JOURNAL OF BIOENGINEERING, TECHNOLOGIES AND HEALTH

The Use of Additive Manufacturing was Essential for Creating Customized Components, such as Locks, which Ensur Analysis of Banana Peel (Musa spp.) and Agar for Bioplastic Production Enriched with the Citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) Extract with Repell

Xayala Brasil Xavier — 2025-05-22

This study investigates the production of bioplastic from banana peel (Musa spp.) and agar enriched with citronella extract (Cymbopogon winterianus) for pest-repellent action in waste disposal. In light of the environmental problems caused by conventional plastics, the aim was to develop a biodegradable bioplastic using natural waste materials. The method employed was the casting method with a film-forming aqueous solution. The results demonstrated that the appropriate ratio of banana peel starch and glycerin provided both strength and flexibility to the bioplastic. The developed bioplastic exhibits the potential to protect the environment and reduce the spread of diseases, serving as a sustainable alternative for waste disposal.

Influence of Biotransformation of Moringa oleifera Lam. Oil for Oleochemicals, Food, Pharmaceuthical Applications, and Antimicrobial Activity

Rayane A.S. Freitas — 2025-05-22

This study explores the biotransformation of Moringa oleifera Lam. oil using Eversa® Transform 2.0 (E.T. 2.0) lipase immobilized on an organic support derived from moringa residue. In the first reaction step—hydrolysis—the formation of free fatty acids (FFAs) reached approximately 50%, followed by esterification, which achieved a conversion rate of nearly 90%. The resulting bioproducts (oil, FFAs, and esters) were evaluated for antimicrobial activity, demonstrating efficacy against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and yeasts. These findings underscore the significance of biocatalysis in enhancing the bioactivity and application potential of oleochemical derivatives obtained from Moringa oleifera Lam. oil.

Bioprospecting Bacteria with Cellulolytic Potential in Cocoa Husks

Davi Ferreira de Oliveira — 2025-05-22

This study aimed to identify bacteria with cellulolytic degradation potential and evaluate their ability to degrade cellulose. Samples of cocoa fruit were collected, treated, and inoculated into a carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) medium, with cellulose as the sole carbon source. After microbial growth, the bacteria were isolated, morphologically characterized, and assessed for their cellulolytic activity. A total of 42 colonies were observed on the initial four plates. The results were promising, with the largest degradation halo measuring approximately 46 mm and an enzymatic index of 3.4. These findings highlight the biotechnological relevance of this research and its contribution to ongoing studies in the field.

Synthesis of the New Chemical Marker, [Eu(DBM)3(Lap), and Design Via Molecular Docking for Use in Recognition of Candida auris Polymerase

Andrei Marcelino Sá Pires Silva — 2025-05-22

The recent emergence of infections caused by Candida auris has raised significant global concern. Efforts to develop structure-based drugs using secondary metabolites from plant species offer promising strategies to reduce the virulence of these fungal pathogens. Lapachol, a member of the 1,4-naphthoquinone family, has shown potential as a metal complex ligand and is a candidate for such therapeutic applications. In the present study, we report the extraction of lapachol using a novel purification process from a natural source—the wood of Tabebuia impetiginosa (purple ipê)—and the synthesis of a unique complex of the type [Eu(DBM)3(Lap)]. Additionally, we present a molecular docking simulation of the synthesized lapachol-based complex, evaluating its potential as an inhibitory agent targeting Candida auris polymerase.

Application of Activated Carbon Produced from Licuri Bark (Syagrus coronata) in Water Filtration

Charlotte Santana Velame — 2025-05-22

This work aims to produce activated carbon from the bark of licuri (Syagrus coronata) and evaluate its effectiveness in water filtration. The bark was separated from the pulp, and biochar was produced through pyrolysis and chemical activation. The filtration performance was assessed by measuring the optical density using a spectrophotometer and analyzing the samples that passed through the filtration system containing the licuri-based activated carbon. The results confirmed the efficiency of activated carbon derived from licuri bark. Regarding adsorption capacity, the pyrolyzed charcoal alone demonstrated superior performance, yielding results comparable to commercial activated carbon commonly used in drinking water filtration systems.

