The influence of fiber coatings on the effectiveness of the propylene-glass copolymerization reaction has been analyzed. The mechanical properties of fiber reinforced composites depend on the effective stress transfer fiber-matrix, which is possible if the adhesion between them is strong. An alternative method to improve the adhesion is the establishment of chemical links between matrix-fiber such as in situ polymerization. The study was carried out on sandwich composite of polypropylene and fiber glass, with and without acrylic coating. Adhesion is analyzed through its influence on the mechanical properties of the composites. The copolymerization reaction acts as an effective bonding agent, when it is carried out on uncoated fibers, making this proposal technological attractive.

Se ha analizado la influencia de recubrimientos de fibras sobre la efectividad de la reacción de copolimerización de propileno-vidrio. Las propiedades mecánicas de los materiales compuestos reforzados con fibras dependen de la transferencia efectiva de carga fibra-matriz, la cual es posible si la adhesión entre ambas es alta. Una alternativa de mejoramiento de la adhesión es el establecimiento de vínculos de naturaleza química matriz-fibra como la polimerización in situ. El estudio se lleva a cabo sobre compuestos sándwich de polipropileno y redes de fibra de vidrio, con y sin recubrimiento de acrilato. Se analiza adhesión a través de su influencia en las propiedades mecánicas de los compuestos. La reacción de copolimerización es muy efectiva cuando se lleva a cabo sobre fibras sin recubrimientos, haciendo la propuesta tecnológicamente más atractiva.

O Panstrongylus lutzi é um triatomíneo de ocorrência restrita às áreas de "caatinga" do Nordeste brasileiro. Apesar da presença de adultos no ambiente artificial ser freqüente, a ocorrência de colônias nunca havia sido assinalada pelas estatísticas do Programa de Controle da Doença de Chagas. No Estado do Ceará, a ocorrência desta espécie aumentou paulatinamente ao longo do período estudado, com taxas de infecção natural com Trypanosoma cruzi geralmente altas, sempre associadas a adultos que invadem o ambiente artificial. Chama a atenção o encontro de ninfas no peridomicílio e no intradomicílio. No ambiente silvestre duas fêmeas foram coletadas em troncos de árvores, que podem representar ecótopos naturais alternativos para a espécie neste Estado. As amostras de Panstrongylus lutzi dos municípios de Sobral e Crateús estudadas morfológica e morfometricamente, demonstraram alta variabilidade, sendo os insetos de Crateús significativamente menores e de coloração pálida, apresentando alguns indivíduos padrão da morfologia do falo compatível com a descrição da espécie; os insetos de Sobral eram escuros e as genitálias coincidentes com o padrão de Panstrongylus sherlocki, mas sendo todos considerados por nós como Panstrongylus lutzi.

Panstrongylus lutzi is generally restricted to the "caatinga" areas of north-eastern Brazil. Adult insects are frequently found in local houses, but colonies have not previously been registered in the statistics of the Control Programme of Chagas Disease. In Ceará State, our study revealed increasing occurrence of this species, usually with high infection rates for Trypanosoma cruzi, and always represented by adults that invaded the artificial environment. We also found nymphs in the peridomicile and inside the houses. In silvatic habitats we collected two adult females from hollow tree trunks, which may represent an alternative natural ecotope for the species in this state. Panstrongylus lutzi entomological collections from Sobral and Crateús, studied by morphology and morphometrics, showed great variability; those from Crateús were larger smaller and paler in colour, with individuals showing genital features consistent with those described for Panstrongylus lutzi or Panstrongylus sherlocki, whereas those from Sobral were darker and with genitalia compatible with P. sherlocki, nevertheless, all were considered to be Panstrongylus lutzi.

The population biology of three populations of Panstrongylus megistus was compared to determine possible influence on the behaviour and epidemiological importance of this species. The results demonstrated differences in terms of egg eclosion time, nymphal mortality and development rates, and feeding and defaecation rates. These differences appeared to follow a geographical cline, primarily reflecting different degrees of adaptation to domestic habitats.