ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to evaluate ant species interacting with mealybugs in sugarcane plantations, the frequency of occurrence, and the effects of the interaction with ants on mealybug population size. The data was collected in a sugarcane plantation area in Seropedica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The insect species were collected from 70 thoroughly inspected sugarcane plants and the nature and frequency of the interactions were evaluated. The effect of the interaction with ants on mealybug abundance was evaluated by counting the number of adult females of each mealybug species on ten plants isolated and ten plants not isolated from ants. Two mealybug species were collected: Aclerda takahashii (Kuwana, 1932) and Saccharicoccus sacchari (Cockerell, 1895). Ten and seven ant species were found interacting with A. takahashii and S. sacchari, respectively, which were distributed among six genera; the most frequent genera were Crematogaster and Camponotus. Three ant species interacted exclusively with A. takahashii, whereas the others interacted with both mealybug species. The abundance of A. takahashii females was significantly higher on non-isolated than on isolated plants (Paired t-test; t = 2.34; p = 0.04). However, no significant difference in S. sacchari abundance was found between isolated and non-isolated plants (t = 0.27; p = 0.8), nor for the two species combined (t = 1.9; p = 0.09). Thus, ant species that interact with mealybugs in sugarcane plantations cause increases in A. takahashii populations which, at a larger scale, can reduce crop yield.

RESUMO O objetivo desse trabalho foi realizar o levantamento das espécies de formigas que apresentam interações com cochonilhas em plantios de cana-de-açúcar, registrando a frequência de ocorrência e o efeito da interação com as formigas sobre as populações de cochonilhas. A pesquisa foi realizada em plantio de cana-de-açúcar no município de Seropédica, estado do Rio de Janeiro. Os insetos foram coletados em 70 plantas de cana-de-açúcar, observando-se a natureza das interações e a sua frequência. Para avaliar a influência da interação das formigas sobre a abundância das cochonilhas, foi obtido o número de fêmeas adultas de cada espécie de cochonilha em dez plantas isoladas de formigas e dez não isoladas. Foram coletadas duas espécies de cochonilhas: Aclerda takahashii (Kuwana, 1932) e Saccharicoccus sacchari (Cockerell, 1895). Dez espécies de formigas foram observadas interagindo com A. takahashii, e sete espécies com S. sacchari, distribuídas em seis gêneros, sendo os mais frequentes Crematogaster e Camponotus. Três espécies de formigas interagiram somente com A. takahashii, as demais interagiram com ambas espécies de cochonilha. A abundância de fêmeas de A. takahashii foi significativamente maior nas plantas não isoladas que nas isoladas (t= 2,34; p = 0,04). Não foi observada diferença significativa na abundância de S. sacchari entre plantas isoladas e não isoladas (t= 0,27; p = 0,8), e para as duas espécies em conjunto (t= 1,9; p= 0,09). As espécies de formigas que interagem com cochonilhas em cana-de-açúcar provocam o aumento da população de A. takahashii, o que em maior escala pode reduzir a produtividade.

Abstract Several studies have been conducted evaluating the management of fertilizers as strategies to mitigate the deleterious effects of salt stress, so the objective of this work was to evaluate the quality of ‘Crioula’ guava seedlings under irrigation with water of different salinity levels and fertilized with combinations of nitrogen and potassium. The experiment was performed in a protected (screened) environment using a randomized block design and analyzed in a 5 × 4 factorial scheme, with four replicates, with the plot formed by two plants. The treatments were formed from the combination of the factor electrical conductivity of irrigation water (ECw 0.3, 1.1, 1.9, 2.7 and 3.5 dS m-1), with the factor combinations (C) of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K2O) doses, being C1 = 70% N + 50% K2O, C2 = 100% N + 75% K2O, C3= 130% N + 100% K2O and C4= 160% N + 125% K2O. The recommended dose of 100% N and K, respectively, was 541.1 mg N dm-3 soil and 798.6 mg K dm-3 soil. The combinations of N and K fertilization corresponding to 70% N + 50% K2O and 100% N + 75% K2O of the recommended doses promoted greater growth of ‘Crioula’ guava seedlings. Water with ECw of 2.1 dS m-1 promotes the formation of quality ‘Crioula’ guava seedlings.

