Abstract This cross-sectional study investigated the association of SNPs rs670 (C>T) and rs693 (G>A) with parameters of lipid metabolism and endothelial activation in 167 subjects, including 86 COVID-19 outpatients and 81 healthy subjects (control group) matched for sex and age. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-c), triglycerides (TG), apolipoproteins (Apo A-I and B), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) were determined. The SNPs were genotyped by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). A p -value<0.05 was assumed. COVID-19 outpatients showed increases in TC (187.0±48.3 vs . 160.8±32.0 mg/dL), LDL-c (110.3±41.5 vs . 98.8±28.2 mg/dL), non-HDL-c (138.3±45.8 vs . 115.6±31.6 mg/dL), TG (139.7±80.3 vs . 84.9±35.1 mg/dL), and Apo A-I (149.5±40.0 vs . 133.3±20.9 mg/dL), along with a high frequency of hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. VCAM-1 levels were double those of the control (682.7±231.8 vs. 299.3±102.9 ng/mL) and a strong predictor of COVID-19 (AUC=0.946). Moreover, VCAM-1 correlated with TC (r = -0.223) and HDL-c (r = -0.225). The decrease in TG and VCAM-1 is predicted by the dominance of the T allele (rs670) and its codominance with the A (rs693) allele in COVID-19 outpatients. COVID-19 has been shown to be associated with dyslipidemias and endothelial activation, and apolipoprotein polymorphisms may influence this. crosssectional cross sectional rs rs67 C>T CT C (C>T rs69 G>A GA G (G>A 16 8 COVID19 COVID 19 COVID-1 group age TC, , (TC) highdensity density HDLc, HDLc HDL c (HDL-c) lowdensity low LDLc, LDLc LDL (LDL-c) nonhighdensity non nonHDLc, nonHDLc (non-HDL-c) TG, (TG) AI I B, B B) molecule1 molecule 1 molecule- VCAM1 VCAM (VCAM-1 determined qPCR. qPCR (qPCR) value<0.05 value005 value 0 05 -value<0.0 assumed 187.0±48.3 1870483 187 48 3 (187.0±48. 1608320 160 32 160.8±32. mg/dL, mgdL mg/dL mg dL mg/dL) 110.3±41.5 1103415 110 41 5 (110.3±41. 988282 98 28 2 98.8±28. 138.3±45.8 1383458 138 45 (138.3±45. 1156316 115 6 31 115.6±31. 139.7±80.3 1397803 139 7 80 (139.7±80. 849351 84 9 35 84.9±35. 149.5±40.0 1495400 149 40 (149.5±40. 1333209 133 20 133.3±20. hypertriglyceridemia VCAM- 682.7±231.8 68272318 682 231 (682.7±231. 29931029 299 102 299.3±102. ng/mL ngmL ng mL AUC=0.946. AUC0946 AUC AUC=0.946 946 (AUC=0.946) Moreover r 0.223 0223 223 -0.223 0.225. 0225 0.225 225 -0.225) (rs670 (rs693 this rs6 COVID1 COVID- (TC (HDL-c (LDL-c (non-HDL-c (TG (VCAM- (qPCR value<0.0 value00 -value<0. 187.0±48. 187048 18 4 (187.0±48 160832 160.8±32 110.3±41. 110341 11 (110.3±41 98828 98.8±28 138.3±45. 138345 13 (138.3±45 115631 115.6±31 139.7±80. 139780 (139.7±80 84935 84.9±35 149.5±40. 149540 14 (149.5±40 133320 133.3±20 682.7±231. 6827231 68 23 (682.7±231 2993102 29 10 299.3±102 AUC094 AUC=0.94 94 (AUC=0.946 0.22 022 22 -0.22 -0.225 (rs67 (rs69 (VCAM value<0. value0 -value<0 187.0±48 18704 (187.0±4 16083 160.8±3 110.3±41 11034 (110.3±4 9882 98.8±2 138.3±45 13834 (138.3±4 11563 115.6±3 139.7±80 13978 (139.7±8 8493 84.9±3 149.5±40 14954 (149.5±4 13332 133.3±2 682.7±231 682723 (682.7±23 299310 299.3±10 AUC09 AUC=0.9 (AUC=0.94 0.2 02 -0.2 (rs6 value<0 -value< 187.0±4 1870 (187.0± 1608 160.8± 110.3±4 1103 (110.3± 988 98.8± 138.3±4 1383 (138.3± 1156 115.6± 139.7±8 1397 (139.7± 849 84.9± 149.5±4 1495 (149.5± 1333 133.3± 682.7±23 68272 (682.7±2 29931 299.3±1 AUC0 AUC=0. (AUC=0.9 0. -0. (rs value< -value 187.0± (187.0 160.8 110.3± (110.3 98.8 138.3± (138.3 115.6 139.7± (139.7 84.9 149.5± (149.5 133.3 682.7±2 6827 (682.7± 2993 299.3± AUC=0 (AUC=0. -0 187.0 (187. 160. 110.3 (110. 98. 138.3 (138. 115. 139.7 (139. 84. 149.5 (149. 133. 682.7± (682.7 299.3 AUC= (AUC=0 - 187. (187 110. (110 138. (138 139. (139 149. (149 682.7 (682. 299. (AUC= (18 (11 (13 (14 682. (682 (AUC (1 (68 ( (6

