Evaluate the collective function of references cited together in a given text segment.
Classify their combined role into one of the following categories: 'method', 'background', or 'result'.

Text:As in previous experiments (de la Fuente et al. 2007b, 2008), RNAi with UBQ, EF-1a, and SUB increased R. microplus mortality and reduced oviposition when compared to controls (Table 1).
Category: