ABSTRACT In this work, the efficiency of Amblyseius largoensis (Muma), Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) ornatus Denmark e Muma and Iphiseiodes zuluagai Denmark ( Muma for controlling Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) was assessed by comparing their functional and numerical responses to increasing densities of R. indica eggs. The three predatory mites exhibited a type II functional response, indicating that they can assist in the control of R. indica, especially at low to moderate densities of this pest. However, A. largoensis consumed the highest number of preys with the shortest handling time and showed a superior reproductive potential when fed upon R. indica eggs. A. largoensis proved to be the most efficient of the three predatory mites.

RESUMEN En este trabajo se evaluó la eficiencia de Amblyseius largoensis (Muma), Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) ornatus Denmark ( Muma e Iphiseiodes zuluagai Denmark & Muma para controlar Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) mediante la comparación de sus respuestas numéricas y funcionales con densidades crecientes de huevos de R. indica. Los tres ácaros depredadores mostraron una respuesta de tipo II, lo que indica que pueden ayudar en el control de R. indica, especialmente en densidades de bajas a moderadas de esta plaga. Sin embargo, A. largoensis consumió el mayor número de presas en menor tiempo, así como presentó un potencial reproductivo superior cuando se alimentó de huevos de R. indica. A. largoensis demostró ser el más eficiente de los tres ácaros depredadores.

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the influences of variables of preparation on total flavonoids content from extractive solution of Lippia sidoides Cham., Verbenaceae. Thus a 23 factorial design was used to study the importance of plant proportion, the extraction method and solvent on the extraction of flavonoid. The methodology of determination of chemicals in factorial design was validated according to the parameters required by Brazilian Health Agency. The extraction solution was selected through a full factorial design where the best conditions to achieve the highest content of flavonoids were: 7.5% (w/v) of plant with ethanol 50% (v/v) as solvent. The polyphenols content was determined by LC method and its relationship with the antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities was evaluated. The free radical scavenging activities and antioxidant potentials were determined for different concentrations using various in vitro models. Our results indicate that extracts exhibited a significant dose-dependent antioxidant effect as evaluated by TRAP/TAR assays. Besides, we observed an antioxidant activity against hydroxyl radicals and nitric oxide, and protection against lipid peroxidation in vitro. Our results suggest that the extract presents significant in vitro antioxidant potential indicating promising perspectives for its use as pharmaceutical/or food additive.

Este trabalho descreve a construção e caracterização de uma célula eletroquímica microfluídica com a inserção dos três eletrodos (trabalho, pseudo-referência e auxiliar) em microcanais com espessuras menores que 20 µm. Os microcanais foram construídos entre duas bases de policarbonato com o uso de uma ou mais máscaras de toner sobrepostas como espaçador. Esta estratégia permite a construção de microcélulas com um volume interno sobre o eletrodo de trabalho entre 0,6 a 2,4 µL. Três diferentes materiais foram otimizados como eletrodos nas microcélulas: filmes de ouro ou compósito de grafite como eletrodo de trabalho, compósito de prata como pseudo-referência e compósito de grafite como eletrodo auxiliar. O desempenho das células microfluídicas foi avaliado usando as técnicas de voltametria cíclica, redissolução potenciométrica a corrente constante e voltametria de redissolução anódica por onda quadrada empregando ferrocianeto e alguns metais pesados (Cu2+, Hg2+, Pb2+, e Cd2+) como analitos modelo.

This work describes the construction and characterization of an electrochemical flow-through microcell with the three electrodes (working, pseudo-reference, and auxiliary) inserted in microchannels with thickness smaller than 20 µm. These microchannels were constructed between two stacked polycarbonate slides using one or more overlapped toner masks as spacer. This strategy allows the construction of microcells with a variable internal volume on the working electrode (0.6 to 2.4 µL). Three different materials were optimized as electrodes: gold film or graphite-epoxy composite as working electrode, silver-epoxy composite as pseudo-reference electrode and, graphite-epoxy composite as auxiliary electrode. The performance of the microfluidic cell was characterized by cyclic voltammetry, potentiometric stripping analysis at constant current, and square wave anodic stripping voltammetry using ferrocyanide and heavy metals (Cu2+, Hg2+, Pb2+, and Cd2+) as model analytes.

Tem sido amplamente divulgada a utilização da moagem reativa de alta energia para a síntese de pós cerâmicos de óxidos de metais, carbetos, boretos, nitretos ou misturas de compostos cerâmicos ou compostos cerâmicos e metálicos. Neste trabalho, a moagem de alta energia (não reativa) foi utilizada para a redução de pós de alumina para partículas de dimensões nanométricas. As características cerâmicas dos pós obtidos foram analisadas a partir de resultados de comportamento durante a desaglomeração, curvas de densificação, sinterização e caracterização de microestrutura. Observou-se que a moagem de alta energia tem forte efeito de aglomeração dos pós com partículas em dimensões nanométricas. Esse efeito é explicado pelo impacto de alta energia das bolas, os quais podem fraturar as partículas ou apenas causar a compactação das mesmas. Nesse último caso, que sempre ocorre, são formados aglomerados de alta resistência. O aumento da área superficial do pó produz aglomerados mais resistentes.

The utilization of reactive high-energy milling has been reported for the synthesis of ceramic powders namely, metal oxides, carbides, borides, nitrides or mixtures of ceramics or ceramic and metal compounds. In this work, high-energy milling was used for reduction of alumina powders to nanometric particle size. The ceramic characteristics of the powders were analyzed in terms of the behavior during deagglomeration, compaction curves, sintering and microstructure characterization. It was observed that the high energy milling has strong effect in producing agglomeration of the nanosized powders. This effect is explained by the high-energy impact of the balls, which may fracture particles or just cause the particles compacting. In this case, strong agglomerates are produced. As the powder surface area increases, stronger agglomerates are produced.