Abstract Calcium cobaltite (CCO) thermoelectric ceramics in Ca3Co4O9 and Ca2.95Ba0.05Co4O9 compositions were produced by a simplified chemical route developed in this study. Undoped ceramics sintered at 1193 K for 12 h presented a bulk density equivalent to 77% of the theoretical density, one of the highest values ever found for conventionally sintered undoped calcium cobaltite. The presence of barium improved densification, reaching 80% of the theoretical density. Thermoelectric properties were discussed based on X-ray diffraction patterns, scanning electron micrographs, Seebeck coefficient, electrical and thermal conductivity. Electrical characterizations presented values of about 6200 and 7000 S/m at 873 K for undoped and doped ceramics, respectively. However, all ceramics presented almost the same range of activation energy values, indicating the possibility of non-effective substitution through this methodology. The maximum global PF (power factor) was 0.10 mW.m-1.K-2 for the densest undoped sample and an overall ZT (dimensionless figure of merit) of 0.07 for the undoped ceramic at 873 K.

Abstract Magnesium is one of the essential elements for the plant growth. However, when the supply of magnesium is required exclusively, few economically feasible options are available. Serpentinite represents an alternative source of magnesium, although little is known about its potential and efficiency under tropical soil conditions. This work aimed to evaluate the use of serpentinite as a soil remineralizer, as well as magnesium fertilizer. The study was conducted in a greenhouse, using a completely randomized design, with seven treatments and four replications, as follows: three levels of serpentinite, mix of serpentinite and phonolite, and the controls with dolomitic limestone and without fertilization. Two plant species (Zea mays L. corn hybrid BRS – 1055 and Phaseolus vulgaris L. common bean variety BRS – Estilo) and two contrasting soils (clayey and sandy texture), were used in pots. Results showed that serpentinite’s free silica and toxic element contents fitted the legal requirements. No statistically significant difference was observed for the plant dry matter weight production in the serpentinite and dolomitic limestone control, as well as in the pure serpentinite and the mix with phonolite treatments. The serpentinite was able to supply and to fullfil magnesium requirements for growth and development of corn and bean plants.

Abstract High resolution topography (HRT) surveys is an important tool to model landscapes, especially in zones subjected to strong environmental changes, such as Antarctica, where landform is highly influenced by cryoclasty and permafrost melting. The aim of this work was to obtain a high accurate DTM for Keller Peninsula, Maritime Antarctica. The survey study was assessed in the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 during the austral summer, by using Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS). In order to cover 8 km² of the Peninsula, the TLS equipment was installed in 81 different points. Results of the DTM generated by TLS (hereafter, HRT-DTM), and the terrain variables Aspect, Slope and Hillshade obtained were compared with previous models generated by aerophotographic survey (hereafter, APG-DTM). RMSE for the HRT and APG-DTM were 0.726 and 2.397 m, respectively. Spatial resolution of the DTMs was 0.20 m. Morphometric variables obtained from the two methods presented visual differences on the thematic maps, especially related to the Aspect. Generalization was the main process, whereas interpolation occurred for the HRT survey, being the process of choice for the APG method. A large number of points are obtained by the TLS, providing a dense cloud of points, spatially well-distributed, enabling the generalization process to obtain surface models with high performance.

In the present study, the cells of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (BI-01) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (LAC-04) were encapsulated in cocoa butter using spray-chilling technology. Survival assays were conducted to evaluate the resistance of the probiotics to the spray-chilling process, their resistance to the simulated gastric and intestinal fluids (SGF and SIF), and their stability during 90 days of storage. The viability of the cells was not affected by microencapsulation. The free and encapsulated cells of B. animalis subsp. lactis were resistant to both SGF and SIF. The micro-encapsulated cells of L. acidophilus were more resistant to SGF and SIF than the free cells; the viability of the encapsulated cells was enhanced by 67%, while the free cells reached the detection limit of the method (10³ CFU/g). The encapsulated probiotics were unstable when they were stored at 20 °C. The population of encapsulated L. acidophilus decreased drastically when they were stored at 7 °C; only 20% of cells were viable after 90 days of storage. The percentage of viable cells of the encapsulated B. animalis subsp.lactis, however, was 72% after the same period of storage. Promising results were obtained when the microparticles were stored at -18 °C; the freeze granted 90 days of shelf life to the encapsulated cells. These results suggest that the spray-chilling process using cocoa butter as carrier protects L. acidophilus from gastrointestinal fluids. However, the viability of the cells during storage must be improved.

