Palygoskite pellets were synthesized with lignin and WAX® and subjected to technological characterization for application in the remediation of Pb ions contained in aqueous effluents. X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization of the palygorskite:lignin:WAX® material in a proportion of 70:15:15 revealed that the heat treatment of the pellets did not compromise the crystalline structure of the palygoskite. Texture analyses demonstrated that the surface area increased after synthesis and heat treatment, thus increasing the adsorption capacity. Regarding porosity, X-ray microtomography revealed that the pellets exhibit an irregular and porous spherical morphology with interconnected pores. Adsorption tests showed a removal of 73% of PbII contained in aqueous effluents after 15 min, with equilibrium reached in 60 min (88.36%). After the adsorption process, the presence of lead in the material was qualitatively confirmed through scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) images. The produced pellets exhibit promising adsorbent qualities, such as strength and effective PbII ion adsorption. WAX Xray X ray XRD (XRD palygorskiteligninWAX® palygorskiteligninWAX palygorskite palygorskite:lignin:WAX 701515 70 70:15:1 palygoskite capacity porosity pores 73 1 6 88.36%. 8836 88.36% . 88 36 (88.36%) process energydispersive energy dispersive SEMEDS SEM EDS (SEM-EDS images qualities 70151 7 70:15: 883 88.36 8 3 (88.36% 7015 70:15 88.3 (88.36 701 70:1 88. (88.3 70: (88. (88 (8 (

• The extraction of the juice from the filters in the sugar industry enables the production of torula yeast cream to promote swine feeding, allowing the amount of leftover bagasse to be increased to be used to obtain xylitol for the food industry, and to take advantage of the resulting lignocellulosic material as a source of compacted energy for the generation of electricity, in the context of a biorefinery. Assess the alternatives for the production of torula yeast, xylitol and pellets from the extraction of the juice from the filters, considering the context of a biorefinery, for the benefit of swine feeding, the food industry and electricity generation. Starting from the extraction of juice from the filters, the investment and production capacities of torula yeast cream were used, and through the materials and energy balances, the possible increases in leftover bagasse and the integration of the production of xylitol and pellets were obtained. The quantities of sugar, honey, bagasse, torula, xylitol and pellets were obtained for the different extraction rates and the increase in profits and financial indicators were analyzed. With the prices of the products, the cost of raw materials and the investment estimates, the optimal extraction percentage of the juice from the filters is around 40 percent.

RESUMEN • La extracción del jugo de los filtros en la industria azucarera, posibilita la producción de crema de levadura torula para favorecer la alimentación porcina, permitiendo incrementar la cantidad de bagazo sobrante para utilizarlo en la obtención de xilitol para la industria alimenticia, aprovechando el material lignocelulósico resultante como fuente de energía compactada para la generación de electricidad, bajo el contexto de una biorrefinería. Partiendo de la extracción de jugo de los filtros, torula, y mediante los balances se obtuvieron los incrementos posibles de bagazo sobrante y la integración de las producciones de xilitol y pellets. Se obtuvieron las cantidades de azúcar, miel, bagazo, torula, xilitol y pellets para los diferentes porcentajes de extracción y se analizó el incremento de las ganancias y los indicadores financieros El porcentaje de extracción óptimo del jugo de los filtros, en correspondencia con los precios de productos, costo de materias primas y costos de inversión estimados, está en el entorno del 40 %.

