EFFECTS OF MULTIPLE STRUCTURES AND TORSIONAL ANHARMONICITY FOR THE HYDROGEN ABSTRACTION REACTIONS OF THE THMETHYL BUTANOATE BY H RADICAL. Thermal rate constants for the hydrogen abstraction reactions of the methyl butanoate (MB) by H radical were estimated by applying the multistructural canonical variational theory with small-curvature tunneling (CVT/SCT). The conformational search was performed at MPWB1K/6-31+G(d,p) level of theory and 68 distinguishable conformers for MB and transition state located. The multistructural and torsional anharmonicity effects were corrected through the rovibrational partition functions calculated with the multistructural method based on a coupled torsional potential, MS-T(C). The MS-CVT/SCT thermal rate constants are shown in good concordance with previous combustion models. After fitting the rate constants in a four-parameters equation, the activation energy showed a temperature dependence. The product branching ratios indicate a preference for (Rα) until 500 K. Above this temperature, the contribution of other reactions becomes relevant, especially for (Rβ). RADICAL (MB smallcurvature small curvature CVT/SCT. CVTSCT CVT/SCT . CVT SCT (CVT/SCT) MPWB1K/631+Gd,p MPWB1K631Gdp MPWBKGdp MPWB1K/6 31+G d,p MPWB1K 6 31 G d p MPWB K MPWB1K/6-31+G(d,p located potential MSTC. MSTC MS T C MS-T(C) MSCVT/SCT MSCVTSCT models fourparameters four parameters equation dependence Rα (Rα 50 relevant Rβ. Rβ (Rβ) (CVT/SCT 631 Gd Gdp MPWB1K6 MPWBK MPWB1K/ 31G dp 3 MS-T(C MSCVT 5 (Rβ 63

Resumo O extrato de soja é um produto pronto para o consumo, nutritivo e naturalmente livre de colesterol. Diversas cultivares especiais de soja foram desenvolvidas no Brasil com o objetivo de aumentar o consumo humano de produtos derivados da soja. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a composição nutricional e a aceitação pelo consumidor do extrato de soja de três cultivares de soja com características especiais, como alto teor de proteínas e isoflavonas, sabor suave e livre de lipoxigenases, em relação a três cultivares convencionais. O extrato de soja foi obtido após branqueamento com solução de bicarbonato, trituração, centrifugação e pasteurização. Os resultados foram analisados por meio do teste de Anova e Tukey, para verificar diferenças entre as médias, e os dados do consumidor, por meio de análise de agrupamento e mapa de preferência interno. As lipoxigenases foram inativadas após o processamento térmico. Houve diferenças significativas entre as cultivares de soja e os extratos obtidos em relação aos teores de proteína, isoflavonas, lipídios e açúcares, e para o rendimento de extrato (p < 0,05). As cultivares BRS 133 e BRS 284 apresentaram o maior teor de isoflavonas totais (p < 0,05). Em relação à aceitação geral pelo consumidor, houve diferenças significativas entre as cultivares (p < 0,05), sendo que a menor média foi obtida por BRS 267. No entanto, a análise de cluster identificou três segmentos de consumidores de acordo com a similaridade de preferência. As cultivares BRS 284 e BRS 267 alcançaram a maior média entre os consumidores do segmento 1 (6,8 e 6,7, respectivamente). Os consumidores do segmento 2 preferiram a cultivar sem lipoxigenases, BRS 213 (média de 7,5), enquanto o segmento 3 preferiu a BRS 133 (média de 7,4). O processo de branqueamento da soja com solução de bicarbonato, trituração com água quente e pasteurização atenuou as diferenças entre as cultivares convencionais e especiais, e as seis cultivares avaliadas foram adequadas para a produção de extrato de soja. colesterol bicarbonato Tukey médias interno térmico proteína açúcares p 0,05. 005 0,05 . 0 05 0,05) 13 28 0,05, , entanto 26 6,8 68 6 8 (6, 67 7 6,7 respectivamente. respectivamente respectivamente) 21 7,5, 75 7,5 5 7,5) 7,4. 74 7,4 4 7,4) 00 0,0 6, (6 7, 0, (

