Resumo A atividade antioxidante do mel de Tetragonisca angustula (TAH) e seu extrato etanólico (TAEE) foram investigados. Os níveis totais de fenólicos (TPC) e flavonóides (TFC) também foram avaliados. Os resultados para TPC foram 19,91 ± 0,38 e 29,37 ± 1,82 mg GAE g-1 e para TFC 0,20 ± 0,02 e 0,14 ± 0,01 mg QE g-1 de TAH e TAEE, respectivamente. As atividades antioxidantes foram 73,29 ± 0,49% e 93,36 ± 0,27% no ensaio DPPH● e 71,73 ± 4,07% e 97,86 ± 0,35% no ABTS●+ para TAH e TAEE, respectivamente. A atividade redutora total foi determinada pelo método de poder redutor (PR) e íon ferrico (Fe III) e os resultados variaram em PR de 151,7 ± 25,7 e 230,7 ± 25,2 mg GAE L-1, para TAH e TAEE respectivamente e para (Fe III) em EC50 0,284 em TAEE e 0,687 em TAH. A análise química por HPLC-DAD do extrato etanólico (TAEE) revelou a presença de ácido ferúlico como componente majoritário no extrato. A análise de RMN 1H confirmou esta estrutura e mostrou a presença de glicose, ácido cítrico, ácido succínico, prolina e derivados de hidrocarbonetos no TAEE. Além disso, a origem botânica também foi investigada e apresentou característica multifloral, tendo encontrado 19 tipos polínicos com predomínio botânico da família Anacardiaceae, sendo o pólen Tapirira predominante (42,6%) e o Schinus secundário (25,7%). Os resultados mostraram que o mel de T. angustula é uma interessante fonte de compostos fenólicos antioxidantes devido à sua origem floral e pode atuar como protetor da saúde humana quando consumido.

Abstract The antioxidant activity of Tetragonisca angustula honey (TAH) and its ethanolic extract (TAEE) were investigated. The total levels of phenolic (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) were also evaluated. The results for TPC were 19.91 ± 0.38 and 29.37 ± 1.82 mg GAE g-1 and for TFC 0.20 ± 0.02 and 0.14 ± 0.01 mg QE g-1 of TAH and TAEE, respectively. Antioxidant activities were 73.29 ± 0.49% and 93.36 ± 0.27% in the DPPH● assay and 71.73 ± 4.07% and 97.86 ± 0.35% in ABTS●+ for TAH and TAEE, respectively. The total reducing activity was determined by the method of reducing power (PR) and iron ion (Fe III) and the results varied in PR from 151.7 ± 25.7 and 230.7 ± 25.2 mg GAE L-1, for TAH and TAEE respectively and for (Fe III) in EC50 0.284 in TAEE and 0.687 in TAH. Chemical analysis by HPLC-DAD of the ethanolic extract (TAEE) revealed the presence of ferulic acid as majority phenolic component in the extract. The 1H NMR analysis confirmed this structure and showed the also presence of glucose, citric acid, succinic acid, proline and hydrocarbon derivatives. In addition, the botanical origin was also investigated and showed a multifloral characteristic, having found 19 pollen types with a botanical predominance of the Anacardiaceae family, with Tapirira pollen occurring as predominant (42.6%) and Schinus as secondary (25.7%). The results showed that T. angustula honey is an interesting source of antioxidant phenolic compounds due to its floral origin and can act as a protector of human health when consumed.

Thermal impedance is a way of defining the characteristics of thermal systems. It is a function that represents the relation between the frequency components of temperature and heat flux. From the experimental point of view, it is determined simply by measuring the heat flux and the temperature, simultaneously. In this work, these signals are measured only on the frontal surface of the sample. The experimental technique proposed here can be well adapted for making in situ measurements. A one-dimensional semi-infinite thermal model is used. For the semi-infinite model, just the thermal effusivity, b, can be estimated. The thermal effusivity is estimated for three polymers. An objective function representing the difference between experimental and theoretical values of the modulus of the thermal impedance function is minimized. For all cases studied in this work the thermal effusivity is in good agreement with literature. In addition an uncertainty analysis is also presented.