Finos de carvão vegetal são coprodutos da carbonização da madeira, indesejados por diminuir o rendimento gravimétrico em carvão vegetal. São produzidos devido ao processo de carbonização, durante o armazenamento e transporte do carvão vegetal. A pelletização de finos aumenta a densidade energética, produzindo um combustível homogêneo e com menor teor de umidade, possibilitando a queima em equipamentos com alta eficiência energética, além de propriedades desejáveis em produtos energéticos como alto teor de carbono fixo e baixo teor de umidade. Este estudo avaliou o efeito do teor de umidade e do tempo de secagem na produção de black pellets a partir de finos de carvão vegetal ligados com amido de arroz (Oryza sativa) nas características físico-químicas e mecânicas. Os black pellets foram produzidos utilizando duas proporções de água (10 ou 20%) e tempo de secagem de 4 ou 6 horas. Os black pellets foram avaliados quanto à análise química imediata, composição elementar, teor de umidade, tamanho, densidade aparente, poder calorífico e densidade energética. A adição de água não afetou o teor de voláteis, cinzas e carbono fixo, enquanto o tratamento com adição de 20% de água e quatro horas de secagem apresentou maior teor de umidade (3,34%). A adição de água permitiu melhor condução de calor e disposição das partículas, produzindo pellets com durabilidade superior a 98%. A melhor disposição promovida pela adição de 20% de água também aumentou a densidade dos pellets, resultando em maior densidade energética. Os black pellets podem ser considerados uma boa alternativa para aquecimento residencial, com tratamento T3 (20% de umidade - 4h de secagem) apresentando elevada densidade energética e melhor desempenho em termos de propriedades desejáveis para utilização e comercialização de acordo com a norma EN 14961-6.

Charcoal fines are co-products of the wood carbonization process, unwanted because they reduce the gravimetric yield of the main product, charcoal. It can be produced due to the carbonization process, during the storage and transport of charcoal. Pelletizing charcoal fines increases the energy density of this material, producing a homogeneous fuel with lower moisture content, enabling burning in equipment with high energy efficiency, in addition to desirable properties in energy products such as high fixed carbon content and low moisture content. This study evaluated the effect of moisture content and drying time on the production of black pellets from charcoal fines bound with rice starch (Oryza sativa) on the physicochemical and mechanical characteristics. Black pellets were produced using two proportions of water (10 or 20%) and a drying time of 4 or 6 hours. Black pellets were evaluated for their proximate analysis, elemental composition, moisture content, size, apparent density, calorific value and energy density. The addition of water did not affect the content of volatile matter, ash, and fixed carbon, while the treatment with addition of 20% water and four hours of drying showed a higher moisture content (3.34%). The addition of water allowed for better heat conduction and particle arrangement, producing pellets with a durability greater than 98%. The better arrangement promoted by the addition of 20% water also increased the density of the pellets, resulting in greater energy density. Black pellets can be considered an alternative for residential heating, with T3 treatment (20% - 4h) with a high energy density and better performance in terms of desirable properties for use and commercialization according to the standard EN 14961-6.

A computational model of a submerged arc furnace (SAF) used in the production of ferrochrome is presented. The model's intended use is to investigate the extent to which intrinsic and extrinsic properties of the raw materials affect burden distribution and electrical resistance within the furnace. The model is built on the discrete element method and calculates the mechanical interactions of particle distributions resulting from the flow motion of typical raw materials used in the smelting of chromium ore. This model excludes the effects of thermodynamics, furnace chemistry, and heat transfer. It illustrates how the consumption of materials (chromite pellets, flux, and reductant) is affected by changes in electrode length, reductant fractions, and reductant sizing and density during the formation of a reductant bed. The resistance calculation algorithm developed by Mintek was applied to construct networks developed from particle contacts, which can quantitatively generate estimates of the electrode-to-electrode and electrode-to-bath electrical conduction conditions.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to contribute with methodologies to recover mauri (Trichomycterus dispar) populations and to the diversification of aquaculture in the Puno, Peru region. In total, 300 mauri specimens were used from the artificial reproduction of Villa Santiago - Pomata, in Puno, Peru. A culture system was conditioned and the acceptance of microsphere balanced food for the mauri was evaluated from the larval stage to 60 days of culture. Likewise, the growth of the fish was determined for 365 days. The incubation and obtaining of fingerlings were carried out at the facilities of the Peruvian Sea Institute (IMARPE), Puno headquarters. During stomach dissection at 45 days, less than 50% pellets were observed in the stomach contents; however, after 60 days, this percentage increased to more than 50%, even reaching 100%. This occurred when the fish had an average size and weight of 2.14 cm and 0.061 g, respectively. This stage was considered the beginning of the use of balanced food. At the end of the study (365 days) the mauri had an average size and weight of 4.87 cm and 0.712 g, respectively. The specific growth rate (SGR) was between 0.83 and 1.5, while the feed conversion factor was between 1 to 1.5. The study shows that the species has potential for cultivation in an intensive system, as well as for repopulation in the juvenile stage.