Abstract The soymilk is a ready-to-eat, nutritious and naturally cholesterol-free product. Several soybean specialty cultivars were developed in Brazil in order to increase the human consumption of soybean products. The aim of this work was to evaluate the nutritional composition and consumer acceptance of soymilk from three soybean cultivars with special features such as high-protein and isoflavone contents, mild flavor and lipoxygenase-free compared to three conventional ones. The soymilk was obtained after blanching with a bicarbonate solution, grinding, centrifugation and pasteurization. The physicochemical and nutritional evaluation data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s test to check differences among means, and the consumer data through cluster analysis and internal preference mapping. The lipoxygenases were inactivated after thermal processing. There were significant differences among soybean cultivars and soymilks related to the protein, isoflavones, oil, and sugar contents and soymilk yield (p < 0.05). The BRS 133 and BRS 284 cultivars and soymilks presented the highest total isoflavone content (p < 0.05). Regarding the overall consumer acceptance, there were significant differences among cultivars (p < 0.05) with means ranging from 5.9 to 6.7 and the lower score was obtained by BRS 267. However, the cluster analysis identified three consumer segments according to preference similarity. The cultivars BRS 284 and BRS 267 reached the highest mean among the consumers of segment 1 (6.8 and 6.7 respectively). The consumers of segment 2 preferred the cultivar without lipoxygenases, BRS 213 (mean of 7.5) while segment 3 preferred the BRS 133 (mean of 7.4). The process of blanching of soybean with bicarbonate solution, grinding with boiling water and pasteurization mitigated the differences between conventional and specialty cultivars and the six cultivars evaluated were suitable for soymilk production. readytoeat, readytoeat ready eat, eat ready-to-eat cholesterolfree cholesterol free product products highprotein high protein lipoxygenasefree lipoxygenase ones solution ANOVA (ANOVA Tukeys Tukey s mapping processing isoflavones oil p 0.05. 005 0.05 . 0 05 13 28 59 5 9 5. 67 6 7 6. However similarity 26 6.8 68 8 (6. respectively. respectively respectively) 21 7.5 75 7.4. 74 7.4 4 7.4) production 00 0.0 (6 7. 0. (

RESUMEN Los procesos de inyección vapor-espuma requieren de la selección de un agente surfactante resistente a altas temperaturas, estable durante el tiempo y que reduzca la movilidad del vapor. La revisión del estado del arte permite identificar los principales fenómenos que producen pérdida de tensoactivo. Estos fenómenos son partición de fase, adsorción y degradación térmica, en donde el fenómeno de partición podría llegar a ser el más problemático. La adsorción y partición presentan un comportamiento directamente relacionado con la concentración micelar crítica del surfactante; además de verse afectadas por ciertas condiciones del yacimiento como lo son la temperatura, la salinidad y la presencia de arcillas. Las altas temperaturas podrían reducir la pérdida del tensoactivo en el caso de la adsorción; sin embargo, en la partición aumentaría la preferencia del agente a la fase oleica debido a la reducción de la viscosidad del aceite. Las altas concentraciones de sal podrían aumentar la adsorción, producir una inversión de fase o incluso la precipitación del surfactante. El agente debe estar conformado por una mezcla de componentes que le proporcionen estabilidad. Generalmente, la solución está compuesta principalmente por surfactantes aniónicos. Los surfactantes ampliamente usados son los alquíl aríl sulfonatos y los sulfonatos de alfa olefina, estables hasta 300°C. No obstante, existen componentes que pueden ser añadidos para mejorar su rendimiento, como lo son los surfactantes no iónicos o sustancia reguladoras de pH.