Abstract: This paper aims to evaluate the implications of Eucalyptus woodchip utilization as an alternative solid fuel for thermal power plants, highlighting its energy properties, power generation expenses and unit variable costs. Woodchip samples were collected from different sources and a proximate analysis was carried out in order to determine their moisture content, basic and bulk densities, ash content and higher heating value. Then, with these properties, empirical indices of a 10-megawatt thermal power plant were used to simulate the potential woodchip consumption, the forest area needed and the unit variable cost (US$·MWh−1) for each sample. The results indicate that woodchip samples with lower moisture content and improved higher heating value presented: reduced woodchip consumption for the same power generation, decreased generation expenses, reduced unit variable costs and smaller Eucalyptus plantations area needed to supply the woodchip consumption. Greater energy density may result in lower transportation and storage expenses, however, does not indicate better generation performance, since it is influenced by biomass field conditions. All samples obtained satisfactory levels of ash content, which may result in lower emissions of pollutants and superior operational efficiency. Finally, all samples presented unit variable costs below the limit established by the government for participation in the regulated energy market, which might be an economic attraction for this kind of project. Therefore, Eucalyptus woodchip moisture content, higher heating value and energy density are key issues in sustainable thermal power generation and should be managed by Eucalyptus power plants in order to reach better generation performance and reduced expenses.

Abstract: Pyrolysis is a promising technology for thermal conversion of lignocellulosic biomasses into a higher added value fuel. The aim of this study was to analyze the potential of four agroforestry biomasses to produce energy as a raw material or as a bio-coal. In this study, slow pyrolysis was conducted in three final temperatures to evaluate the bio-coal production of four agroforestry biomasses widely available in Brazil. The biomasses used were sugarcane bagasse (Saccharum sp.), bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus), straw bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and eucalypts wood chips (Eucalyptus sp.). In the first part was presented the raw biomasses proprieties, such as lignin, carbon, hydrogen and ash contents. In the second part was showed the bio-coal proprieties, such as gravimetric and fixed carbon yields, fixed carbon and ash contents. These bio-coal results were showed as a function of final temperature of pyrolysis. The best energy indicators for bio-coal production, such as fixed carbon yield, high heating value, was observed in the bamboo and eucalypts. The bagasse and straw bean biomasses have high concentrations of ash and low lignin content when compared with the other biomasses assessed and are less suitable to produce bio-coal.

Abstract: Brazilian productivity of eucalyptus trees is one of the highest in the world, and it has sustainable and viable conditions to supply the demand for woody biomass in a large quantity and diversity. This favorable situation makes Brazil one of the countries with the greatest potential for the production development of torrefied woody biomass on a commercial scale. Torrefaction is a mild pyrolysis applied to increase the energy quality of the feedstock. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Brazilian potential of woody biomass torrefaction for energy purposes. An experimental study was performed evaluating this thermal treatment of eucalyptus wood chips on a semi-continuous screw reactor developed by a Brazilian university. The results showed the increases in the energy quality of eucalyptus wood chips as a function of torrefaction temperature and time. This thermal treatment was technically feasible for the hygroscopicity reduction and the increases of fixed carbon and calorific values of the woody biomass.

RESUMO A macaúba (Acrocomia aculeata) é uma palmeira oleaginosa de alto valor econômico pela sua grande produtividade e pelas amplas possibilidades de aproveitamento das diferentes partes da planta. Esta palmeira é uma das espécies mais promissoras para a produção de biodiesel, e, durante o seu uso, há geração de grande quantidade de resíduos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi produzir e avaliar a qualidade de briquetes confeccionados com epicarpo da macaúba, em associação aos resíduos da madeira de Pinus sp. Para caracterização dos resíduos foram realizadas as análises: densidade a granel, composição química imediata e poder calorífico superior. Na produção de briquetes foram adotados diferentes tratamentos, sendo T1 (100% Macaúba), T2 (75% Macaúba + 25% Pinus), T3 (50% Macaúba + 50% Pinus), T4 (25% Macaúba + 75% Pinus) e T5 (100% Pinus). Os briquetes foram produzidos à pressão de 1000 PSI, temperatura de 120-130 ºC, tempos de prensagem e resfriamento de 5 minutos e umidade média de 9.88% para a macaúba e 8.00% para o Pinus. Para qualificar os briquetes avaliou-se as dimensões, densidade aparente, carga de ruptura, poder calorífico inferior, poder calorífico útil e densidade energética. De modo geral, recomenda-se a mistura de pelo menos 50% de epicarpo de macaúba para a produção de briquetes, pois este material confere maior resistência e densidade energética ao produto.