RESUMEN El objetivo del trabajo fue aportar con metodologías para recuperar las poblaciones de mauri (Trichomycterus dispar) y a la diversificación de la acuicultura en la región Puno - Perú. Se utilizaron 300 ejemplares de mauri provenientes de la reproducción artificial de Villa Santiago - Pomata, en Puno, Perú. Se acondicionó un sistema de cultivo y se evaluó el consentimiento de alimento balanceado microesferizado para el mauri desde la etapa larval hasta 60 días de cultivo. Asimismo, se determinó el crecimiento de los peces durante 365 días. Durante la disección de estómago a los 45 días, se observó menos del 50% de pellets en el contenido del estómago; sin embargo, a los 60 días, este porcentaje aumentó a más del 50%, llegando incluso al 100%. Esto ocurrió cuando los peces tenían una talla y peso promedio de 2.14 cm y 0.061 g, respectivamente. Esta etapa se consideró como el inicio del uso de alimento balanceado. Al término del estudio (365 días) el mauri presentó una talla y peso promedio de 4.87 cm y 0.712 g, respectivamente. La tasa de crecimiento específico (TCE) fue entre 0.83 y 1.5, en tanto que el factor de conversión alimenticia estuvo entre 1 a 1.5. El estudio demuestra que la especie posee un potencial para el cultivo en sistema intensivo, así como para realizar repoblamientos en la etapa juvenil.

Resumo Aglutinantes são produtos usados para unir, colar ou manter juntos os vários ingredientes da ração, a fim de conservar a integridade do pellet. Para os aquicultores, a fabricação de ração é uma atividade difícil e cara por causa do alto preço dos aglutinantes artificiais tradicionais. O uso de amidos de grãos como aglutinantes de rações aquáticas tem vantagens que incluem acessibilidade, disponibilidade, contribuição nutricional e minimização do custo da ração. Um ensaio de pesquisa foi conduzido para testar propriedades físicas, como palatabilidade, estabilidade em água, pulverulência, friabilidade, velocidade de sedimentação e tempo de flutuação de amido disponível localmente, ou seja, glúten de trigo, amido de ervilha e goma de guar, e para auxiliar sua incorporação em rações aquáticas. Os resultados revelaram que, entre esses três amidos, o amido de ervilha se mostrou superior aos outros dois (glúten de trigo e goma de guar), pois todos os parâmetros de qualidade física (pulverulência, estabilidade da água e friabilidade) obtiveram melhor desempenho, exceto peletabilidade, em que a goma de guar se destacou. Nenhuma dieta se mostrou melhor no caso de tempo de flotação (Tf) e velocidade de sedimentação em comprimentos variados (6 mm, 9 mm e 12 mm). Essa descoberta indica a importância de aglutinantes adequados para a poluição ótima da água e a aquicultura sustentável. O uso desses aglutinantes, ou seja, glúten de trigo, amido de ervilha e goma de guar, em pellets de ração para peixes também pode reduzir a dependência de aglutinantes sintéticos e minimizar o custo.

