JOURNAL OF BIOENGINEERING, TECHNOLOGIES AND HEALTH

Energy Potential of Biomethane from Municipal Solid Waste in Brazilian Cities Using an Adjusted LandGEM Approach

2026-04-29T00:01:36+00:00

Sanitary landfills for municipal solid waste (MSW) represent a significant and still underutilized source of renewable energy, especially in developing countries where disposal in dumpsites and landfills remains the primary form of final waste disposition. Brazil presents favorable conditions for the utilization of landfill biomethane due to the high organic matter content of its MSW and its tropical climate, which intensifies anaerobic degradation rates. This study evaluates methane generation and the energy recovery potential associated with MSW disposal in two Brazilian municipalities — Salvador and Feira de Santana — using a first-order decay model based on the LandGEM methodology from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Model parameters were adjusted to Brazilian conditions, adopting a methane generation potential (L₀) of 170 m³ CH₄/Mg MSW and a decay constant (k) of 0.05 yr⁻¹ for both Feira de Santana (tropical climate) and Salvador (tropical superhumid climate), both classified as non-arid according to the LandGEM criterion. Historical waste collection data and future projections, assuming an annual growth rate of 5%, were used to estimate methane generation until 2062 for Salvador and until 2075 for Feira de Santana, adopting the 80-year operational lifetime established by LandGEM. The results indicate a peak methane generation of 2.5 × 10⁸ m³ CH₄/year and a total of 5.9 × 10⁹ m³
CH₄ for the analyzed period, corresponding to electricity generation potentials of 49 MW. This demonstrates that landfill biomethane utilization can significantly contribute to Brazil's renewable energy matrix, substituting natural gas, and highlights the importance of integrating waste-to-energy solutions into national energy policies.

Gamification and Professional Development: An Assessment for Capacity Building Among Construction Workers

2026-04-29T00:01:24+00:00

The objective of this study is to examine how gamification and teaching-learning techniques might help construction professionals improve professionally. This was a qualitative study, including case studies as a tool. We chose a medium-sized construction business based in Salvador, Bahia to conduct field investigation. The study identified the construction worker profile; the gamification elements best suited to worker training, development, and education based on the player styles of the Explorer and Socializer archetypes; and the teaching-learning strategies best suited to workers who preferred the Accommodation learning style. This article argues that gamification-based training and development programs may benefit workers, construction sites, and professional training in the construction industry. The study brings the conceptual-theoretical advancement of training and development in the construction industry much closer to the reality of construction sites, as well as introducing an innovative technique such as gamification to facilitate laborer learning and aid in the adaptation of training to the specific needs of this audience. The number of construction sites analyzed, and the sample size are both limitations.

Education, Technology, Infrastructure: Comparative Analysis between the Indicators in Company A's Results Report and the Competitive Brazil Movement

2026-04-29T00:01:12+00:00

This article aimed to conduct a comparative analysis between the operational indicators extracted from the performance report of Company A — a state-owned company responsible for the distribution logistics of objects in Brazil — with an emphasis on the Object Distribution Center, located in Salvador, state of Bahia, and the strategic pillars of the Competitive Brazil Movement. The methodology applied was based on exploratory analysis of documents and the use of descriptive and visual techniques for interpretation, focusing on the pillars of education, technology, and infrastructure. The results allowed us to identify patterns, correlations, and gaps between Company A's internal performance and the standards of excellence desired by Competitive Brazil for the period of 2015 to 2024. It was noted that, while data from Competitive Brazil showed an average increase of 12% in national indices related to education, 18% in technology, and 9% in infrastructure, Company A's internal indicators for the same period recorded significantly lower variations— 5%, 7%, and 3%, respectively. These results reinforce the magnitude of the strategic gaps and highlight flaws in professional training policies, digital transformation processes, and the modernization of logistics infrastructure. This article proposes practical guidelines for requalifying Company A, anchored in a systemic and sustainable vision of public management. The proposal seeks to contribute to the debate on the need for convergence between strategic planning, digitization, and public policies geared toward logistical efficiency.