ABSTRACT The macaúba palm (Acrocomia aculeata) is a palm-seed-oil producing tree of great economic value for its high productivity, and the broad range of possible uses for the different parts of the plant. This palm is one of the most promising species for the production of biodiesel, however, its use generates large amounts of waste. The aim of this work is to produce and evaluate the quality of briquettes made from the epicarp of the macaúba palm, in association with the waste of the Pinus sp. For the characterization of the residues, the following analyses were carried out: bulk density, immediate chemical composition, and higher calorific value. Different treatments were adopted in the production of the briquettes, namely: T1 (100% macaúba palm), T2 (75% macaúba palm + 25% pine), T3 (50% macaúba palm + 50% pine), T4 (25% macaúba palm + 75% pine) and T5 (100% pine). The briquettes were produced at a pressure of 1000 PSI, and at a temperature of 120-130 ºC, press and cooling times of 5 minutes, and an average humidity of 9.88% for the macaúba palm and 8.00% for the Pinus. In order to qualify the briquettes’ dimensions, the following were evaluated: apparent density, rupture load, lower calorific value, useful calorific value and energy density. In general, mixing at least 50% macaúba epicarp is recommended to produce briquettes, as this material provides increased strength and energy density to the product.

RESUMO O uso da biomassa florestal como lenha ou seu derivado carvão vegetal, pode gerar vantagens ambientais e econômicas para a matriz energética brasileira. Nesse contexto, o objetivo principal foi avaliar o potencial energético de alguns materiais genéticos de eucalipto, que são utilizados no setor de produção de carvão vegetal. Foram analisados seis materiais de Eucalyptus ssp. na idade de sete anos provenientes de plantios comerciais, com espaçamento 3 x 3 m, cultivados no Alto Vale do Jequitinhonha, em Minas Gerais. Baseando-se nos dados de produção, no incremento médio anual e nas análises físicas e químicas da madeira e do carvão com ela produzidos, foram estimados parâmetros para se comparar o potencial de cada material genético, como a massa e a energia da madeira e do carvão por hectare, além da densidade energética. Os resultados demonstram que um material de Eucalyptus urophylla possui maior potencial energético em relação aos demais, por apresentar maior energia/hectare estimada para sua madeira e consequentemente para seu carvão produzido. Mas um material de Eucalyptus cloeziana apresentou maior densidade energética da madeira e de seu carvão, mostrando vantagens principalmente no transporte.

ABSTRACT The use of forest biomass or its derived charcoal as firewood can generate environmental and economic advantages for the Brazilian energy matrix. In this context, the main objective was to evaluate the energy potential of certain eucalyptus genetic materials, which are used by the charcoal production sector. We have evaluated six materials of Eucalyptus ssp. at the age of seven years from commercial plantations, spaced 3 x 3m, grown in the Alto Vale do Jequitinhonha, in Minas Gerais. Based on the production data, the average annual increment and the physical and chemical analyzes of the wood and the charcoal produced with it, we have estimated parameters to compare the potential of each genetic material, such as mass and energy of wood and charcoal per hectare, as well as the energy density. The results show that a material of Eucalyptus urophylla has greater energetic potential in relation to the others because it presents higher energy/ hectare estimated for its wood and consequently for charcoal produced with it. However, a material of Eucalyptus cloeziana presented a higher energetic density of the wood and its charcoal, showing advantages mainly in the transport.