Abstract Binders are the products that are used to bind, glue or hold the various feed ingredients together in order to maintain pellet integrity. For aqua-culturists, feed manufacturing is an expensive exercise due to the high cost of ingredients along with traditional artificial binders. The use of grain starches as aqua feed binders have advantages which include availability of that binder, nutritional contribution, and minimization of feed cost. A research trial was conducted to test physical properties such as palatability, water stability, dustiness, friability, settling velocity and floatation time of locally available starch i.e. wheat gluten, pea starch and guar gum and to assist their incorporation in on-farm aqua feed. Results revealed that among these three starch, the starch from pea source was proved superior over other two (wheat gluten and guar gum) as all physical quality parameters (dustiness, water stability and friability) revealed better performance of pea starch except pelletability in which guar gum performed best. Although not a single diet proved best in case of flotation time (Tf) and settling velocity (Vset) at varying lengths (6mm, 9mm and 12 mm). This finding indicates the significance of suitable binders for optimal water pollution and sustainable aquaculture. The use of these binders i.e. wheat gluten, pea starch and guar gum in fish feed pellets may also reduce dependence on synthetic binders and minimizes cost.

Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) is a plant widely used as raw material in global beer production, valued for its aroma, flavor and bittering components. Despite Brazil’s third-place position in global beer production, the country still relies on imported hops. Thus, this study describes the chemical composition and volatile oil content of Cascade and Chinook hop cultivars grown in a tropical area in São Paulo state during 2020 and 2021, as well as imported commercial pellets. Hydrodistillation was employed to extract the oils, which were analyzed using GC-FID and GC-MS techniques. Approximately 40% of the cultivated hop plants exhibited volatile oil content within the expected range. Among the 55 identified compounds, β-myrcene, β-caryophyllene, and α-humulene were the major constituents, and several key compounds contributing to hop aroma were detected. Principal component analysis revealed distinct clustering patterns based on cultivar and harvest year. This study reports the first comparative analysis of hops harvested in different years and the volatile oil composition and content of Chinook hops cultivated in Brazil, making a significant contribution to the fields of agronomy and national beer market. These findings highlight Brazil’s potential to become a major hop producer by implementing proper management practices and suitable technologies. Humulus L. L production components Brazils Brazil s thirdplace third place Thus 202 2021 pellets oils GCFID GC FID GCMS MS techniques 40 range 5 βmyrcene, βmyrcene β myrcene, myrcene β-myrcene βcaryophyllene, βcaryophyllene caryophyllene, caryophyllene β-caryophyllene αhumulene α humulene constituents detected year market technologies 20 4 2

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine the effect of gallic acid or its combination with glibenclamide on some biochemical markers and histology of the cornea of streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Methods: Following induction of diabetes, 24 male albino rats were divided into four groups of six rats each. Groups 1 and 2 (control and diabetic) received rat pellets and distilled water; group 3 (gallic acid) received rat pellets and gallic acid (10 mg/kg, orally) dissolved in the distilled water; and group 4 (gallic acid + glibenclamide) received rat pellets, gallic acid (10 mg/kg, orally), and glibenclamide (5 mg/kg, orally) dissolved in the distilled water. The treatments were administered for three months after which the rats were sacrificed after an overnight fast. Blood and sera were collected for the determination of biochemical parameters, while their eyes were excised for histology. Results: STZ administration to the rats induced insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, microprotenuria, loss of weight, oxidative stress, inflammation, and alteration of their cornea histology, which was abolished following supplementation with gallic acid or its combination with glibenclamide. Conclusions: The study showed the potentials of gallic acid and glibenclamide in mitigating systemic complication and histological changes in the cornea of diabetic rats induced with STZ. Purpose (STZ Methods diabetes each control water 10 (1 mgkg mg kg mg/kg orally orally, , 5 ( fast parameters Results resistance hyperglycemia microprotenuria weight stress inflammation Conclusions