ABSTRACT Steam-foam processes require the correct selection of a surfactant agent resistant to high temperatures, stable over time, and capable of producing mobility reduction of the steam. A state-of-the-art revision allows identifying the main phenomena that could cause surfactant loss in porous medium. These phenomena are phase partitioning, adsorption, and thermal degradation, where phase partitioning could cause higher loss. Additionally, adsorption and phase partitioning have a direct relationship with the surfactant concentration below its critical micellar concentration. Reservoir conditions such as temperature, salinity and presence of clay are parameters that influence surfactant solution behavior. High temperatures in porous medium could reduce tensoactive loss by adsorption due to exothermic reactions. However, the foaming agent could be partitioned into oleic phase owing to viscosity reduction and molecules motion improvement towards crude oil. High concentrations of salt could increase adsorption measurements, produce surfactant preference to oil or even precipitation. Surfactant solution should be formed by a mixture of components that provides stability during the steam injection process. Generally, the solution is composed mainly of an anionic surfactant. Some widely used surfactants are alkyl aryl sulfonates and alpha olefin sulfonates, suitable for steam procedures up to 300°C. Despite, non-ionic surfactants, and pH adjustment substance could be added to give foaming agent an improved performance.

Resumen La termorregulación en la montaña tropical Andina impone retos para los reptiles. La interacción entre los requisitos térmicos de los individuos con las condiciones térmicas externas en estos entornos es poco conocida. Examinamos la estrategia de termorregulación de la serpiente nocturna Atractus crassicaudatus (Duméril, Bibron and Duméril, 1854), en el norte de los Andes. Describimos la relación entre la temperatura corporal de las serpientes, en campo y en laboratorio, con las temperaturas operativas durante 2 temporadas climáticas. Comparamos también la temperatura seleccionada (Tsel) durante la fotofase y la escotofase. Atractus crassicaudatus selecciona temperaturas corporales diferentes entre temporada seca (Tsel = 19.53-21.30 °C) y lluviosa (Tsel = 17.27-19.23 °C); termorregula activamente en seca y es termoconformista en lluvias. El uso de refugios rocosos en hábitat abiertos y semiabierto y el ajuste estacional de la temperatura seleccionada, sugiere tigmotermia y plasticidad en su fisiología térmica. Estas serpientes seleccionan un intervalo similar de temperaturas durante la fotofase y la escotofase, por lo que posiblemente termorregula comportamentalmente aún durante la fase de inactividad. En conclusión, esta serpiente nocturna responde a la variación circadiana y estacional en la calidad térmica de su microambiente mediante ajuste comportamental y fisiológico.

Abstract Thermoregulation in highland tropical environments imposes physiological challenges for reptiles. The interaction between individual thermal requirements with external thermal conditions in these environments remains mostly unknown. We examined the thermal strategy of the nocturnal snake Atractus crassicaudatus (Duméril, Bibron, and Duméril, 1854) in the highlands of the northern Andes. We depicted the relationship between the snake´s body temperatures on the field and under experimental conditions, with operative temperatures during 2 climatic seasons. Additionaly, we compared selected temperatures (Tsel) during the day (photophase) and night (scotophase). Individuals selected different body temperatures under dry (Tsel = 19.53-21.30 °C) and rainy (Tsel = 17.27-19.23 °C) seasons, they actively thermoregulate during the dry season, and they are thermoconformers during the rainy season. Their preference for rocky-shelters in open to semi-open habitats, and the seasonal adjustment of Tsel, suggest thigmothermy with plastic thermal physiology. Individuals select a similar range of temperatures during photophase and scotophase, then, thermoregulatory behavior might occur even during the “inactivity phase.” This nocturnal snake copes with the circadian and seasonal variation of environmental thermal quality through behavior and physiological adjustments.

ABSTRACT Currently, the public health infrastructure in Chile, at its different scales, has made important advances in determining sustainability design criteria. However, it is possible to see that, during its construction, there are no standardized verification processes on sustainability aspects, and that the work of technical inspection focuses on the administrative compliance of construction contracts, rather than on checking technical aspects. This research proposes a list of critical items and activities to supervise hospital construction, to guarantee sustainable criteria in their operation. A survey was also made to professionals involved in the design, construction, and supervision of hospital construction, ranking the results with a multi-criteria methodology (AHP), which showed a preference in the thermal envelope (20%) and thermal and ventilation installations (17%). Finally, based on the weaknesses stated by the professionals, a control and monitoring process of these items and activities is proposed, redesigning the work of the Worksite’ Technical Inspector.