Resumo Diversos estudos vêm sendo desenvolvido avaliando o manejo de adubos como estratégias para mitigar os efeitos deletérios do estresse salino, neste sentido, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a qualidade de mudas de goiabeira Crioula sob irrigação com águas de diferentes níveis salinos e adubadas com combinações de nitrogênio e potássio. O experimento foi conduzido em ambiente protegido (telado) utilizando-se o delineamento de blocos casualizados e analisados em esquema fatorial 5 × 4, com quatro repetições, com a parcela formada por duas plantas. Os tratamentos foram formados pela combinação do fator condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação (CEa), com valores de 0,3; 1,1; 1,9; 2,7 e 3,5 dS m-1; e o fator combinações (C) de doses de nitrogênio (N) e potássio (K2O), sendo C1 = 70% N + 50% K2O; C2 = 100% N + 75% K2O; C3= 130% N + 100% K2O e C4= 160% N + 125% K2O. A dose recomendada de 100% de N e K, respectivamente, foi de 541,1 e 798,6 mg de K dm-3 de solo. As combinações de adubação nitrogenada e potássica de 70% N + 50% K2O e 100% N + 75% K2O, em relação às doses recomendadas, resultaram em um maior crescimento de mudas de goiabeira Crioula. Água com CEa média de 2,1 dS m-1 foi capaz de promove a formação de mudas de qualidade de goiabeira Crioula.

Abstract This study processed and characterized the biphasic ceramics Na2Ti3O7/Na2Ti6O13 that were obtained from semi-crystalline nanoparticles synthesized using sonochemical methods. Structural characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, were used to identify the crystalline phases present. The Rietveld refinement revealed, among other structural parameters, the presence of two crystalline phases in compositions of 55.90% and 44.10% for sodium hexatitanate and trititanate, respectively. Via Raman spectroscopy, the presence of the main vibrational modes that correspond to the phases present in biphasic ceramics was confirmed. Finally, by using complex impedance spectroscopy, a decrease in the electrical resistance of both the grain (106 Ω-104 Ω) and its boundary (108 Ω -105 Ω) under increasing temperature was identified.

ABSTRACT A semi-batch bubble reactor has been developed to produce fatty acid ethyl ester (biodiesel) by acid-catalyzed esterification of oleic acid with superheated ethanol vapor. In this paper, the effects of reaction temperature (110, 130 and 150°C), ethanol volumetric flow rate (1.35, 2.50 and 3.65 mL/min) and vapor bubble size on the reactor performance were evaluated. The results demonstrated that temperature and volumetric flow rate have significant effects on the chemical reaction, gas phase solubility and mass transfer limitations. In addition, the free fatty acid conversion velocity was increased by approximately 56% when a microporous stainless-steel tube was employed to generate and distribute the vapor bubbles inside the reactor, which allowed the process to reach 95% conversion in approximately 40 minutes for the operating temperature of 150°C and volumetric flow rate of 2.5 mL/min.

A técnica de difração de neutrões é usada neste artigo para estudar amostras ferríticas, revestidas comaços inoxidáveisausteníticos através de soldadura por arco submerso. Este procedimento é frequentemente usado no fabrico de equipamentos de processo para as indústrias química e nuclear, por facilidade de execução e razões económicas. A principal desvantagem deste processo de revestimento é a fissuração que frequentemente ocorre na interface material base/soldadura, potenciada pela presença de tensões residuais resultantes da operação de soldadura, a qual pode ser minimizada com a realização de tratamentos térmicos de relaxação de tensões. As amostras foram produzidas a partir de placas em aço ao carbono, tendo uma das superfícies sido revestida com dois tipos de aço inoxidável. Para a primeira camada foi usado um elétrodo EN 12072 - S 23 12 2 L e para a segunda e a terceira camadas foi usado um elétrodo EN 12072 - S 19 12 3 L. Após a soldadura, as amostras foram submetidas a um tratamento térmico de relaxação de tensões, durante 1 hora, à temperatura de 620ºC. Os perfis de tensões residuais obtidos por difração de neutrões evidenciam a relaxação de tensões residuais após o tratamento térmico realizado. A técnica de difração de neutrões revelou-se muito adequada na avaliação de tensões residuais neste tipo de ligações.