Foi utilizada uma bentonita natural codificada como ASCN oriunda da Bentonit União Nordeste, PB sob forma de pó com granulometria inferior a 0,074 µm. A bentonita ASCN foi modificada organicamente através de troca iônica com o sal brometo de cetil trimetil amônio Cetremide e denominada ASCM. Para obter bentonitas organofílicas, inicialmente, dispersões aquosas de bentonita/sal Cetremide foram mantidas sob agitação mecânica constante a aproximadamente 80 °C por 30 min. Em seguida o sistema foi mantido em repouso por 24 h, sendo então lavado e filtrados os insumos. Por fim os materiais foram secos a 60 °C e então desagregados e passados em malha 200 para serem caracterizados. Como parâmetro de comparação foi utilizada uma bentonita importada organofílica Cloisite 30 B (Southern Clay Products, Texas, EUA). Ambas argilas foram caracterizadas estruturalmente por análise química, capacidade de troca de cátions, espectroscopia no infravermelho (FTIR), difração de raios X e análise termogravimétrica. A análise química mostrou a presença de óxidos característicos da estrutura do aluminossilicato e eventual redução na maioria dos óxidos metálicos quando as bentonitas foram organofilizadas, ASCM e Cloisite 30B, característico do processo de troca dos cátions metálicos por moléculas do sal orgânico. Mediante os espectros de FTIR verifica-se a presença de bandas características das moléculas do sal nas bentonitas e através da análise de difração de raios X observa-se um aumento no espaçamento basal pela inserção das cadeias do sal entre as lamelas da bentonita, confirmando assim a obtenção de bentonitas organofílicas. A curva termogravimétrica das bentonitas organofílicas indicou que a bentonita Cloisite 30 B apresentou-se mais estável termicamente que a bentonita ASCM.

A natural bentonite coded as ASCN supplied by Bentonit União Nordeste from Paraíba, Brazil in powder form with particle size smaller than 74 µm was used. The ASCN bentonite was organically modified by ion exchange with the cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide salt with the commercial name Cetremide and named ASCM. To obtain organobentonites initially aqueous dispersions of bentonites/Cetremide salt were kept under constant mechanic agitation for 30 min at 80 °C. Hereafter, the system was kept in repose for 24 h, being then washed with distilled water and filtered. These materials were placed for drying in an oven at 80 °C for 48 h and then ground and passed in a 200 mesh sieve. As parameter of comparison was utilized an organophilic bentonite named Cloisite 30B supplied by Southern Clay Products, Texas, USA. Both clays were structurally characterized by chemical analysis, cation exchange capacity, infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis. The chemical analysis showed the presence of oxides, such as SiO2 and Al2O3 characteristics of the structure of aluminosilicate, and eventually a decrease in the majority of the metallic oxides when the bentonites were organophilizated, ASCM and Cloisite 30B, characteristics of process of exchange of metallic cations by molecules of organic salt. Based on the infrared spectra the presence de bands associated with the molecules of salt in the bentonites was found and by X-ray diffraction an increase in basal spacing of the clay by insertion of the organic salt between the lamellae of bentonite was observed, confirming that the bentonites are organophilic bentonites. The thermogravimetric curve of the organobentonites indicated that the Cloisite 30B clay are more thermally stable that the ASCM bentonite.

The particle size of asphaltene flocculates has been the subject of many recent studies because of its importance in the control of deposition in petroleum production and processing. We measured the size of asphaltene flocculates in toluene and toluene - n-heptane mixtures, using the light-scattering technique. The asphaltenes had been extracted from Brazilian oil from the Campos Basin, according to British Standards Method IP-143/82. The asphaltene concentration in solution ranged between 10-6 g/ml and 10-7 g/ml. Sizes was measured for a period of about 10000 minutes at a constant temperature of 20°C. We found that the average size of the particles remained constant with time and increase with an increase in amount of n-heptane. The correlation obtained for size with concentration will be useful in asphaltene precipitation models.

This work describes an experimental technique for obtaining, simultaneously, the thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity of polymer materials. This technique uses experimental data from only one of the sample surfaces. It means functions using experimental and calculated temperature are defined. An objective function representing the eigenvalue phase angle is used to determine thermal diffusivity, while a least square error function is used for the thermal conductivity estimation. The sequential unconstrained optimization technique BFGS is used to calculate the search direction. In each case the golden section method is used in a one-dimensional search, followed by a polynomial approximation. A comparison with the flash method and the guarded hot plate method gives a deviation of 2.97 % and 0.63 % for thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity, respectively, for a Polychloroethylene (PVC) sample. An uncertainty analysis is also presented.

Foram expostos ovos diapáusicos da praga de pastagens na região neotropical, Deois flavopicta (Stal) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae), a baixas temperaturas noturnas, simulando condições de campo durante a estação seca (23/12, 23/15 e 23/18ºC dia/noite), por diferentes períodos (0, 15, 30, 40, 50 e 60 dias). Após o tratamento térmico, os ovos foram mantidos a 28ºC e em água de contato (100% de umidade), até a eclosão das ninfas. Um grupo-controle de ovos diapáusicos foi mantido por todo o período experimental em altas temperaturas e umidade. O tempo para eclosão (em graus/dia) foi reduzido devido ao efeito das baixas temperaturas noturnas e ao aumento no período de exposição ao choque frio, embora não tenha sido observada interação significativa entre esses fatores. A regressão do efeito do período de choque frio no tempo médio para eclosão das ninfas provenientes de ovos diapáusicos produziu equações independentes para as temperaturas abaixo de 18ºC e 15ºC. Com base nas equações de regressão do tempo médio e no desvio-padrão associado, construímos um modelo que simula a proporção esperada da população que eclodirá após o início da estação chuvosa. A simulação gerada pelo modelo correlacionou-se significativamente à população de ninfas observada no campo. Estes resultados mostram que temperaturas noturnas abaixo de 18ºC, como ocorre no Centro-Sul do Brasil entre maio e agosto, abreviam o período da diapausa, acumulam ovos quiescentes no solo e podem sincronizar a eclosão da população.