The Effect of Acid Addition on Certain Properties of Polyamide 66 Polimeric Membranes

Keila Machado de Medeiros — 2025-05-22

In this study, four polymeric solutions were prepared to contain 10% of different additives—benzoic, adipic, tartaric, and citric acids—relative to the amount of polyamide 66 (PA66), with the total composition comprising 20% PA66 and 80% hydrochloric acid (HCl). The objective was to analyze these additives' influence on the resulting membranes' microstructure. The polymeric solutions were evaluated for viscosity, and the membranes produced with each additive were characterized in terms of water absorption capacity, porosity, water flux, maximum pore radius, and water vapor permeation. Incorporating acids with varying molecular weights (MW) into the PA66 solutions resulted in a progressive increase in viscosity, corresponding to the increase in molecular weight of the respective additive.

Aluminum Dross Recycling by Melting: Effect of Particle Size and Flux Salt Quantity on Recorvered Aluminum Yield

Messias Sousa Santos — 2025-05-22

In recent years, aluminum recycling has significantly increased, particularly in Brazil, where the recycling rate of aluminum cans exceeds 95%. Aluminum dross is generated as a byproduct during the melting and recycling processes. The composition and morphology of this dross vary according to its metallic aluminum content. This study analyzed the recovery of aluminum from secondary dross, focusing on particle size and the amount of flux salt used. The results showed that particles larger than 7.5 mm yielded an aluminum recovery rate of 73.99% with 15% salt. The melting of larger particles improved aluminum recovery, suggesting greater process efficiency when targeting particles above 3.0 mm.

Cyber-Physical Systems for Predictive Maintenance Monitoring of Legacy CNC Machine Tools Toward Industry 4.0 Environment

Marcus Vinicius Ramos Figueiredo — 2025-05-22

CNC machine tools are essential equipment in modern industry, and maintaining their operational condition is critical to ensuring production efficiency and product quality. Traditionally, maintenance strategies have relied on corrective and preventive actions. However, predictive maintenance is gaining importance with the advent of new technologies and the Industry 4.0 paradigm. Despite its advantages, the high costs associated with predictive maintenance still limit its widespread adoption. This study proposes a Cyber-Physical System (CPS) model for monitoring CNC machine tools. To this end, critical subsystems and related variables were identified, appropriate sensors were selected, and a hardware monitoring system was designed. Implementing the CPS will enable early fault detection, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

Development of a System for Demonstration of Maintenance 4.0 Technologies in an Advanced Manufacturing Didatic Plant

Matheus Calheira Guimarães de Oliveira — 2025-05-22

Industry 4.0 has introduced new maintenance management paradigms, demanding innovative training and implementation solutions. This article proposes a system architecture integrating sensors, IoT devices, data analysis, and condition-based maintenance techniques to serve as a demonstration and learning platform. The proposed methodology involved four steps, culminating in the system's prototyping. The system enables the visualization of how Maintenance 4.0 technologies impact performance, cost, and compliance indicators. The study concludes that the developed system effectively demonstrates these technologies, supporting the training of professionals in a controlled environment where the benefits of applying Maintenance 4.0 solutions can be observed.

Cloud Data Sharing for the Integration of Heterogeneous Systems for Personalized Productio

Paulo Henrique Farias de Carvalho Filho — 2025-05-22

The increasing demand for customized products poses significant challenges for companies aiming to optimize logistics and manufacturing operations. Multiple companies within a supply network—each using distinct information systems—must be coordinated from order negotiation to the end of the product life cycle. This challenge involves the integration of heterogeneous systems and the harmonization of data across all sectors of the manufacturing chain. This study proposes cloud-based data sharing to establish seamless communication among distributed information systems. The proposed approach was implemented in two pilot plants supported by advanced Industry 4.0 systems. The analysis indicates that this method facilitates effective data sharing in customer-supplier relationships, thereby improving the coordination and scheduling of production activities.

Evaluation of FDM-Printed Soft Pneumatic Actuators in TPU

Tiago Barretto Sant’Anna — 2025-05-22

This work investigates the mechanical performance of soft pneumatic actuators fabricated using TPU 95A material via Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) for industrial applications. The study focuses on the influence of wall thickness and infill density on the pressure resistance of the actuators. Nine pneumatic chambers with varying wall thicknesses (1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm) and infill densities (30%, 50%, and 100%) were tested under high-pressure conditions. The experimental results indicate that increasing the wall thickness generally enhances pressure resistance; however, lower infill densities (30%) surprisingly demonstrated the highest resistance. Computational simulations using the Finite Element Method (FEM) corroborated these findings, revealing that increased wall thickness significantly improves structural integrity. At the same time, the influence of higher infill density diminishes near the 100% threshold. These results provide valuable insights into optimizing FDM-printed pneumatic components for industrial use, contributing to the advancement of soft robotics.