Evaluation of Mechanical and Physicochemical Properties of Materials for 3D Printing

2026-04-29T00:01:02+00:00

The study evaluated mercury adsorption and the mechanical properties of polymer filaments (ABS, PLA, and Tritan) after exposure to contaminated environments. Using methodologies such as atomic absorption spectrometry and tensile testing, it was found that Tritan showed high adsorption (69.3%), while ABS and PLA showed lower affinity for mercury (<2%), making them more suitable for applications in critical environments. Significant structural changes were observed in all materials, indicating the need for further research on chemical stability under different environmental conditions.

Development of a Hair Tonic from the Plant Extract of Jaborandi (Pilocarpus jaborandi) and Copaiba (Copaifera langsdorffii) to Aid in the Treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis

2026-04-29T00:00:50+00:00

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis characterized by scaling, sores and other symptoms that negatively impact the patient's quality of life. The aim of this study is to develop a herbal tonic from jaborandi extract (Pilocarpus jaborandi) and copaiba oil (Copaifera langsdorffii) that can help treat this condition, analyzing the effectiveness of each substance. The research has a qualitativequantitative approach, experimental methodology and descriptive objective. For the microbiological tests, specific analyses were carried out to assess the tonic's potential to promote the growth of microorganisms. The results indicated positive properties of the compounds, revealing, in direct application, the absence of mold and staphylococcus growth in the treated samples. This finding suggests that the extracts potentially have effective antifungal and antimicrobial properties, since they are not capable of enabling the development of microorganisms under the experimental conditions tested. In addition, the organoleptic tests and the flavonoid detection assay also pointed to the efficiency of the compound. Therefore, based on these results, it can be concluded that the herbal tonic made from jaborandi and copaiba extracts is potentially effective in the treatment of dermatitis. In this way, it provides an effective product at a lower cost, making it more accessible to a large part of the population.

Evaluation of the Protein Production of Fungal Strains in Alternative Media

2026-04-29T00:00:39+00:00

The growing demand for sustainable protein sources in the context of global food security has fueled the development of innovative alternatives to animal meat, and in this research, the use of the fermentation process as a technological solution. In this context, mycoprotein produced by filamentous fungi, such as Fusarium
venenatum, can be subjected to submerged fermentation to evaluate protein biomass production. Mycoprotein from filamentous fungi stands out as a promising alternative due to its nutritional value, sensory characteristics similar to those of meat, and lower environmental impact. It is necessary to identify the most efficient culture media to optimize biomass production and protein synthesis. Thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate the potential of Fusarium venenatum under certain medium compositions and fermentation conditions that can significantly favor mycelial growth and the final protein content of the biomass. Methods were established to evaluate spore growth, demonstrating greater efficacy of the DRBC culture medium. Fermentation tests were performed using liquid SD and FM medium, incorporating winemaking residues. This use of byproducts as an alternative medium contributes to greater mycoprotein sustainability. The parameters for the experiments were 180 rpm and 28°C, with quantification of dry biomass and protein. The results obtained demonstrated that adapted media generated greater biomass, while without adaptation, higher protein levels were observed. Significant growth was observed in the Adapted 2 (3%) medium, with 0.949g of dry biomass. The FM protein results were 35.6% in 24 hours. These findings reinforce the biotechnological potential of this microorganism as a promising source of alternative protein, contributing to technological innovation in the food sector.

Physicochemical Characterization of Licuri Almond (Syagrus coronata) as Raw Material for Biodiesel Production

2026-04-29T00:00:08+00:00

Licuri (Syagrus coronata) is a palm tree native to the Brazilian semiarid region. Its kernels have a high oil content, making them a potential raw material for biodiesel production. This study aims to characterize the kernel through analyses of moisture, ash, volatile matter, and fixed carbon, discussing the feasibility of its use in biodiesel production. The discussion includes a comparison of the viscosity of licuri oil with other vegetable oils before and after transesterification, based on previous studies. The results suggest that licuri has properties compatible with established oilseeds, with advantages associated with oxidative stability and potential for regional use.

