JOURNAL OF BIOENGINEERING, TECHNOLOGIES AND HEALTH

Stochastic Degradation Modeling of a Peristaltic Pump in a Biomedical Blood Autotransfusion System

Rafael Silva de Lima — 2026-05-20

This study compares two stochastic models, Brownian Motion with Drift and the pure Wiener Process, applied to the degradation of a peristaltic pump used in a biomedical device. Failure was defined as the reduction of flow rate below a critical threshold required for safe operation. Simulations showed that the Wiener Process consistently produced higher time-to-failure (TTF) values across all scenarios, with larger differences under low and moderate variability (σ = 0.05 and σ = 0.3) and smaller differences under high variability (σ = 0.8). The observed effect results from the deterministic component in Brownian Motion with Drift, which accelerates average degradation, while the Wiener Process is driven solely by random fluctuations, allowing greater variability in failure time. Findings indicate that, in biomedical applications, selecting an appropriate degradation model is crucial for accurate lifetime predictions and predictive maintenance planning, particularly in low-variability environments. Future work should integrate stochastic degradation models with statistical monitoring techniques to improve early fault-detection accuracy and enhance the robustness of lifetime estimation under real operating conditions.

Comparison of Yeast Cell Viability Assessment Techniques Post-Fermentation in Agave sisalana Juice

Paloma Freitas Araujo — 2026-05-20

This study compares different methods for assessing yeast cell viability in Agave sisalana juice fermentation, focusing on first-generation ethanol production. Methylene blue staining, CFU counting, and resazurin assays were employed to evaluate cell viability. The results indicated a significant decrease in CFU of yeasts cultivated in Agave juice compared to the standard YPD medium. Methylene blue staining did not show a clear difference in viability between the two media. However, resazurin assays revealed a 90% reduction in viability at the 10-3 dilution. The study highlights the interference of Agave juice particles, color, and other compounds in the traditional viability assays. Despite these challenges, new methods demonstrated potential for rapid and accurate determination of yeast viability, offering a promising approach for optimizing biotechnological processes in Agave juice fermentation. Further research is needed to develop a customized, efficient, and industrially applicable protocol for cell viability assessment in Agave juice.

Technical and Economic Feasibility Study of Castor Bean Biorefinery

Pedro Henrique Cruz de Souza — 2026-05-20

This study presents a technical and economic feasibility analysis for the implementation of a biorefinery for the extraction and processing of castor oil (Ricinus communis L.) in Bahia, Brazil. Castor oil is an oilseed of great industrial importance, known for its resilience to adverse climatic conditions and its wide range of applications in the chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and energy sectors, particularly due to the presence of castor oil. Accordingly, this work is based on its potential as a sustainable alternative to fossil sources, the valorization of regional production chains, and the promotion of socioeconomic development in Brazil's semi-arid Northeast. Furthermore, the high added value of castor oil and the potential for full biomass utilization justify investments in well-structured biorefinery projects. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to determine the optimal location, with Irecê (Bahia) identified as a strategic site. The hot pressing technology was selected for its high yield and simplicity. Two production capacity scenarios were evaluated: a high-capacity scenario (150 t/day), which demonstrated excellent economic viability (NPV of R$ 148 million, IRR of 38%, and a payback period of 3 years), and a medium-capacity scenario (50 t/day), which yielded negative results (NPV of -R$ 19 million, IRR of 6%). It is concluded that the implementation of a large-scale biorefinery is viable and promising, provided it is supported by strategies to reduce market volatility and optimize operational costs, thereby contributing to the strengthening of the castor production chain and the sustainable development of the region.

Investigation of The Use of PEG as a Compatibilizer in Nanocellulose Reinforced PLA Composites

Lucas Nao Horiuchi — 2026-05-20

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a widely used biodegradable polymer due to its renewable origin and favorable environmental properties. However, its low ductility and impact resistance limit its use in more demanding applications. In this context, this study investigated the formulation of PLA composites with a masterbatch containing natural trichomes, cellulose nanofibrils (NFC), and polyethylene glycol (PEG), with the aim of improving the interfacial compatibility and mechanical properties of the material. The literature shows that NFC can reinforce the polymer matrix, but its dispersion is hampered by the difference in polarity with PLA, making it necessary to use compatibilizers such as PEG. The experimental results indicated that formulations with balanced NFC and PEG contents showed significant improvements in mechanical strength and deformation at break, especially those that employed the PEG masterbatch (MB) strategy. The proposed approach proved to be effective and sustainable, expanding the potential application of PLA in sectors that demand higher performance, such as technical packaging, biodegradable films, and structural components from renewable sources.

Influence of Processing Conditions on the Colloidal Stability of CNCs from Coconut Fiber

Ingrid L. Leal — 2026-05-20

The production of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from agro-industrial residues represents a sustainable and technically feasible alternative, promoting the reuse of low-cost materials with high cellulose content. This study evaluated the effect of two bleaching routes of coconut fiber — using buffered sodium hypochlorite (PC) and alkaline hydrogen peroxide (PP) — on the colloidal properties of CNC suspensions obtained by sulfuric acid hydrolysis. Four different reaction conditions were tested, combining acid concentration, time, and temperature, in the following configurations: 40_25_35, 60_25_35, 40_40_35, and 60_40_35. The samples were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential analysis, assessing average particle size (Z-Average), polydispersity index (PdI), and colloidal stability. The results showed that sample PC60_40_35 had the best performance, with a reduced size (255.4 nm), a moderate PdI (0.412), and a high absolute zeta potential (−32.36 mV), indicating good electrostatic stability and a homogeneous particle size distribution. Samples such as PP40_25_35 and PP60_25_35 also exhibited intermediate particle sizes (≈530 nm), but with lower stability. Overall, the PC bleaching route, combined with higher acid concentration and longer reaction time, favored the production of CNCs with more suitable colloidal properties, demonstrating the combined impact of treatments on suspension quality. These data have practical relevance and can be used to optimize future industrial processes for producing nanocellulose.

Thruster Allocation for Underactuated ROVs: Simulation and Real-World Implementation

Amanda Ramos Lima do Nascimento — 2026-05-20

Underwater exploration gained prominence starting in the 1950s with the emergence of the first ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles). Among their categories, observation ROVs stand out for their ability to collect data in hard-to-reach environments. In this context, the OpenROV — an open-source mini ROV with a modular architecture — was studied. One of the units had mechanical damage and serial communication failures with the original electronics, requiring a retrofit process. Additionally, a thruster allocation study was conducted to evaluate the platform’s movement in both simulation and real operation. Through this technique, it was possible to verify that the current configuration allows movements along the surge, heave, and yaw axes, with correspondence between simulation and actual actuation. The study contributed to the analysis of the system’s degrees of freedom and its potential navigability in an aquatic environment.

Spectral Analysis of Irregular Sea Waves

Adriel da Anunciação Santana — 2026-05-20

Accurate modeling of ocean wave behavior is a critical component in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and longevity of offshore structures and naval systems. The marine environment is inherently complex, characterized by highly irregular and dynamic wave patterns influenced by a wide range of environmental factors, including wind, tides, and ocean currents. These variables introduce significant challenges in predicting wave-induced forces and their impact on floating and fixed offshore platforms, vessels, and energy harvesting devices. To address these challenges, spectral wave analysis has emerged as a fundamental approach, offering engineers a robust framework for interpreting and simulating wave behavior with enhanced precision. Among the numerical techniques employed in spectral analysis, the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) stands out due to its computational efficiency and ability to decompose complex, time-domain wave signals into their constituent frequency components. This transformation enables a clearer understanding of the temporal and spatial characteristics of wave motion, which is essential for the design of resilient and adaptive offshore systems. In this context, the present study investigates the application of Fourier series and FFT in modeling irregular sea wave patterns, emphasizing their effectiveness in representing periodic and quasi-periodic phenomena through the superposition of sinusoidal functions. The methodology of this study involves the acquisition of real-world wave data from the Rede Ondas project, followed by signal processing using FFT implemented in spreadsheet software. The resulting complex coefficients were analyzed to extract amplitude and frequency information, enabling the construction of a spectral profile of the wave field. Key wave parameters such as significant wave height and peak frequency were identified, providing insights into the dynamic loading conditions that offshore structures may encounter.