Luminotechnical Calculation Algorithm for Public Lighting in VBA

Wild F. S. Santos — 2025-05-22

Public lighting is essential for urban quality of life and safety. With the advent of LED technology and increasing energy efficiency directives, its modernization has become increasingly important. This study developed a VBA algorithm to optimize the technological transition of public lighting, focusing on reducing simulation time and installed power. Using the lighting projects from Teresina/PI's Public-Private Partnership (PPP) as a reference, the algorithm was validated through comparisons with DIALux 4.13 software. The results demonstrated that the algorithm achieved a Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) below 8% for luminance and illuminance calculations, indicating high accuracy. Furthermore, it significantly reduced simulation time, completing 13,161 simulations in 37 hours, compared to 2,121 simulations in 140 hours using DIALux. These results highlight the algorithm's efficiency and effectiveness.

Prototype of an Automatic Pothole Repair System for Public Road

Rafael de Paula Lobo — 2025-05-22

This paper presents the development of equipment designed to support emergency corrective maintenance on public roads, guided by a product development methodology. The central issue addressed is the formation of potholes, which can cause accidents, damage vehicles, slow traffic, and create legal liabilities for public authorities. Potholes result from various factors, including poor-quality asphalt, heavy traffic loads, adverse weather conditions, and a lack of preventive maintenance. The proposed solution investigates efficient methods for rapid pothole repair to enhance road safety, reduce maintenance costs, contribute to environmental sustainability, and improve urban quality of life.

A Comprehensive RAM Analysis Tool Using Monte Carlo Simulations for the Oil and Gas Sector: Application and Comparison

Luis Felipe Guarda Brauning — 2025-05-22

Ensuring the availability and reliability of complex systems, such as those in the oil and gas industry, is critical for operational efficiency and safety. Traditional analysis methods often struggle to account for the variability and uncertainty inherent in failure and repair processes, leading to suboptimal maintenance strategies. This paper introduces a Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) tool for analyzing Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability (RAM). The tool accommodates various probability distributions and calculates key performance indicators such as availability, reliability, maintainability, and confidence intervals. Applied to a CO₂ separation plant case study, the results demonstrate the tool's enhanced capability to capture a broader range of performance metrics compared to traditional analytical methods.

Mathematical Modeling and Kinetic Study of Deep Hydrodesfulfurization of Dibenzothiophenes Using CoMoP/Al2O3 Catalyst

Ana L.O. Silva — 2025-05-22

Deep hydrodesulfurization (HDS) is a highly effective process for removing sulfur from petroleum and its derivatives, achieving ultra-low sulfur levels, improving fuel quality, and reducing air pollution. This study estimates kinetic parameters for the HDS process using experimental data for dibenzothiophene (DBT) and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT) on a CoMoP/Al₂O₃ catalyst in a fixed-bed reactor. A global power-law model provided the best fit for each dataset (R² > 0.99), while a single individual model was suitable across all data. The estimated reaction order concerning hydrogen was 0 for DBT and 1 for 4,6-DMDBT. Pre-exponential Arrhenius constants and activation energies (ranging from 90–100 kJ/mol) were also estimated and can be applied to reactor design and process optimization in HDS systems.

Predictive Maintenance Strategies for Heat Exchangers Applied in a Hybrid Project Management Framework for Oil and Gas Industries

Ana Lucia Barbosa de Souza — 2025-05-22

This study presents the development of a predictive maintenance model for heat exchangers in oil refineries, integrating agile methodologies within a structured project management framework. Conducted as a case study in an oil and gas company refinery, the research addresses challenges related to data accuracy, model reliability, and implementation. The hybrid methodology encompasses project scope definition, data collection from laboratory-scale and operational heat exchangers, and model development over 18 months. The model was validated and refined through rigorous testing, enabling the prediction of optimal cleaning schedules. Risk management strategies included applying a Risk Breakdown Structure (RBS) and SWOT analysis, resulting in optimized maintenance scheduling, cost reduction, and enhanced operational efficiency and safety. This approach provides a benchmark for improving oil and gas industry maintenance practices.