É conhecido que os mecanismos de aquecimento e os pós precursores definem as características microestruturais das cerâmicas. Especialmente, o crescimento anormal de cerâmicas de alumina pura desenvolvidos durante o método de sinterização convencional sugere que esse material é um candidato potencial para ser tratado no processo de sinterização em microondas. Cerâmicas de alumina produzidas com pós comercial (A1K) e quimicamente sintetizado foram sinterizados em fornos convencional e por microondas. Dois métodos foram empregados para preparar quimicamente os pós nanométricos: método de Pechini e por emulsificação em ácido oleico. As cerâmicas sinterizadas em microondas foram caracterizadas por densidade aparente e por microscopia eletrônica de varredura, e comparados com as amostras sinterizadas em forno convencional. Aluminas sinterizadas em microondas apresentaram uma granulometria fina, não relacionada com os pós precursores. Essa característica foi obtida para um tempo de queima menor do que o obtido em fornos resistivos. Contudo, uma alta densificação foi observada apenas em cerâmicas A1K (3,95 g/cm³) sinterizadas durante uma hora em microondas.

It is well known that the heating mechanism and powder precursor define the microstructural characteristics of ceramics. Especially abnormal grain growth of pure alumina ceramics developed during conventional sintering method suggests that this material is a potential candidate to be treated in microwave sintering process. Alumina ceramics produced with commercial (A1K) and chemically synthesized powders were sintered in conventional and microwave furnaces. Two methods were employed to prepare the chemically synthesized nanosized powders: Pechini method and emulsification with oleic acid. The microwave sintered samples were characterized by apparent density and scanning electron microscopy and compared with the samples sintered in a conventional furnace. Alumina ceramics sintered in the microwave furnace had fine grained microstructure, not related with the starting powders. This characteristic was achieved in a sintering time shorter than those produced in the conventional furnace. However, satisfactory densification was observed only to A1K ceramics (3.95 g/cm³) sintered during one hour in microwave furnace.

Cerâmicas de titanato e zirconato de chumbo dopadas com neodímio foram sinterizadas em um forno de microondas de uso doméstico modificado. Neste tipo de aquecimento, a energia eletromagnética é transferida diretamente para o material, sendo convertida em calor pelo material cerâmico, reduzindo o tempo e energia durante o processamento. Desta forma, foram produzidos corpos cerâmicos com tempo de sinterização que variou até 30 min, a 1100 e 1200 ºC. As fases foram investigadas por meio de difratometria de raios X. Corpos cerâmicos com densidade de 95% da teórica foram obtidos com tempo de sinterização de 10 min em 1100 ºC, com uma taxa de aquecimento de 400 ºC/min. Para as cerâmicas com densidade superior a 90% da teórica foram medidos os valores de constante dielétrica e fator de perda.

Ferroelectric ceramics based on lead zirconate titanate doped with neodymium were sintered using a modified microwave oven. In this process the energy is transferred directly to the material through the interaction between molecules of the material with the electromagnetic field. The microwave sintering process has an advantage to reduce the time and save energy. This type of process involves energy conversion, opposing to heat transfer. Ceramic parts were produced by thermal treatments at 1100 ºC and 1200 ºC up to 30 min. The formed crystalline phases were investigated by X-ray diffraction. Ceramic parts with densities above 95% of the theoretical density were produced in 10 min by heating at 1100 ºC, with heating rate of 400 ºC/min. Values of dielectric constant and loss factor of ceramics with density above 90%T.D. were determined.

Fibrin glue has been researched as an alternative method for tissue synthesis and is known for its capability to promote hemostasis at the application site, good approximation of wound edges and fast healing. The current study consisted in the application of fibrin glue derived from snake venom as treatment for experimental corneal ulcers. Twenty-one dogs had their corneas experimentally prepared through lamellar keratectomy (of standardized diameter and depth). Animals were divided into seven groups of three animals each. Six experimental groups were periodically evaluated and collection was carried out on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 15th, 30th and 60th post-operative days, whereas one control group was evaluated throughout the experiment. Analyses consisted in the clinical evolution and in the histopathological study of all operated on eyes. Results indicated that fibrin glue was efficient in repairing keratectomy wounds in dogs and contributed to an earlier healing phenomenon, avoiding edema formation and keeping corneal clearness. The use of fibrin glue derived from snake venom showed to be easy to apply, feasible with animal models and of low cost, avoiding the lesion progress and allowing fast and appropriate corneal healing.