RESUMEN Actualmente, la infraestructura de salud pública en Chile, en sus distintas escalas, presenta avances significativos en la determinación de criterios de diseño en sustentabilidad. Sin embargo, es posible observar que durante su construcción no existen procesos de verificación estandarizados sobre aspectos de sustentabilidad y que la labor de la inspección técnica se centra en el cumplimiento administrativo de los contratos de construcción, más que en la verificación de los aspectos técnicos. La presente investigación propone una lista de partidas y actividades críticas a fiscalizar en la construcción de hospitales para asegurar criterios sustentables en su operación. Luego, se realiza una encuesta a profesionales que participan en el diseño, construcción y fiscalización de obras hospitalarias. Los resultados se jerarquizan con una metodología multicriterio (AHP), a partir de la cual se evidencia una preferencia en la envolvente térmica (20%) e instalaciones térmicas y de ventilación (17%). Finalmente, en base a las debilidades señaladas por los profesionales, se propone un proceso de control y seguimiento a estas partidas y actividades con un rediseño de la labor del Inspector Técnico de Obras.

ABSTRACT We studied the interaction effect between temperature 23 and 26°C, and replacing fishmeal for soybean meal (SBM): 32, 43, and 56% vs. a diet control on culture performance, thermal behavior, and critical thermal maximum (CTMax) of juvenile Totoaba macdonaldi. Fish were fed to apparent satiation three times daily for 61 days. The results showed that temperature had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on weight gain, percent weight gain, and specific growth rate, which were all higher in fish acclimated at 26°C. The preferred temperature ranged between 26.4 and 27.7°C, significantly influenced by acclimation temperature (P < 0.05) but not by diet. CTMax was influenced by acclimation temperature and SBM in the diet. Fish resistance decreased when the percent SBM in the diet was higher. Information on biological indicators for T. macdonaldi adds to the knowledge of a key Mexican species. Our study demonstrated that the use of SBM as an alternative to fishmeal in the diet and the interaction with temperature as a factor could affect this species' performance.

Resumo O conforto térmico apresenta elevada importância para a conservação de energia em edificações, bem como para a satisfação e o desempenho dos usuários. O principal objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar o efeito da umidade do ar no conforto térmico de usuários de edificações de escritórios localizadas no clima subtropical úmido de Florianópolis/SC. Com base em dados previamente coletados em campo, foram efetuadas análises estatísticas considerando a umidade do ar e as respostas subjetivas dos usuários obtidas por meio de um questionário eletrônico. Analisou-se a percepção térmica e da umidade do ar de ocupantes de uma edificação com sistema central de ar-condicionado e duas edificações híbridas, onde houve alternância entre os modos de operação por ventilação natural e por ar-condicionado. Os resultados obtidos indicam ausência de relação entre a razão de umidade e a percepção térmica, no entanto mostram significativa influência da sensação de umidade e da preferência quanto à umidade sobre o conforto térmico. Ademais, assim como apontam outros autores, confirmou-se a importância da utilização da umidade absoluta ao invés da umidade relativa nas análises de conforto térmico.

Abstract Thermal comfort is highly important not only for energy conservation in buildings, but also for users’ satisfaction and performance. The main objective of this project is to assess the effect of air humidity on the thermal comfort of users of office buildings located in a humid subtropical climate, in Florianópolis/SC, southern Brazil. Based on field data previously collected, statistical analyses were performed considering the air humidity and users’ subjective responses obtained by means of an electronic questionnaire. The thermal perception and the air humidity perception of occupants of a building with central air-conditioning system and two mixed-mode buildings, in which there was alternation between the natural ventilation mode and the air-conditioning mode, were analysed. The results obtained indicate no relation between humidity ratio and thermal perception, however, a significant influence of humidity sensation and humidity preference on thermal comfort was observed. In addition, the study confirmed, as other authors had already pointed out, the importance of the use of absolute humidity instead of relative humidity in thermal comfort analyses.