The neutron diffraction is a non-destructive technique, particularly suitable for the analysis of residual stress fields in welds. The technique is used in this article to study ferritic samples, coated by submerged arc welding using stainless steel filler metals. This procedure is often used for manufacturing process equipment for chemical and nuclear industries, for ease of implementation and economic reasons. The main disadvantage of that processes is the cracking phenomenon that often occurs at the interface between the base material and coatings, which can be minimized by performing post-weld stress relief heat treatments. The samples analyzed in this study were made of carbon steel plates, coated by submerged arc welding two types of stainless steel filler metals. For the first layer was used one EN 12 072 - S 2 U 23 12 electrode, while for the second and third layers were used an EN 12 072 - 19 12 3 S L electrode. After cladding, the samples were submitted to a post-weld heat treatment for 1 hour at 620ºC. The residual stress profiles obtained by neutron diffraction evidence the relaxation of residual stress given by the heat treatment.

Os autores apresentam o caso de um doente do sexo masculino, de 80 anos, com neoplasia intra-epitelial de alto grau /carcinoma in situ em esófago de Barrett, submetida a mucosectomia com o “kit” Duette® DT-6-5F (Cook, EUA). Ao cabo de 6 meses de seguimento, o doente mantém-se assintomático e sem displasia nas biopsias de controlo. Salientam-se as características deste sistema, recentemente disponível no mercado, e discutem-se as possibilidades de abordagem terapêutica destes casos.

The authors present a case of a 80-year-old man with high degree epithelial neoplasia/carcinoma in situ in Barrett´s esophagus, treated by endoscopic mucosal resection with Duette® DT-6-5F system (Cook, USA). After 6 months of follow-up, the patient is assymptomatic and presents no dysplasia in control biopsies. We reinforce the characteristics of this system, which was recently introduced, and discuss the therapeutic options in these cases.

Os autores apresentam o caso de um doente do sexo masculino, de 70 anos, com carcinoma epidermóide do esófago in situ e carcinóides gástricos de tipo 1. Foi submetido a terapêutica fotodinâmica do carcinoma esofágico e mucosectomia da lesão gástrica de maiores dimensões, sem complicações. Após 3 anos de seguimento permanece assintomático. Os controlos endoscópicos semestrais evidenciaram reconstituição completa da mucosa normal do esófago e manutenção das características dos tumores carcinóides. Discutem-se as duas entidades e respectivo tratamento, assim como os argumentos que apontam para uma eventual associação entre ambas.

The authors present a case of a 70-year-old man with in situ oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma and type 1 gastric carcinoids. Oesophageal carcinoma was treated with photodynamic therapy and an endoscopic mucosal ressection was performed for the largest gastric lesion, without complications. After 3 years of follow-up patient is assymptomatic. Endoscopic controls every 6 month revealed normal oesophageal mucosa and persistence of the carcinoid characteristics. We discuss both conditions and respective treatment, as well as the arguments that suggest an eventual association between them.