A conformação de materiais cerâmicos por eletroforese é conhecida por ser de baixo custo e necessitar de pouca infra-estrutura para fabricação de recobrimentos e laminados cerâmicos. O método é simples, mas o principal problema é a toxicidade associada aos solventes orgânicos usualmente utilizados como meio de dispersão. Este trabalho visa obter corpos cerâmicos de alumina através do processo de eletroforese, utilizando barbotinas aquosas. Para determinar a estabilidade das barbotinas, contendo diferentes tipos de defloculantes, medidas qualitativas de viscosidade através do método de Pitot e pH foram realizadas. Estes parâmetros foram acompanhados em suspensões contendo entre 0,5 e 4,0% em massa de defloculantes como poli-acrilato de amônio (DREW), ácido para-amino benzóico (PABA) e quitosana. O maior valor de densidade a verde (37,5% da teórica) e taxa de deposição (33,2 mg/min) foi obtido para corpos cerâmicos depositados a 6,0 V/mm dispersados com DREW.

Electrophoresis forming is an economical and reliable method for the fabrication of coatings and laminate ceramics. The process is simple, but a major problem is the toxicity and environmental problem associated with the organic solvents usually employed as vehicle media. This work aims to obtain bodies of Al2O3 by electrophoretic deposition using aqueous slips. The stability of the slips was studied, as a function of the different dispersants, by qualitative measures of viscosity by the Pitot and pH method. These processing parameters were accomplished in suspensions containing between 0.5 to 4.0wt.% of dispersants as the poli(ammonium acrylate) (DREW), para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and quitosan. The largest value of green density, 37.5% of the theoretical density and deposition rate, 33.2 mg/min, was obtained for bodies deposited in 6.0 V/cm with DREW.

The authors have performed a literature review of surgical adhesives, such as cyanoacrylate, collagen gelatin, and fibrin glue. They have included different types of commercial and non-commercial fibrin sealants and have reported on the different components in these adhesives, such as fibrinogen, cryoprecipitate, bovine thrombin, and thrombin-like fraction of snake venom.

Os parasitóides pupais estão entre os principais responsáveis pela redução populacional de mosca doméstica em aviários, e Muscidifurax uniraptor Kogan & Legner (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) é um dos principais parasitóides presentes nestes ambientes no Estado de São Paulo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a duração do ciclo biológico, as exigências térmicas e o parasitismo de M. uniraptor em pupas de Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae) em temperaturas constantes. Os testes foram realizados em câmaras climatizadas nas temperaturas de 18, 20, 22, 25, 28, 30 e 32 ± 1°C, 70 ± 10% U.R. e 14 h de fotofase. Em cada câmara 200 pupas de mosca doméstica, com 24 a 48 h de idade, foram expostas a 40 parasitóides fêmeas partenogenéticas, com 0 a 24 h de idade, por 24 h. A temperatura influenciou o desenvolvimento e a reprodução de M. uniraptor. O menor valor do período de ovo a adulto foi a 30°C (17 dias) e as porcentagens de parasitismo e de emergência de descendentes foram maiores a 28°C, com 87 e 63,5%, respectivamente. A temperatura base encontrada para fêmeas do parasitóide foi de 9,43°C, com uma constante térmica de 366,62 graus-dia (GD). A elevação da temperatura diminui a duração do período de ovo a adulto (entre 18 e 30°C) e aumenta o parasitismo (entre 18 e 28°C) de M. uniraptor. A faixa de temperatura entre 28 e 30°C é considerada a mais adequada para criação de M. uniraptor em pupas de mosca doméstica.