Implementation of Extension Projects in Chemistry at SENAI CIMATEC University: Experience Report

Elisson Andrade de Souza — 2026-05-20

This article describes the current extension projects in chemistry at SENAI CIMATEC University, which includes innovative and sustainable practices that can generate income for the most vulnerable population, combined with initiatives to enhance student education and promote scientific outreach. All these actions are based on the Sustainable Development Goals – SDGs, such as quality education, reduced inequalities, and sustainable communities. To make this a reality, two projects were implemented: “CIMATEC Saneantes” and “Química Inspira: Um Show de Química”. The result is the engagement of undergraduate students with the community, developing scientific knowledge.

Developing System Dynamic Modeling for Risk Management in Water Utilities: A Proposal for Framework Based on a Sistematic Review

Meire Jane Lima de Oliveira — 2026-05-20

This work systematically reviewed articles published between 2019 and 2024 on system dynamics approaches in water resource management, focusing on drinking water supply, seeking to identify advances in models which address risks or risk management in water resources. The aim was to verify whether the models contribute to corporate risk management in companies which provide water supply services. Based on an adaptation of the PRISMA methodology, forty articles published in journals were selected. Main results: all articles presented a case study; only one article presented a water utility as a case study; 20% of the studies entailed risks in modeling and 15% included stakeholders and experts in the formulation of the models; 45% of the studies have adopted both qualitative and quantitative system dynamics modeling; 53% of the studies were produced on the Asian continent, especially in China; 47% of the quantitative models are integrated with other types of modeling; 91% of the models have undergone a verification method. Vensim is the most widely used software in studies. At last, based on these results and identified gaps, a system dynamics model structure was proposed for corporate risk management in drinking water supply companies.

Attitude Control Systems for Nanosatellites: A Systematic Review

Daniel Oliveira de Almeida — 2026-05-20

As technology advances, electronic components and devices get miniaturized, nanosatellites can hold denser payloads with more sensors, requiring attitude control to point precisely both sensors and antenna to send back to ground stations on Earth the acquired data. Such important techniques have been researched since the 90’s to develop efficient technology due to lack of space, available energy to the tasks and their criticality, many techniques and designs have been developed and tested since then. In this review, using PRISMA methodology, some of this research will be presented focusing on the actual more used ones, like reaction wheels, magnetorquers and other perspectives as attitude control by shifting masses. A summary of findings was constructed to highlight these review points, and a discussion was made right after about the possible gaps. The presented techniques show some flaws when used as the only control device separately but have the tendency to minimize it when combined. However, using both methods requires more battery usage, processing and raises the nanosatellite’s costs, since these dedicated actuators are highly expensive. In the other hand, experimental techniques, based in moving mass actuators presented promising results in terms of energy saving, precision, time to convergence, but requires more intricate calculations and a refined control due its non-linearities intrinsic to the systems construction and a single physical prototype have been displayed until the writing of this review. In conclusion, there’s a clear preference for applying reaction wheels and magnetorquers together to Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS), but its common problems could be solved by using another technique such as moving mass control, a field where still have great opportunities to innovative, equally efficient techniques and the possibility of pioneering the construction of a physical functional prototype, even with its own peculiarities.

Variations of Architectures and Applications of Quantum Generative Adversarial Networks