Resumo Uma parcela considerável das pesquisas sobre o conforto térmico não considera a dinâmica da relação entre os usuários e a edificação, bem como há poucos estudos sobre conforto térmico e o idoso, especialmente em clima tropical. Esta pesquisa abordou a sensação e a percepção térmica em conjunto habitacional com as estratégias de adaptação ao ambiente, tendo como população indivíduos acima de 60 anos. Para isso, foram coletados dados mediante entrevistas semiestruturadas com 90 residentes de três conjuntos habitacionais para idosos, de caráter social e mesmo projeto arquitetônico, localizados nas cidades paraibanas de João Pessoa, Campina Grande e Cajazeiras. Os dados foram analisados por meio de técnicas estatísticas descritivas e inferenciais. Os idosos apresentaram tendência a preferir condições térmicas mais amenas àquelas vivenciadas por eles na habitação em análise. A ventilação natural é considerada uma variável importante para o conforto térmico, contudo os entrevistados relatam fechar as esquadrias para evitar a entrada de insetos e animais, dificultando a ventilação natural. Também foi identificado que fatores culturais e a necessidade de segurança interferem no fechamento das aberturas. Não foram encontradas correlações significativas entre o sexo dos entrevistados e suas respostas.

Abstract A considerable portion of the research on thermal comfort fails to undertake a comprehensive analysis including the relationship between residents and their buildings. It is also noteworthy that there are but a few studies on thermal comfort and the elderly, especially in tropical climates. Thus, this research study looks into sensation and thermal perception alongside strategies of adaptation to the environment, investigating a population of individuals over 60 years old, forming a sample of 90 respondents. The object of this study comprised 3 social housing units for the elderly located in the cities of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Campina Grande, and Cajazeiras. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The researchers found that the elderly showed a preference for thermal environmental conditions milder than those prevailing at the time of interview. Natural ventilation is normally considered an important variable for thermal comfort, however, the respondents reported closing openings to prevent the entry of insects and animals, making natural ventilation difficult, and contributing to their thermal discomfort. It was also found that both cultural and security factors influence the closing of doors and windows. No significant correlation was found between the respondents' gender and their answers.

Abstract Information about the thermal preference in bats goes back to studies carried out since the middle of the 20th century, mainly in North America and Europe. Here we present information on the thermal preference of six bat species in the cloud forests of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu (Cusco, Peru). The data were obtained in field using a thermo-camera and an infrared thermometer. Our results show the intervals and averages of the selected temperatures, as well as the differences between sexes of each species. This information constitutes the first effort in Peru to understand the temperature ranges that the natural and artificial bat refuges should have.

Resumen Información acerca de la preferencia termal en murciélagos se remonta a estudios realizados desde mediados del siglo XX, principalmente en Norte América y Europa. Aquí se presenta información sobre la preferencia térmica de seis especies de murciélagos en los bosques nubosos del Santuario Histórico de Machu Picchu (Cusco, Perú). Los datos se obtuvieron en campo con ayuda de una cámara de termo-preferencia y un termómetro infrarrojo. Nuestros resultados muestran los intervalos y promedios de las temperaturas seleccionadas, así como las diferencias entre sexos de cada especie. Esta información se constituye como el primer esfuerzo en Perú, para entender los rangos de temperatura que deberían poseer los refugios naturales y artificiales de los murciélagos.

Abstract In this work, we establish the thermal preference of Cryphiops caementarius adult males, previously acclimated at different temperatures. Shrimp were collected from the Pativilca River. In the laboratory, shrimp were acclimated for 30 days in nine aquariums, each with 10 circular containers. In each container, there was a shrimp (10 per aquarium). Acclimation temperatures were 19, 24 and 28 °C. The gradient temperature system (12 to 33 °C) consisted for a PVC gutter (3 m long and 10 cm deep) with 18 compartments. Submersible thermoregulators (100W) were placed at one end of the gutter and the other end, frozen hydrogel bags. The thermal preference was determined by the acute method and the tests were performed between 08:00 and 14:00 h. Shrimp acclimated at 24 °C moved to compartments whose temperatures were higher than the acclimation temperature. Shrimp acclimated at 24 °C moved to compartments whose temperatures were around the acclimation temperature. Shrimp acclimated at 28 °C moved to compartments where temperatures were lower than acclimation. The thermal preference of acclimated shrimp at 19 °C was 22.7 °C, and those acclimated at 24 °C were 24.8 °C, both without significant differences (p>0.05). On the other hand, in acclimated ones at 28 °C it was 21.1 °C, which only differed (p<0.05) with those acclimated at 19 °C. The final thermal preference was 24.5 °C.

