest values were found in the white painted hives and hives that have not received the plasterboard. It is recommended to paint boxes with bright colors, and the use of plasterboard had no effect in reducing the internal temperature.