ABSTRACT This work analyzed the world concentration of pellet exports between 2012 and 2018. Data on pellet exports from the Food and Agriculture Organization Of The United Nations – FAO were used as were the following indicators: Concentration Ratio [CR(k)], Hirschman-Herfindal Index (HHI), Theil Entropy Index (E), Gini inequality coefficient (G) and the Hall-Tideman Index (HTI). From the results, it was noted that there was an increase in the amount of world exports of wood pellets, with an increase from 9.71 x106 t, in 2012, to 23.67 x106 t, in 2018. There was dominance of the European continent over exports; at the country level, the main ones were: United States, Canada and Latvia. The indicators showed that pellet exports were, for the most part, concentrated and uneven. The continental and subcontinent levels showed the highest degree of concentration, however, as of 2016, there were signs of a possible deconcentration of this market. All methods used point to a process of deconcentration in pellet exports from 2016, this process can be intensified with technological expansion and incentive policies. 201 2018 CRk, CRk CR k , [CR(k)] HirschmanHerfindal Hirschman Herfindal HHI, HHI (HHI) E, E (E) G (G HallTideman Hall Tideman HTI. HTI . (HTI) results pellets 971 9 71 9.7 x x10 t 2367 23 67 23.6 level States Latvia part uneven however 2016 market policies 20 [CR(k) (HHI (E (HTI 97 7 9. x1 236 2 6 23. [CR(k

RESUMO Este trabalho analisou a concentração mundial das exportações de pellets entre 2012 e 2018. Utilizou-se os dados das exportações de pellets da Food and Agriculture Organization Of The United Nations – FAO e foram empregados os indicadores: Razão de Concentração[CR(k)], Índice de Hirschman-Herfindal (HHI), Índice de Entropia de Theil (E), Coeficiente de desigualdade de Gini (G) e o Índice de Hall-Tideman (HTI). Dos resultados notou-se que houve crescimento na quantidade de exportações mundial de pellets de madeira, com aumento de 9,71 x106 t, em 2012, para 23,67 x106 t, em 2018 . Observou-se domínio do continente europeu sobre as exportações; em nível de países, foram os principais: Estados Unidos, Canadá e Latvia. Os indicadores apontaram que as exportações de pellets estiveram, em sua maioria, concentradas e desiguais. Os níveis continental e de subcontinentes apresentaram o maior grau de concentração, contudo, a partir de 2016, houve indícios de uma possível desconcentração desse mercado. Todos os métodos utilizados apontam para um processo de desconcentração nas exportações de pellets a partir de 2016, esse processo pode ser intensificado com expansão tecnológica e de políticas de incentivo. 201 Utilizouse Utilizou se ConcentraçãoCRk, ConcentraçãoCRk Concentração CR k , Concentração[CR(k)] HirschmanHerfindal Hirschman Herfindal HHI, HHI (HHI) E, E (E) G (G HallTideman Hall Tideman HTI. HTI (HTI) notouse notou madeira 971 9 71 9,7 x x10 t 2367 23 67 23,6 Observouse Observou países principais Unidos Latvia estiveram maioria desiguais contudo 2016 mercado incentivo 20 Concentração[CR(k) (HHI (E (HTI 97 7 9, x1 236 2 6 23, Concentração[CR(k

High chromium cast irons (HCCIs) are widely applied in the mining industry as components of equipment for iron ore transportation, in which their surfaces are subjected to abrasive and erosive wear. The present work evaluated the erosion-abrasion behavior of a HCCI possessing different amounts of austenite and martensite, using a laboratory impeller-tumbler wear test apparatus and iron ore pellets as abrasive material. The results showed that the wear dominant mechanism on the worn surface of the as-cast material depends upon the material microstructure. For HCCI destabilized at 930 and 990 °C, the matrix has high martensite/austenite ratio and finely dispersed secondary carbides, offering high abrasion-erosion wear resistance. The absence of fractured eutectic carbides indicates that such matrix has hardness and load bearing capacity, enough for mitigating a significant plastic deformation during the impact pellets. For HCCI destabilized at 1050 °C, the matrix has a low martensite/austenite ratio and coalesced secondary carbides, leading to high wear rates during erosion-abrasion tests. HCCIs (HCCIs transportation erosionabrasion erosion abrasion martensite impellertumbler impeller tumbler ascast microstructure 93 99 C °C martensiteaustenite abrasionerosion resistance capacity 105 tests 9 10 1