Resumen El objetivo fue determinar la preferencia termal de machos adultos de Cryphiops caementarius previamente aclimatados a diferentes temperaturas. Los camarones se colectaron del río Pativilca. En laboratorio, los camarones se aclimataron durante 30 días en nueve acuarios, cada uno con 10 recipientes circulares. En cada recipiente hubo un camarón (10 por acuario). Las temperaturas de aclimatación fueron de 19, 24 y 28 °C. El sistema de gradiente de temperatura (12 a 33 °C) fue una canaleta de PVC (3 m de longitud y 10 cm de profundidad) con 18 compartimentos. En un extremo de la canaleta se colocaron termorreguladores sumergibles (100W) y en el otro extremo, bolsas con hidrogel congeladas. La preferencia termal se determinó por el método agudo y las pruebas se realizaron entre las 08:00 y 14:00 h. Los camarones aclimatados a 24 °C se desplazaron a compartimentos cuyas temperaturas fueron más altas que la temperatura de aclimatación. Los camarones aclimatados a 24 °C se desplazaron a compartimentos cuyas temperaturas fueron alrededor de la temperatura de aclimatación. Los camarones aclimatados a 28 °C se desplazaron a compartimentos donde las temperaturas fueron más bajas que aquella de aclimatación. La preferencia termal de los camarones aclimatados a 19 °C fue de 22.7 °C, y la de los aclimatados a 24 °C fue de 24.8 °C, ambos sin diferencias significativas (p>0.05). En cambio, en los aclimatados a 28°C fue de 21.1 °C, que solo difirió (p<0.05) con los aclimatados a 19 °C. La preferencia termal final fue de 24.5 °C.

Resumo Sabe-se que, com o envelhecimento, acontecem alterações fisiológicas que comprometem negativamente a sensação térmica do indivíduo. No entanto, a sensação de conforto térmico de pessoas idosas em ambientes residenciais tem sido pouco explorada no Brasil, principalmente em ambientes residenciais. Nesse contexto, quais seriam os parâmetros para avaliar a qualidade térmica de ambientes residenciais para pessoas idosas? Para responder a essa questão determinaram-se os parâmetros de conforto térmico para pessoas idosas em ambiente residencial na cidade de Campina Grande, localizada no estado da Paraíba, Brasil. A pesquisa, de natureza empírica, adotou a estratégia de múltiplos métodos, com entrevista estruturada para obter os dados das variáveis individuais e subjetivas, e medição dos dados das variáveis ambientais por meio de instrumentos e equipamentos especializados. A técnica estatística de estimativa de probabilidades (probits) utilizada para determinar os parâmetros de conforto térmico comprovou a preferência das pessoas idosas por ambientes mais aquecidos. A partir dos resultados é possível contribuir com o planejamento de ambientes residenciais mais confortáveis para pessoas idosas, mediante avaliações pós-ocupação (APO) e simulações de desempenho térmico de edificações em fase de concepção projetual.

Abstract Ageing, as we know, involves a series of physiological changes that have a negative impact on the individual's thermal perception. However, thermal comfort for the elderly has received little attention from researchers in Brazil, especially regarding the elderly people's own homes. In this context, what parameters can be applied to assess thermal quality in elderly people's homes? To answer this question, thermal comfort parameters have been determined for elderly people in their homes in the city of Campina Grande, Paraíba State, Brazil. For this empirical research, a multiple-method strategy was implemented through the use of structured interviews to collect data concerning individual and subjective variables, as well as the measurement of data concerning environmental variables through the use of dedicated tools and equipment. The probit model for estimating probabilities was used to determine the parameters of thermal comfort, confirming the preference of elderly people for warmer environments. The results can help design home environments that are more comfortable for elderly people, through post-occupancy evaluation (POE) and simulations of the thermal performance of houses or building during the designing stage.

