Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of microwave and microwave combined with vacuum on the nutritional and sensory characteristics of blackberry jelly, in order to verify if they are actually more viable methods of processing when compared to the traditional process in open pan. It was verified that the processing methods studied did not influence the sensory characteristics of the obtained jelly, however, it was observed that the microwave processing, in particular low power microwave without vacuum, promotes smaller nutritional losses in the blackberry jelly. The jellies processed in low-power microwave without vacuum stood out from the others presenting the highest antioxidant activity by DPPH (2095.19 g f.w./g of DPPH) and ABTS method (21.81 μM trolox/g), the highest total phenolic content (504.58 mg GAE/100 g) and one of the highest ascorbic acid content (33.72 mg ascorbic acid/100 g). The jelly processed in high-power microwave without vacuum, stood out to have the highest antioxidant activity by the beta-carotene method (84.20% protection). In relation to the anthocyanins content, the jellies processed by vacuum microwave (low and high power) were highlighted because they presented the highest levels (16.25 and 15.03 mg of cyanidin equivalent 3 glucoside/100g, respectively).

Resumo Os programas de microcrédito vêm se expandindo em diversos países como alternativa para inserção produtiva dos microempreendedores de baixa renda. Na maioria dos casos, os programas possuem um viés na alocação dos empréstimos em favor das mulheres, assumindo que estas absorvem os compromissos de pagamentos como o fazem com suas responsabilidades familiares e sociais. Desta forma, as mulheres microempreendedoras teriam trajetórias de crescimento mais conservadoras. O objetivo deste trabalho é verificar se existe uma trajetória de crescimento para esse tipo de clientela, e se ela é diferenciada em relação ao gênero. Para isto, estimam-se equações de crescimento para os microempreendimentos dos clientes do Programa Crediamigo para o período de 2005 a 2009. Utilizam-se modelos lineares de efeitos mistos, como proposto por Rabe-Hesketh e Skrondal (2012). Os resultados mostram que existe uma trajetória de crescimento, mas com retornos decrescentes. Adicionalmente, as taxas médias de retorno são um pouco maiores para os homens; porém as mulheres possuem menores riscos em suas trajetórias.

Abstract Microcredit programs have been expanding in many countries as an alternative to productive insertion of low-income microentrepreneurs. In most cases, programs have a bias in the allocation of loans for women, assuming a greater commitment to these payments, from your best position in the family and society. The objective of this work is to verify whether there is a path of growth for this type of client, and if it is differentiated by gender. In this way, it estimates growth equations for microenterprises of the Crediamigo Program for the period of 2005 to 2009. The equations are estimated by linear mixed effect models, as proposed by Rabe-Hesketh and Skrondal (2012). The results show that there is a growth path, but with diminishing returns. Additionally, average return rates are higher for men; but women have lower risk in their trajectories.