Urban Air Quality: Occurrence, Emission Sources and Risk Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Airborne Fine Particles

2026-04-28T23:59:56+00:00

This study evaluated the occurrence, emission sources, and health risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) bound to fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) in the urban atmosphere of Itabuna, Southern Bahia, Brazil. PM₂.₅ samples were collected at three sites with distinct anthropogenic influences: a rural area (UFSB Campus
Jorge Amado), a predominantly residential area (15th Military Police Battalion), and a high-traffic commercial area (Jequitibá Shopping Mall). Thirteen of the sixteen priority PAHs were detected in all 21 samples, representing 82% of quantified PAHs. The highest total PAH concentration (3.28 ng m⁻³) occurred at the UFSB site, influenced by nearby industrial activities, freight transport, and vehicular traffic on a federal highway. Benzo(a)pyrene, an indicator of PAH pollution, was present in all samples, with concentrations below the European Union annual limit (1.0 ng m⁻³). Molecular diagnostic ratios indicated diesel and gasoline combustion as the main emission sources, with coal combustion also contributing. The incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) was estimated for four population groups (infants, children, adolescents, adults), showing values within the acceptable range suggested by the U.S. EPA (10⁻⁶–10⁻⁴), but indicating potential long-term health concerns,
particularly in high-traffic areas. The relevance of this study lies in the fact that Brazil still lacks regulatory limits for PAHs in ambient air, making local assessments essential to guide environmental management and public health policies. Furthermore, data on air quality in medium-sized Brazilian cities are scarce, despite rapid
urbanization and increasing vehicle fleets. These findings emphasize the urgent need for continuous monitoring, improved emission control, and preventive strategies to mitigate risks to human health and environmental quality.

A Dynamic Simulation Framework for Performance Analysis of a Three-Phase Separator

2026-04-28T23:59:46+00:00

The present study addresses the mathematical modeling and dynamic simulation of a three-phase gravitational separator. The overall goal was robust construction and modeling to optimize the reduction of water composition in crude oil emulsions. The presence of emulsified water severely impacts primary oil processing, decreasing the final quality of the product (increase in BS&W - Basic Sediment and Water), exponentially increasing operating costs (OPEX). For the construction of the model, the Python language was used, implementing mass balances and equations that describe the dynamics of phase separation. Correlations from the literature were incorporated for the calculation of fluid properties, such as density, and efficiency of the phases as a function of API gravity, and the classification of the oils used in the simulation scenarios themselves was validated. The results obtained show that the model was successful in describing the behavior of the system. Notably, the simulations demonstrated that oils with higher API gravity (lighter, with lower density) have faster and more efficient separation kinetics. This is because the lower viscosity of the oil (continuous phase) offers less resistance to the movement of water droplets, and the greater density difference between the phases intensifies the gravitational force, accelerating decantation. The behavior of the model compared to real scenarios can be correlated with the impact of the chemical composition, and the higher concentration of components such as asphaltenes and resins, natural emulsifiers present in oils, in heavy oils tend to form more rigid interfacial films, stabilizing the emulsion, making it difficult to coalescence. It is concluded that the simulated model obtained satisfactory accuracy, presenting results consistent with the theory and industrial practice in all the proposed scenarios, proving to be a valuable tool for the analysis and optimization of separation processes.