Production Automation in Brazilian Pharmaceutical Industry: A Foresight Study Based on Scenario Analysis, Technology Roadmap, and System Dynamics

Tathiana de Mello Sampaio — 2025-05-22

This study proposes a technological foresight for automating a pharmaceutical industry production line in Brazil. To achieve this, a future scenario analysis and a technology roadmap were developed based on industrial needs identified through a literature review conducted over the past decade, along with a system dynamics mapping. The results discuss the potential impacts of automation and offer insights to guide decision-makers. This investigation could benefit pharmaceutical industries in developing countries by enabling more agile manufacturing processes and a diversified product supply to treat diseases and respond to public health emergencies.

Factors Limiting the Management of Technological Platforms ("Core Facility") to Support Scientific Health Research

André Browne Ribeiro Oliveira — 2025-05-23

This study aimed to identify the main limiting factors in managing technological platforms—health research support units equipped with multi-user equipment and specialized staff. A review of the scientific literature was conducted, covering three thematic blocks: multi-user units, core facilities, and technological platforms, searched in the PubMed database. To correlate the limitations identified with management practices adopted in various organizations, analysis categories related to management and outcomes were developed. Based on the literature, key limitations were identified in the operation of these specialized research support units, allowing for the definition of essential analytical points for establishing a management model.

Governance of Reesearch and Innovation Networks in the National Institutes of Science and Technology (INC)

Márcio Aldrin França Cavalcante — 2025-05-23

This study aimed to investigate and characterize current knowledge regarding research and innovation networks primarily formed by researchers and the governance mechanisms present in the National Institutes of Science and Technology (INCT). To this end, an exploratory study was conducted to understand the environmental context, operational dynamics, and composition of actors within these institutes. The findings revealed a strong predisposition toward establishing research network environments comprising individual and institutional actors. Most INCTs operate through institutional mechanisms in governance, primarily structured around coordination bodies and management committees.

Environmental Disasters and the Interface with One Health in Rio Grande do Sul: Challenges and Perspectives

Ana Beatriz Nascimento Ayres — 2025-05-23

Using the One Health approach, this study aimed to examine the effects of climate disasters on the human-animal health interface in the context of Rio Grande do Sul. The research analyzed the impact of extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, on public health, emphasizing the interdependence between humans, animals, and the environment. A systematic review assessed the literature on disasters within the One Health framework. As a result, interdisciplinary collaboration across various sectors has been emphasized as essential to addressing the challenges posed by environmental disasters. Such collaboration enables the formulation of more robust and practical strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Life Cycle Assessment in Agave Cultivation and Processing: A Review

Ana Nadja Lopes Lucas — 2025-05-23

Agaves thrive in arid and semi-arid environments and can be transformed into various products through processing and refinement. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology is employed to assess the environmental impacts of these processes. This study analyzes LCA studies related to the cultivation and processing of agave, identifying the main topics explored, relevant environmental impacts, and existing gaps. Information such as the functional unit, life cycle impact assessment methods, databases, software, objectives, and conclusions of the primary studies was evaluated. Various applications of agave and their potential environmental impacts were observed, with cultivation and processing showing comparatively lower impacts than other plants, mainly due to reduced water consumption and lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Bibliometric Analysis of Publications Related to Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC)

Iuri Dantas Passos da Mota — 2025-05-23

The growing interest in renewable energies amid global energy challenges highlights the promising technology of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) due to their efficiency, low pollutant emissions, and flexibility in using renewable sources. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis, identifying over 18,000 documents distributed across 1,800 journals worldwide. Between 2014 and 2024, there has been a significant increase in academic output on the topic, recently surpassing 141 publications annually. However, Brazil still shows a relatively modest presence in this research area. The study underscores the increasing potential of SOFCs and points to research and development opportunities that remain to be explored.

Quality of Scientific Production Validation of Research Traceability Standars

Hilda Carolina de Jesus Rios Fraga — 2025-05-23

Without a specific standard for evaluating the quality of research output, funding agencies and academic journals have placed a growing emphasis on implementing study monitoring procedures. Within this context, this study validated research traceability standards that can contribute to improving the quality of scientific production. A qualitative study was conducted with a community of researchers to identify and validate traceability standards to ensure scientific research quality. Ten standards related to scientific traceability and reproducibility were identified, with particular emphasis on the description of methodology and data sharing, which emerged as the most relevant.