André Saimon Santos Sousa — 2026-05-20

Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) are generative models that function as a minimax game, in which a generative network and a discriminative network compete against each other with the goal of creating data that convincingly resembles the real sample. With the advent of Quantum Computing and the development of Quantum Machine Learning (QML) models, Quantum Generative Adversarial Networks (QuGANs) have been increasingly studied due to the possible advantages this new type of architecture can offer, especially regarding performance improvements, scalability, and the exploration of new applications. In this context, this study's guiding question is: how were QuGANs developed between the years 2018 and 2025? To answer this question, the general objective of this work is to conduct a systematic literature review of QuGANs during the proposed period. Using a systematic literature review as the methodological basis, articles published and available on the online platforms Lens, Scopus, and Web of Science were selected, and the Rayyan tool was employed to identify duplicate works and those that did not specifically address QuGANs. As a result, a prevalence of hybrid models was observed, in which the developed architecture integrates quantum and classical characteristics in a complementary manner. Regarding the type of application, approaches involving theoretical foundations and image generation stand out as the most common. Other application areas are also explored (chemistry and pharmaceuticals, quantum error correction, high-energy physics, experimental implementation, medical applications, cloud computing, anomaly detection, telecommunications, biometrics, finance, physics and simulations, security and cryptography, software engineering, noise in QuGANs, and survey), demonstrating the broad potential of QuGANs across various research fields and industrial sectors.

Neurodesign of Motor Intention: Frequency–Amplitude–Power Signatures of Mu (8-13 Hz) and Beta (13-30 Hz) Rhythms for Enhanced Decoding of Human Movement Intention

Rodrigo Monteiro Sobreira — 2026-05-20

Sensorimotor Mu (8–13 Hz) and Beta (13–30 Hz) rhythms constitute robust electrophysiological fingerprints of cortical dynamics accompanying the planning, execution and cessation of voluntary movement. To clarify how these spectral signatures can be harnessed in non-invasive brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) for neuro-adaptive feedback systems, a systematic review of studies published between January 2015 and July 2025 was undertaken (in addiction to others to elucidate clinical and technical concepts). Four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase and IEEE Xplore) were searched for adult EEG research addressing motor preparation, execution, imagery or action observation. After the eligibility screening, 35 articles satisfied all inclusion criteria. Most experiments employed, at least, thirty-two scalp electrodes 0.5–40 Hz, band-pass filtering and artefact rejection via independent component analysis. Across protocols, contralateral Mu/Beta power fell (event-related desynchronisation) over sensorimotor cortex during real or imagined movement, followed by a rapid Beta rebound (event-related synchronisation) signalling cortical re-inhibition. Peak Mu (~10 Hz) and Beta (~20 Hz) frequencies varied modestly among participants, indicating that individual calibration can enhance single-trial classification accuracy. Transient Beta bursts lasting under 200 ms consistently marked movement termination, whereas stronger Mu suppression correlated with superior performance for neurofeedback of post-stroke rehabilitation tasks. Several studies also reported task-dependent Beta–Gamma coupling and attentional modulation of Mu amplitude as emerging control variables. By mapping where, when and how strongly these rhythms fluctuate, the review delineates clear feature-selection targets and adaptive-threshold guidelines for next-generation BCIs aimed at motor learning and recovery.

Proposed Life Cycle Engineering Framework for Emerging Bioprocesses

Stephanie de Melo Santana — 2026-05-20

This study explores the application of Life Cycle Engineering (LCE) as a means to assess the sustainability of emergent bioprocesses, with a focus on biofuel production. A distinction has been made between LCE and another life cycle-based concept, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), highlighting LCE as a more comprehensive approach that encompasses social, environmental, and economic aspects. The study is theoretical in nature, drawing on a literature review on both LCE and the Agave-based ethanol production process to propose a framework for applying LCE in low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) bioprocesses, aligning with the 7th and 9th Sustainable Development Goals.

Scientific Communication in Applied Research Groups: A Methodological Proposal Focused on Digital Media

Ágatha Nataly Reis Moreira — 2026-05-20

Scientific communication within applied research groups faces challenges stemming from diverse audiences, varying resources, and distinct institutional contexts, particularly in digital environments. This article proposes a reference model to guide communication strategies tailored to these specificities. The methodology comprised three stages: mapping current practices, identifying barriers faced by researchers, and structuring the reference model. As a result, strategic pillars were established, encompassing objectives, target audiences, communication channels, resources, and evaluation methods, along with adaptation parameters based on group size, research focus, and project characteristics. Rather than offering a one-size- fits-all solution, the model serves as a flexible and reflective tool to support research groups in developing more effective, critical, and socially engaged communication strategies. Future empirical applications may help validate and further refine its usefulness across different contexts.