RESUMO Objetivou-se neste estudo avaliar o efeito da temperatura final da torrefação nas propriedades energéticas da madeira. Foram aplicados quatro tratamentos com três repetições constituídos por partículas de madeira não torrificadas e partículas torrificadas nas temperaturas de 170, 220 e 260 ºC. Observaram-se melhores propriedades físicas, químicas e térmicas das partículas em função da temperatura de torrefação. Comparando com a testemunha, as partículas torrificadas na temperatura final mais elevada (260 ºC) apresentaram diferenças significativas na densidade a granel - de 239 para 396 kg/m3; umidade de equilíbrio higroscópico - de 12,3 para 5,7%; teor de carbono fixo - de 13,0 para 24,8%; poder calorifico - de 4465 para 4945 kcal/kg; e densidade energética - de 882 para 1727 Mcal/m3. Concluiu-se que a torrefação apresentou um efeito positivo nas propriedades energéticas da madeira.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the final torrefaction temperature on the energy properties of wood. It was applied four treatments with three replicates, consisting of untreated wood particles and particles torrefied at temperatures of 170, 220 and 260ºC. Better physical, chemical and thermal properties of the particles were observed as a function of the torrefaction temperature. Comparing with the control group, the particles torrefied at the highest final temperature (260ºC) showed significant differences in bulk density - from 239 to 396kg/m3; the equilibrium moisture content changed from 12.3 to 5.7%; fixed carbon content - from 13.0 to 24.8%; heating value - from 4,465 to 4,945kcal/kg; and energy density - from 882 to 1,727Mcal/m3. It was concluded that torrefaction had a positive effect on the energy properties of the wood.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a velocidade de secagem de toras de Eucalyptus urophylla a altas temperaturas e a influência da presença ou ausência de casca e do diâmetro da madeira na taxa de secagem. Utilizaram-se toretes de Eucalyptus urophylla com 60 cm de comprimento, em três classes diamétricas: 8-12 cm; 12,1-16cm e 16,1-20 cm. Os toretes foram submetidos à secagem em estufa com circulação forçada de ar, na presença ou ausência de casca em cinco temperaturas: 50, 75, 100, 125 e 150ºC. Determinou-se a massa e a umidade inicial de cada torete e com pesagens periódicas acompanhou-se a perda de água, encerrando o processo de secagem quando os toretes de madeira atingiam a umidade de 20%. A taxa de secagem foi calculada por meio da relação entre a perda total de umidade e o tempo total em horas para que as toras atingissem a umidade estabelecida. Conclui-se que o aumento da temperatura promove o aumento da taxa de secagem, sendo maior para as toras de menor diâmetro em relação às toras de maior diâmetro e na secagem das toras de eucalipto em temperaturas superiores a 100ºC, o efeito da casca não foi significativo. Conclui-se, também, que a melhor condição de operação de secadores artificiais para a madeira de eucalipto em tora seria em temperatura de 125ºC, com presença de casca e separadas em classes diamétricas.

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to evaluate the drying speed of Eucalyptus urophylla logs in high temperatures and the influence of the presence or absence of bark and also the diameter of the log in the drying rate. Eucalyptus logs 60 cm long were divided into three diameter classes: 8-12 cm; 12,1-16 cm and 16,1-20 cm. The logs were dried in a heater with forced air circulation, in the presence or absence of bark in five temperatures: 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150ºC. The mass and the initial moisture were determined from each log and the water loss was kept up with periodic weightings, closing the drying process when the logs reached 20% moisture. The drying rate of the logs was calculated using the ratio between the total loss of moisture and the time in hours in order to reach the established moisture. It was concluded that the increase in temperature promotes the raise of the drying ratio, as being higher for smaller logs in relation to bigger ones and in addition to this, the bark effect was not significant in the drying of eucalyptus logs above 100ºC. It was also concluded that the best conditions for the operation of artificial dryers for Eucalyptus logs containing bark and separated in diameter classes would be at 125ºC.

RESUMO O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar as modificações anatômicas que ocorrem com a carbonização da madeira e determinar as propriedades anatômicas, densidade básica da madeira e densidade aparente do carvão vegetal de clones de Eucalyptus, além de elucidar as possíveis correlações significativas existentes. A microscopia eletrônica de varredura foi efetuada nas seções transversal, longitudinal tangencial e longitudinal radial da madeira e do carvão vegetal. Neste, foi feita a análise morfológica dos poros e densidade aparente. De uma forma geral, as características anatômicas como forma de poros, raios e fibras da madeira apresentaram pouca ou nenhuma modificação devido à carbonização, e a superfície do carvão apresentou estruturas bem definidas. As modificações nos elementos celulares da madeira foram principalmente referentes aos parâmetros quantitativos, como espessura da parede das fibras e diâmetro dos poros. Os clones avaliados apresentaram densidade básica da madeira satisfatória para a produção de carvão vegetal. Os parâmetros anatômicos correlacionaram-se significativamente com a densidade básica da madeira e densidade aparente do carvão vegetal, destacando-se, neste estudo, a fração parede das fibras.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the anatomical changes that occur with charred wood and determine the anatomical properties, basic wood density and apparent density of charcoal Eucalyptus clones, besides elucidating the possible existing significant correlations. The scanning electron microscopy was performed in the transverse, longitudinal and tangential longitudinal and radial wood charcoal sections. In the morphological analysis of the pores and the apparent density was made. In general, the anatomical features such as pore radius and the wood fibers showed little or no change due to carbonization of coal surface and showed well defined structures. The changes in cellular elements of wood were mainly related to the quantitative parameters such as wall thickness and pore diameter fibers. The clones showed satisfactory basic density of wood for charcoal production. The anatomical parameters were significantly correlated with basic wood density and apparent density of charcoal, especially, in this study, the fraction of the fiber wall.