Introdução: A Sindroma de Lynch (SL) confere um elevado risco de desenvolvimento de cancro do cólon e recto (CCR). A vigilância é eficaz na prevenção do CCR em indivíduos em risco. Objectivos: Avaliar o impacto da colonoscopia na detecção de lesões em indivíduos pertencentes a famílias com SL. Materiais e Métodos: 165 indivíduos assintomáticos, submetidos a vigilância, de acordo com os grupos: GI- Mutação para SL (n=33), GII- Critérios de Amesterdão (n=95), GIII- Critérios de Amesterdão excepto idade (n=37). Programada colonoscopia anual para GI e bienal para GII e GIII. Resultados: No primeiro exame foram detectados adenomas em 28 (15,8%) indivíduos. A detecção de adenomas foi apenas influenciada pela idade (p=0,02). As lesões localizaram-se mais frequentemente no cólon direito em GI e GII (p=0,05). Diagnosticaram-se CCR em 7 (4,2%) indivíduos (GI-3, GII-3, GIII-1, idade=45, 31-71 anos), 5 localizados à direita, 4 T1N0M0, 2 T3N0M0, 1 T3N2M1. Efectuaram-se 123 exames de vigilância (77 indivíduos). Detectaram-se adenomas em 13 (23,4%) indivíduos. Não houve CCR de intervalo nem nos exames de vigilância. Conclusões: Indivíduos com SL apresentaram uma elevada prevalência e incidência de adenomas e CCR, em idades jovens. A ausência do critério de idade não parece determinante para o tipo de vigilância a implementar.

Introduction: Hereditary non-polyposys colorectal cancer (HNPCC) syndrome confers a high risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) development. Colonoscopic surveillance is effective in preventing mortality from CRC. Aims: To evaluate the incidence and prevalence of colorectal tumours in asymptomatic individuals with HNPCC who undergo screening colonoscopies. Methods: 165 asymptomatic individuals divided in 3 groups. GI- MMR mutation (n=33), GII- Amsterdam Criteria (n=95), GIII- Amsterdam criteria except for older age at onset (n=35). Surveillance was performed annually for GI and every 2 years for GII and GIII. Results: In the first colonoscopy we detected adenomas in 26 (15.8%) patients. Adenoma detection was associated only with older age (p=0.02). Patients from GI and GII were more likely to have proximal lesions (p=0.05). Seven (4.2%) patients had CRC (G1=3, GII=3, GIII=1; mean age: 45 years - range: 31-71): four T1N0M0, two T3N0M0 and one T3N2M1. Seventy-seven individuals had follow-up colonoscopies. We detected adenomas in 13 (23.4%) patients - an incidence of 0.13 adenomas/individual/year. No CRC was detected at follow up, nor did interval cancers occur. Conclusions: Asymptomatic individuals with a family history of CRC present a high incidence and prevalence and a young onset of colorectal tumours. Families that do not fulfil the Amsterdam criteria due to late age at onset seem to benefit from the same surveillance that is applied to patients with HNPCC.

Supercritical CO2 extraction of the pigments from Bixa orellana seeds was carried out in a flow apparatus at a pressure of 200 bar and a temperature of 40 ºC at two fluid flow rates (0.67g/min and 1.12g/min). The efficiency of the extraction was low (only about 1% of the pigment was extracted). The increase in flow rate led to a decrease in pigment recovery. A large increase in recovery (from 1% to 45%) was achieved using supercritical carbon dioxide with 5 mol % ethanol as extraction fluid at pressures of 200 and 300 bar and temperatures of 40 and 60 ºC. Although the increase in temperature and pressure led to an increase in recovery, the changes in flow rate did not seem to affect it. Furthermore, two plug flow models were applied to describe the supercritical extraction of the pigments from annatto seeds. Mass transfer coefficients were determined and compared well with those obtained by other researchers with similar models for the supercritical extraction of solutes from plant materials.

We have used a parameter - free potential, obtained from data analysis at sub-barrier energies, to explain our measurements of elastic and several inelastic scattering cross sections for the 16,18O + 58Ni systems at an energy above the barrier. The data were analyzed through extensive coupled-channel calculations. Transfer cross sections could also be explained by the same interaction, which is consistent with the more fundamental São Paulo potential.