ABSTRACT Slow-release fertilizers are sustainable alternatives to soil nutrition that can effectively enhance agricultural productivity. In this study, we formulated slow-release organomineral fertilizers using spent coffee grounds (SCG) impregnated with triple superphosphate (TSP). The effects of the composition of the fertilizer on pellet resistance and P release capacity were evaluated, along with heat treatment at different temperatures and times. The pellets with 10 g sugarcane molasses and 2.5 g TSP per gram of SCG, dried at 100 °C, presented the best mechanical resistance, releasing about 90% P in 13.8 h. The release kinetics of these pellets followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, controlled by Fickian diffusion. The fertilizer thermally treated at 400 °C for 30 min was classified as a slow-release fertilizer, as it released 90% P in 793.3 h. Thus, the partial carbonization of biomass promoted P adsorption to the surface of the porous matrix of the pellets, allowing the slow release of nutrients. Overall, we found that pelletized OMFs can be used as sustainable and inexpensive fertilizers derived from waste biomass; thus, their application can contribute to eco-friendly agricultural practices. Slowrelease Slow productivity study slowrelease SCG (SCG TSP. . (TSP) evaluated times 1 25 2 5 2. C 90 138 13 8 13. h KorsmeyerPeppas Korsmeyer Peppas model diffusion 40 3 7933 793 793. Thus nutrients Overall thus ecofriendly eco friendly practices (TSP 9 4 79 7

RESUMO Os fertilizantes de liberação lenta podem ser usados como alternativa sustentável para a nutrição do solo e aumento da produtividade industrial. Este trabalho formulou fertilizantes organominerais de liberação lenta a partir de borra de café impregnado com superfosfato triplo. Nós avaliamos o efeito da composição de fertilizantes na resistência do pellet e capacidade de liberação de P e o tratamento térmico a diferentes temperaturas e tempos. Os pellets com 5 g de do ligante de melaço de cana e 2,5 g de TSP/g SC, secos a 100 ºC, apresentaram a melhor resistência mecânica, liberando 90% de P em 13,8 h. A cinética de liberação seguiu o modelo de Korsmeyer-Peppas, sendo controlada pela difusão Fickiana. O fertilizante tratado termicamente a 400 ºC por 30 min foi classificado como de liberação lenta, liberando 90% de P em 793,3 h. Assim, a carbonização parcial da biomassa promoveu a adsorção de P na matriz porosa dos pellets, permitindo a liberação lenta dos nutrientes. No geral, este estudo demonstra o potencial dos OMFs granulados como fertilizantes sustentáveis e de baixo custo derivados de biomassa residual, contribuindo para práticas agrícolas ambientalmente sustentáveis. industrial triplo tempos 25 2 2, TSPg TSP SC 10 mecânica 90 138 13 8 13, h KorsmeyerPeppas, KorsmeyerPeppas Korsmeyer Peppas, Peppas Korsmeyer-Peppas Fickiana 40 3 7933 793 793, Assim nutrientes geral residual 1 9 4 79 7

ABSTRACT The use of biochar in agriculture remains controversial due to the amounts applied and the small size of the particles which can cause respiratory problems when inhaled. With the aim of evaluating the effects of cattle manure biochar (CMB) on the chemical attributes of the soil and on plant growth and nutrition, a greenhouse experiment was conducted, with Urochloa brizantha ‘BRS Paiaguás’ grown in pots over five crop cycles, in weathered soil (Oxisol). CMB pellets, both enriched and not enriched with potassium phosphate (PK), were produced using cassava starch as the binder, in a ratio of 2:2:1 (biochar: PK fertiliser: binder) and 4:1 (biochar: binder), respectively. The CMB was produced at a pyrolysis temperature of 450 °C. The experimental design was completely randomised in a 2 x 2 x 2 + 1 factorial scheme, with five replications. The treatments were non-pelletised and pelletised CMB, with and without liming, and with and without PK, and an additional treatment with no fertiliser. The CMB improved the chemical properties of the soil, correcting acidity, increasing nutrient availability and improving the production of Urochloa brizantha ‘BRS Paiaguás’. The use of CMB enriched with phosphorus and potassium behaved as a slow-release organomineral fertiliser in Urochloa brizantha ‘BRS Paiaguás’. inhaled (CMB nutrition conducted BRS Paiaguás cycles Oxisol. Oxisol . (Oxisol) pellets , (PK) binder 221 2:2: (biochar 41 4 4: respectively 45 C °C scheme replications nonpelletised non liming acidity Paiaguás. slowrelease slow release (Oxisol (PK 22 2:2 2:

ABSTRACT Charcoal fines are co-products of the wood carbonization process, unwanted because they reduce the gravimetric yield of the main product, charcoal. It can be produced due to the carbonization process, during the storage and transport of charcoal. Pelletizing charcoal fines increases the energy density of this material, producing a homogeneous fuel with lower moisture content, enabling burning in equipment with high energy efficiency, in addition to desirable properties in energy products such as high fixed carbon content and low moisture content. This study evaluated the effect of moisture content and drying time on the production of black pellets from charcoal fines bound with rice starch (Oryza sativa) on the physicochemical and mechanical characteristics. Black pellets were produced using two proportions of water (10 or 20%) and a drying time of 4 or 6 hours. Black pellets were evaluated for their proximate analysis, elemental composition, moisture content, size, apparent density, calorific value and energy density. The addition of water did not affect the content of volatile matter, ash, and fixed carbon, while the treatment with addition of 20% water and four hours of drying showed a higher moisture content (3.34%). The addition of water allowed for better heat conduction and particle arrangement, producing pellets with a durability greater than 98%. The better arrangement promoted by the addition of 20% water also increased the density of the pellets, resulting in greater energy density. Black pellets can be considered an alternative for residential heating, with T3 treatment (20% - 4h) with a high energy density and better performance in terms of desirable properties for use and commercialization according to the standard EN 14961-6. coproducts co process product material efficiency Oryza sativa characteristics 10 (1 20 analysis composition size matter ash 3.34%. 334 3.34% . 3 34 (3.34%) 98 98% heating T (20 4h h 149616. 149616 14961 6. 14961-6 1 ( 2 33 3.34 (3.34% 9 (2 1496 14961- 3.3 (3.34 149 3. (3.3 14 (3. (3

RESUMO Finos de carvão vegetal são coprodutos da carbonização da madeira, indesejados por diminuir o rendimento gravimétrico em carvão vegetal. São produzidos devido ao processo de carbonização, durante o armazenamento e transporte do carvão vegetal. A pelletização de finos aumenta a densidade energética, produzindo um combustível homogêneo e com menor teor de umidade, possibilitando a queima em equipamentos com alta eficiência energética, além de propriedades desejáveis em produtos energéticos como alto teor de carbono fixo e baixo teor de umidade. Este estudo avaliou o efeito do teor de umidade e do tempo de secagem na produção de black pellets a partir de finos de carvão vegetal ligados com amido de arroz (Oryza sativa) nas características físico-químicas e mecânicas. Os black pellets foram produzidos utilizando duas proporções de água (10 ou 20%) e tempo de secagem de 4 ou 6 horas. Os black pellets foram avaliados quanto à análise química imediata, composição elementar, teor de umidade, tamanho, densidade aparente, poder calorífico e densidade energética. A adição de água não afetou o teor de voláteis, cinzas e carbono fixo, enquanto o tratamento com adição de 20% de água e quatro horas de secagem apresentou maior teor de umidade (3,34%). A adição de água permitiu melhor condução de calor e disposição das partículas, produzindo pellets com durabilidade superior a 98%. A melhor disposição promovida pela adição de 20% de água também aumentou a densidade dos pellets, resultando em maior densidade energética. Os black pellets podem ser considerados uma boa alternativa para aquecimento residencial, com tratamento T3 (20% de umidade - 4h de secagem) apresentando elevada densidade energética e melhor desempenho em termos de propriedades desejáveis para utilização e comercialização de acordo com a norma EN 14961-6. madeira Oryza sativa físicoquímicas físico químicas mecânicas 10 (1 20 imediata elementar tamanho aparente voláteis 3,34%. 334 3,34% . 3 34 (3,34%) partículas 98 98% residencial T (20 h 149616. 149616 14961 6. 14961-6 1 ( 2 33 3,34 (3,34% 9 (2 1496 14961- 3,3 (3,34 149 3, (3,3 14 (3, (3