The pupal parasitoids are among the most important organisms responsible for house fly population reduction in poultry farms. Muscidifurax uniraptor Kogan & Legner (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) is one of the main parasitoids that occur in poultry farms at São Paulo State, Brazil. The objective of this study was to determine the life cycle duration, the thermal requirements and the parasitism of M. uniraptor on Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae) pupae under constant temperatures. The experiment was realized in climatized chambers at seven temperatures (18, 20, 22, 25, 28, 30 and 32 ± 1°C), 70 ± 10% R.H. and 14 h of photophase. In each chamber 200 house fly pupae (24 to 48 h old) were exposed to 40 partenogenetic female parasitoids (0 to 24 h old) for 24 h. The temperature influenced the development and reproduction of M. uniraptor. The lowest value of the egg-adult period was 17 days, and occurred for 30°C and the parasitism and progeny emergence were highest at 28°C (87 and 63.5%, respectively). The lowest temperature threshold for the parasitoid females was 9.43°C, with a thermal constant of 366.62 degree-days. The temperature elevation reduces the duration of the egg to adult period (between 18 and 30°C ) and increases the parasitism (between 18 and 28°C) of M. uniraptor. Temperatures between 28 and 30°C are the most adequated for rearing M. uniraptor on house fly pupae.

Determinou-se em laboratório o potencial de crescimento populacional do parasitóide Muscidifurax uniraptor Kogan & Legner (25±1ºC, 70±10% U.R. e 14h de fotofase). Para isso, 30 fêmeas do parasitóide, com 0 a 24h de idade, foram individualizadas com 15 pupas de mosca doméstica, com 24 a 72h de idade. As pupas foram trocadas diariamente. A sobrevivência dos imaturos de M. uniraptor foi de 97,2%. As fêmeas do parasitóide apresentaram longevidade média estimada em 13,17 dias, com capacidade inata de aumentar em número de 0,22; taxa líquida de reprodução de 119,01; razão finita de aumento de 1,24; tempo médio entre gerações de 21,93 dias e tempo de duplicação da população de 3,18 dias. Estes valores demonstram que M. uniraptor possui alto potencial de crescimento populacional.

The potential population growth of the parasitoid Muscidifurax uniraptor Kogan & Legner was determined in laboratory conditions (25±1ºC, 70±10% R.H. and 14h of photophase). Thirty 0 to 24h old females of the parasitoid were individualized with 15 house fly pupae, 24 to 72h old. The survival of immatures of M. uniraptor was 97.2%. Female longevity was estimate in 13.17 days (mean), with intrinsic rate of natural increase of 0.22; liquid rate of reproduction of 119.01; finite rate of increase of 1.24; mean generation time of 21.93 days and duplication time of 3.18 days. These values demonstrated that M. uniraptor has a high potential of population growth.

As fases imaturas do parasitóide Muscidifurax uniraptor Kogan & Legner foram caracterizadas morfologicamente. Pupários de mosca-doméstica com 48-72h de idade foram expostos aos parasitóides adultos em laboratório (25±1ºC, 70±10% U.R. e 14h de fotofase) por um período de 18h. Diariamente, amostras dos pupários foram dissecadas para observação dos imaturos. Em microscópio eletrônico de varredura foram efetuadas medidas de cápsula cefálica das larvas e eletromicrografias dos imaturos. Foi possível determinar quatro ínstares larvais para M. uniraptor. As larvas dos diferentes ínstares são semelhantes na forma geral e nos movimentos, diferindo no tamanho e no volume, apresentando perda gradual de transparência de um ínstar para outro. Houve sobreposição de fases durante o desenvolvimento de ovo a adulto do parasitóide.

The immature stages of the parasitoid Muscidifurax uniraptor Kogan & Legner were morphologically characterized. House fly pupae, 48 to 72-hour old, were exposed to adult parasitoids in laboratory conditions (25 ± 1ºC, 70 ± 10% R.H. and 14 h of photophase) for 18-hour period. Daily, samples of these pupae were dissected for observation of the immatures. Measurements of larval cephalic capsules and electromicrographies of the immatures were made with a scanning electron microscope. M. uniraptor presents four instars wich are very similar in shape and motion, but different in size and volume, and presents a gradual loss of transparency. During the egg to adult development, different stages or larval instars occurred simultaneously.