RESUMO A tesourinha Euborellia annulipes vem sendo estudada como inimigo natural de insetos-pragas e potencial predadora da traça-das-crucíferas. A temperatura é um fator importante para mediar o aumento da densidade populacional de pragas, podendo afetar as dinâmicas da relação predador-presa. Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da temperatura e do estágio de desenvolvimento de indivíduos de Plutella xylostella na preferência alimentar de fêmeas de E. annulipes. Três temperaturas (18 ºC, 25 ºC e 32 ºC), dois estágios de desenvolvimento (lagartas e pupas) e duas condições de alimentação relacionadas à captura das presas (com e sem escolha) foram avaliados. Independentemente da temperatura, fêmeas de tesourinha mostraram preferência alimentar por lagartas, ao invés de pupas. As condições de temperatura e de escolha influenciaram na quantidade de presas consumidas, mas apenas para larvas (não para pupas). O menor consumo de lagartas foi observado sob 18 ºC, em ambas as condições de captura.

ABSTRACT The ring-legged earwig Euborellia annulipes has been studied as a natural enemy of pest-insects and a potential predator of diamondback moth. Temperature is an important factor that mediates the pest population density and may affect the predator-prey relationship dynamics. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the temperature and development stage of Plutella xylostella individuals on the feeding preference of E. annulipes females. Three temperatures (18 ºC, 25 ºC and 32 ºC), two development stages (larvae and pupae) and two feeding conditions related to the prey capture (with or without choice) were assessed. No matter the temperature, ring-legged earwig females showed a preference for eating larvae, instead of pupae. The temperature and choice conditions influenced the amount of consumed preys, but only for larvae (not for pupae). The lowest larvae consumption was observed at 18 ºC, in both prey capture conditions.

The giant anteater, Myrmecophaga tridactyla, globally categorized as a vulnerable species, has disappeared in several regions of its original distribution in Argentina. A program to reintroduce the species has been conducted in the Iberá Nature Reserve in Corrientes province since 2006. The diet of released giant anteaters was studied to determine the identity of their prey, and establish whether they have preference for ants or termites or, rather, prefer certain feeding habitats (e. g., open or closed). Twenty two fecal samples were randomly collected during 2008-2013, and heads and mesosomes were recovered. We identified 12 taxa of ants and only one taxon of termites. Observed taxa represent around 80% of the taxa expected to be eaten by anteaters. Camponotus was the most common ant genus, and Acromyrmex and Solenopsis werethe numerically most abundant genera. The ant taxa ingested by M. tridactyla were reflective of their natural availablility in the area, suggesting that giant anteaters had no preference for any particular prey. They mainly consumed ant species of the genera Solenopsis, Camponotus and Acromyrmex with conspicuous nests that occur mostly in open habitats of the reserve and not in the most preferred habitat (forest). One possible explanation is that anteaters reduce their foraging search time, and consequently the time they are out in open habitat, so avoiding predation risk and thermal injuries. Thus, conservation of both open and closed habitats would be essential for maintaining the reintroduced populations of giant anteaters.

El oso hormiguero gigante, Myrmecophaga tridactyla, es una especie catalogada como vulnerable tanto a nivel mundial como en Argentina, donde desapareció en varias regiones de su distribución nativa. Un programa de reintroducción de especies se lleva a cabo desde 2006 en la Reserva Natural Iberá en Corrientes. Se estudió la dieta de los osos hormigueros gigantes liberados para determinar la identidad de sus presas y conocer si poseen preferencia por hormigas o termitas o por sitios de alimentación (abiertos o cerrados). Se colectaron 22 muestras de heces entre 2008-2013, recuperándose cabezas y mesosomas. Estos tagmas fueron identificados en 12 taxones de hormigas y uno de termitas. Los taxones observados representaron el 80% de lo esperado a ser ingerido por los osos. Camponotus fue el género más común, y Acromyrmex y Solenopsis los más abundantes numéricamente. Los taxones ingeridos por M. tridactyla se relacionaron positivamente con la disponibilidad del área, sugiriendo que los osos no tienen preferencia por presas en particular. Principalmente consumieron hormigas con nidos conspicuos de Solenopsis, Camponotus y Acromyrmex que se encuentran mayormente en áreas abiertas de la reserva y no en el bosque, hábitat preferido. Creemos que debido a la alta disponibilidad de esas presas, los osos reducen su tiempo de búsqueda de forrajeo, y por ende, su tiempo de permanencia en áreas abiertas, evitando así riesgos de prelación y daños térmicos. La conservación de ambos hábitats, abiertos y cerrados, sería esencial para el mantenimiento de la población reintroducida de osos hormigueros gigantes.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho é verificar a influência do índice de massa corpórea (IMC) e da frequência de atividades físicas na sensação, preferência, conforto e aceitabilidade térmica de pessoas que trabalham em escritórios com ventilação híbrida ou que operam com sistema de ar-condicionado central em Florianópolis, SC. Analisaram-se os resultados de 85 estudos de campo (medições ambientais e aplicação de questionários) em três edificações. Os dados foram separados conforme cada modo de operação e subdivididos em dois subgrupos, um de IMC e outro de frequência de atividades físicas; e submetidos a análises estatísticas com as variáveis de conforto térmico. Observou-se uma tendência de os valores de isolamento da vestimenta diminuírem conforme se aumentam os valores de IMC. Sensação, preferência e conforto térmico mostraram relação significativa com os dois modos de operação, quando levados em consideração os valores de IMC. Em geral, indivíduos com maiores IMCs sentem o ambiente mais aquecido, tendem a preferir ambientes mais resfriados e sentem-se mais confortáveis termicamente do que usuários com menores valores de IMC. Os resultados relacionados à frequência de atividades físicas não se mostraram conclusivos.