Diapausing eggs of the neotropical pasture pest, Deois flavopicta (Stal) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae), were exposed to low overnight temperatures that simulated field conditions during the dry season (23/12, 23/15 and 23/18ºC day/night), for different periods (0-60 days). After treatment, eggs were kept at 28ºC and contact water (100% humidity) until hatching. A group of diapausing eggs were kept all the time under this last condition as a control treatment. Time for hatching (in degree-days) was reduced with decrease in low overnight temperature and increase of exposure time to these cold shocks, although there was no interaction between the factors. Regression of exposure time to cold shock influencing the expected mean hatching time produced independent equations for temperatures below 18ºC and 15ºC. We constructed a model that simulates the expected proportion of the population hatching after the beginning of rainy season based on regression equations to mean hatching time and associated standard deviation. The simulation generated for the model correlated significantly with nymphal population observed in the field. These results showed that overnight soil temperatures below 18ºC, as occurs in Central and South-eastern Brazil between May and August, shorten the period of diapause, increase quiescent eggs in the soil, and may synchronize the population hatching.

This work describes the techniques of construction and several applications of ultramicroelectrodes in electrochemistry and electroanalytical chemistry. Disc shaped UME are produced by embedding metal wires on insulating materials such as glass or epoxy resin. In the field of electrochemistry, UME have been applied in studies of the hydrogen evolution reaction and the electrocrystallization of metals. The negligible values of sensibility for ohmic drop and the enhanced mass transport rate by spherical diffusion are the main advantages of UME in these applications. New important conclusions regarding the phenomena under study were drawn from the experimental results. The applications in electroanalytical chemistry involved the determination of contaminants such as heavy metals and nitrites in natural waters and food products. The use of UME requires little sample manipulation and, in general, no need for oxygen removal or the addition of supporting electrolytes.

Estudou-se a ciclagem de nutrientes de duas formações florestais ("floresta baixa", com dossel atingindo 15 m de altura, e "floresta alta", 25 m de altura), características dos cordões arenosos da planície litorânea da Ilha do Mel, Paranaguá, Paraná, de 14 de junho de 1991 a 12 de junho de 1993. Nesta primeira parte, foram analisadas as características químicas e físicas dos solos, relacionando-as com o meio físico e com o material de origem. Os solos foram classificados como podzóis, distróficos e álicos, fortemente ácidos, de textura arenosa, estando a profundidade do horizonte B iluvial relacionada com a faixa de oscilação do lençol freático. Nas duas áreas, os solos apresentam fertilidade semelhante, caracterizando-se pela baixa CTC, alto potencial de lixiviação, fazendo com que a matéria orgânica seja a principal responsável pela retenção de íons no solo. Ocorrem, também, dois compartimentos distintos de nutrientes, um no horizonte A1 e outro no B iluvial. Embora a fertilidade dos solos seja considerada bastante baixa, a vegetação apresenta-se bem desenvolvida. As diferenças no desenvolvimento entre as duas florestas estudadas podem estar relacionadas com a disponibilidade de água e de nutrientes do horizonte B. Na floresta alta, tanto o lençol freático como o horizonte B estão mais próximos da superfície, possibilitando que essa formação esteja menos sujeita ao estresse hídrico, além de poder aproveitar, mais facilmente, os nutrientes acumulados no horizonte B.

The nutrient cycling of two types of vegetation, (a "low forest" - 15 m of height, and a "short forest" - 25 m of height), characteristic of the sandy belts on the Coastal Plains of Ilha do Mel was studied, from June 14th, 1991 to June 12th, 1993. In this first step the soil's chemical and physical characteristics were studied, in relation to the physical environment and the parent material. The soils were classified as allic/dystrophic podzols, where the B spodic horizon's depth is related to the oscilating watertable. Organic matter is the main cause for the retention of ions in the soil. The soils from the two areas are similar in fertility level, characterized by the low CEC, high leaching potential, high acidity, distrophic and alic. Although the soils fertility may be considered very low, the vegetation is well developed. The differences between the forests types may be related to the water and nutrient availability in the B horizon. In the "tall forest", the watertable and the B horizon are closer to the surface, being less subject to the water stress and having more ability to utilize the nutrient availability in this horizon.