Fibrin glue has been used on its own or in conjunction with suturing materials to promote hemostasis, reduce adherence, strengthen the wound site, and improve healing. Snake venom derived fibrin glue was evaluated as an alternative to conventional uterine suturing after ovine caesarean surgery. Twenty-eight pregnant ewes of known mating date were used. The animals submitted to conventional caesarean sections showed a better wound healing process. As expected, all the operated animals had retained placenta, compromising coaptation of wound edges. This had a strong influence in the results observed with the animals in which fibrin glue was used. The animals were divided into four groups GI, GII, GIII, and GIV and sacrificed, respectively, 3, 7, 15, and 30 days after surgery for macro and microscopic examination of the uterus. From each group, six animals underwent surgery using fibrin glue and four animals were submitted to comparative conventional hysterorrhaphy using catgut.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the thrombin-like fraction of Crotalus durissus terrificus venom, Reptilase<img SRC="http:/img/fbpe/jvat/v4n2/image119.gif"> , and bovine thrombin of fibrinogen pools on bovine, equine, ovine, bubaline and human cryoprecipitates. The authors also made a comparative study between animal and human cryoprecipitates to see if any there was any possibility of future use in medicine. Fibrinogen levels in cryoprecipitate were studied using 48 blood samples obtained as follows:12 samples from humans, 9 from bovine, 10 from equine, 10 from ovine and 7 from bubaline. The results obtained showed average levels of 375.50 mg % for humans, 218.33 mg % for bovine, 240.80 mg % for equine, 267.70 mg % for ovine and 664.00 mg % for bubaline. Upon the formation of pools of human and animal fibrinogens, the following results were obtained: 435 mg % for humans, 444 mg % for bovine, 337 mg % for equine, 390 mg % for ovine and 530 mg % for bubaline. Statistical analysis (using the analysis of variance for entirely randomized experiment for the calculation of F statistics) demonstrated that the bubaline fibrinogen level was higher than that of human, and both were higher than those of ovine, equine, and bovine. Clotting times were determined using different dilutions of bovine thrombin, thrombin-like fraction of Crotalus durissus terrificus venom, and Reptilase<img SRC="http:/img/fbpe/jvat/v4n2/image119.gif"> . Comparing these clotting times, results for human and bovine were found to be very similar, whereas using equine, ovine, and bubaline the results above a dilution of 1:3 were markedly different. The results obtained permitted the following conclusions to be drawn show that: 1) bovine thrombin presented better interactivity with fibrinogen extracted both from human and bovine cryoprecipitates; 2) there was similar behavior when bovine thrombin was substituted for Reptilase<img SRC="http:/img/fbpe/jvat/v4n2/image119.gif"> and for the thrombin-like fraction of Crotalus durissus terrificus venom; 3) cryoprecipitate from bovine can, in special circumstances, substitute human cryoprecipitate in medical practice; 4) human and bovine cryoprecipitates can be used with both Reptilase<img SRC="http:/img/fbpe/jvat/v4n2/image119.gif"> and Crotalus durissus terrificus fractions using a dilution up to 1:5; 5) the use of bovine cryoprecipitate can be recommended using either bovine thrombin, Reptilase<img SRC="http:/img/fbpe/jvat/v4n2/image119.gif"> , or thrombin-like fraction of Crotalus durissus terrificus venom.

Sequelae due to testicular biopsy such as hemorrhage, adhesion and fibrosis may be limiting factors to the use of this surgical procedure. Fibrin glue (FG) derived from snake venom was used to minimize these sequelae, as well as to evaluate its healing property in tunica vaginalis and scrotal skin of rams. Applicability of fibrin glue derived from snake venom was tested in different tissues of other animals such as in sciatic nerve and colon of rats and skin of rabbits. In the present study, 30 healthy adult rams were used. They were divided into 3 groups of 10 animals each as follows: G1: fibrin glue group (application of fibrin glue on puncture sites and skin incisions after bilateral testicular biopsy with a Tru-Cut needle); G2: swab/nylon group (hemostasis by compression with a swab on puncture sites and skin suturing with nylon after biopsy) and G3: control group (the animals were not subjected either to biopsy or to surgery). On the 20<IMG SRC="Image485.gif" WIDTH=10 HEIGHT=17> day after biopsy, the presence of adhesion strands between the sites of skin incision and testicle was evaluated by palpation. Adhesion strands were found in three testicles (15%) in G1 and in two testicles (10%) in G2. One hundred days after biopsy, orchiectomy was carried out and the material collected was assessed for subcutaneous (SC) and/or tunica vaginalis adhesions. G3 did not present any abnormality. Groups G1 and G2 presented four testicles each (20%) with adhesion between the tunics at biopsy site. On the other hand, subcutaneous adhesions were found once (5%) in G1 and three times (15%) in G2. Fibrin glue showed to be of easy application, required short postoperative monitoring, presented fast and good-quality healing property and tended to reduce formation of subcutaneous adhesion.