Abstract The aim of this study was to verify the influence of body mass index (BMI) and frequency of physical activities on the thermal sensation, preference, comfort and acceptability of people working in offices with hybrid ventilation or operating with a central air-conditioning system in Florianópolis/SC. The results of 85 field studies (environmental measurements and application of questionnaires) were analysed in three buildings. Data were organised according to each mode of operation and subdivided into two subgroups, BMI and frequency of physical activity, and then submitted to statistical analysis with thermal comfort variables. A tendency of decreasing clothing insulation as BMI increased was observed. Thermal sensation, preference and comfort showed a significant relationship with the two modes of operation, when considering BMI values. Overall, individuals with higher BMIs feel warmer, tended to prefer cooler environments and feel more thermally comfortable than users with lower BMI values. Results related to the frequency of physical activities were not conclusive.

Resumen El área suroeste de la costa ecuatoriana es una región tradicionalmente petrolera, sin embargo aún no se ha definido cuál es el sistema petrolero reinante en la región. Entre las principales rocas propuestas como generadoras de los crudos del litoral, se encuentran las formaciones Seca y Socorro del Eoceno así como Dos Bocas y Subibaja del Mioceno. Con la finalidad de aportar nuevos elementos al conocimiento de la zona, fueron estudiados tanto crudos como rocas provenientes de campos onshore y offshore, usando técnicas geoquímicas que incluyen cromatografía de gases e isótopos de carbono. Parámetros como el Índice Preferencial de Carbonos (IPC), Pri/ n-C17, Fit/n-C18 y las distribuciones isotópicas, indican que los crudos de los campos onshore están genéticamente diferenciados de los crudos offshore, y se asocian con una roca madre clástica con aporte de materia orgánica mixta, depositada en ambiente subóxico, consistente con la parte distal de un complejo estuarino. Por otro lado, las rocas analizadas son inmaduras térmicamente y con muy bajo potencial generador, por lo que no pueden ser correlacionadas con los crudos analizados, tal y como se venía haciendo tradicionalmente.

Abstract The southeastern of the Ecuadorian coast is a traditionally oil producing region, but the petroleum system has not been defined yet. The proposed main source rocks are Seca and Socorro formations (Eocene) and Dos Bocas and Subibaja formations (Miocene). In order to contribute new elements to the knowledge of the area, both crude and rock from onshore and offshore fields were studied, using geochemical techniques that include gas chromatography and carbon isotopes. Parameters such as the Carbon Preference Index (IPC), Pri/n-C17 and Phy/n-C18 ratios and the isotopic distributions, indicate that onshore oils are genetically differentiated from offshore oils and are associated with a detritic source rock with mixed organic matter, deposited in a suboxic environment, consistent with the distal area of an estuarine complex. On the other hand, the rocks analyzed are thermally immature and with very low generating potential, so that they cannot be correlated with the crude analyzed, as was traditionally done.