Abstract This study explores the potential of vancomycin-impregnated polylactic acid (V-PLA) as a novel biomaterial for orthopedic applications. V-PLA combines the biocompatibility of PLA with the antimicrobial properties of vancomycin, making it a promising candidate for managing orthopedic infections. We conducted a comprehensive assessment of V-PLA, including macroscopic characterization, biomechanical analysis, vancomycin release profiles, antimicrobial activity and antibiofilm effects on Staphylococcus aureus ATCCTM 25923. Filaments of V-PLA were manufactured by combining PLA pellets with vancomycin via extrusion and models produced by 3D printer. A biocompatibility test involved the insertion of PLA into a mouse calvaria model to evaluate the inflammatory response. Our results indicate that V-PLA exhibits a distinct macroscopic appearance and sustained vancomycin release over 28 days, surpassing minimal inhibitory concentrations for most Staphylococcus aureus strains. Moreover, V-PLA demonstrated the ability to prevent biofilm formation, a critical concern in orthopedic implant-related infections. While mechanical strength is identified as a limitation in certain applications, V-PLA's suitability varies depending on the clinical context. The V-PLA was biocompatible with a fibrous capsule similar to other prosthetic implants. This study sheds light on the potential of V-PLA for orthopedic spacers and implants, offering clinicians an innovative approach to infection management. Future research may explore its use in specific anatomical locations and clinical scenarios, advancing the field of orthopedic biomaterials. vancomycinimpregnated impregnated VPLA V (V-PLA applications infections VPLA, PLA, characterization analysis profiles 25923 D printer response 2 days strains Moreover formation implantrelated implant related VPLAs s context implants management scenarios biomaterials 2592 259 25

ABSTRACT The biological parameters of Necrobia rufipes (DeGeer, 1775) are estimated under controlled temperature and relative humidity. The adults, collected from industrial canine food at a supermarket in Campina Grande, state of Paraíba, Brazil, were taken to the Laboratory of Insect Systematics and Bioecology at the Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, in order to ascertain the matrix creation. The individuals were placed in boxes with hermetic sealing, each containing 20 adults, and were fed a diet of 1.8 g of fish flour, a slice of bacon, and four dog food pellets. A total of 160 eggs were individualized in the plastic recipient in a base of paper filter, covered with voil tissue, and secured with an elastic cord. The containers were placed in a B.O.D. camera at temperatures of 20, 24, 28, and 32 °C and relative humidity of 70%. The larvae received a diet composed of 0.45 g of fish flour, a slice of bacon, and dog food pellet. The development of phases was monitored daily. The life cycle from egg to adult was completed in four temperatures and encompassed four larval instars. The development speed at all stage phases was affected by temperature. Higher thermal conditions increase development speed and consequently reduce the duration of the immature and adult stages. The development of N. rufipes was completed at 20 and 32 °C, two temperatures that are not considered optimal for insect development. The fact that N. rufipes is a pest of storage grains, however, may explain why this insect is able to tolerate and develop under suboptimal temperatures. DeGeer, DeGeer (DeGeer 1775 adults Grande Paraíba Brazil creation sealing 2 18 1 8 1. flour bacon pellets 16 filter tissue cord BOD B O D B.O.D 24 28 3 C 70 70% 045 0 45 0.4 pellet daily instars stages N grains however 177 7 04 4 0. 17