Urban Agriculture and Smart Cities: The Integration of Controlled Environment Agriculture, Community Gardens, and Public Health Policies

2026-04-28T23:59:35+00:00

Urban agriculture has emerged as a key strategy for building smart cities, fostering synergies between environmental sustainability, technological innovation, social inclusion, and food security. This article aims to analyze the integration of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), community gardens, and public health policies, emphasizing their contributions to urban resilience and sustainability. The study adopts a qualitative methodology, based on literature review, analysis of official documents, and case studies from Brazilian cities such as Salvador, Recife, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro. Results indicate that CEA enhances productivity in small spaces with reduced water and input consumption, community gardens strengthen social cohesion, mental health, and local food supply, while public policies link these initiatives to school feeding programs, health promotion, and income generation. Despite significant progress, challenges remain regarding high implementation costs, regulatory gaps, and lack of institutional support. The findings reinforce the need to incorporate urban agriculture into master plans and legal frameworks, promoting research, training, and publicprivate partnerships. By combining food production, innovation, and policy integration, urban agriculture
positions itself as a structural axis for more resilient, sustainable, and equitable cities.

Mathematical Modeling of Photovoltaic Generation Applied to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

2026-04-28T23:58:35+00:00

The increasing use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in long endurance and range missions has intensified the demand for energy solutions capable of extending operational autonomy. Among the energy sources most employed, electrochemical batteries remain the predominant solution. However, the available energy depends on the energy density of these devices, meaning that extending autonomy requires the installation of additional units or higher-capacity batteries, resulting in a significant increase in aircraft mass. A complementary alternative consists of integrating photovoltaic cells into the UAV structure, operating in conjunction with batteries to partially provide the power demand of on-board systems and contribute to the recharging of the energy storage system during flight. In this context, this work presents a mathematical modeling approach based on the singlediode equivalent circuit to represent the electrical behavior of photovoltaic cells under varying irradiance conditions, enabling the estimation of solar generation potential considering the expected operational profile of the UAV. The results indicated an additional autonomy of 4 hours and 14 minutes in the most favorable irradiance scenario and 2 hours and 51 minutes in the least favorable scenario, corresponding to increments of 70.55% and 47.50%, respectively. The integration of the photovoltaic system added 575 g to the total aircraft mass, equivalent to 1.44%. The trade-off analysis between energy gain and mass impact demonstrated a favorable relationship, reinforcing the potential of on-board solar generation as a complementary strategy for UAV projects still in the early design phase, in which extending autonomy constitutes a design guideline and the feasibility of photovoltaic integration remains under evaluation.

Design and Analysis of a Metal Detection System Based on an Inductive Sensor

2026-04-28T23:58:44+00:00

This article presents the development and analysis of a metal object detection system utilizing an inductive sensor. The project covers everything from the fundamental operating principles of inductive sensors to their practical application within a circuit controlled by an ESP32 microcontroller. A detailed noise analysis of the system was conducted, comparing theoretical quantization noise with experimentally measured noise. This allowed for the identification of predominant interference sources. The results demonstrate the system's effectiveness in metal detection and quantify the measurement errors, thereby validating the application of inductive sensors in industrial automation and process control systems.

Analysis of the Impact of Homodyne Detection Efficiency on Remote State Preparation

2026-04-28T23:58:34+00:00

Continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) is a leading technology for secure communication, whose security guarantees fundamentally rely on the quantum nature of the transmitted states and the measurement process. However, real-world detectors invariably suffer from limitations, such as inefficiency, which affects the overall security and performance of the system. Here, we investigate the impact of detector efficiency on remote state preparation in the context of entanglement-based CV-QKD. Specifically, by using the Wigner function formalism and starting from a two-mode squeezed vacuum state, we derive the analytical
form of the quantum state of one mode conditioned on a homodyne measurement performed on the other mode. Our analysis explicitly contrasts the ideal case of unit efficiency (η=1), which prepares a pure, displaced squeezed state, with the non-ideal scenario. For η < 1, we demonstrate that the preparation result is a mixed
state characterized by increased noise and degraded squeezing. We calculate the exact analytical expressions for the conditional state’s variance and mean displacement, quantifying their dependence on both the efficiency η and the initial squeezing parameter.

A Systematic Review of Mobile Soft Robots

2026-04-28T23:59:24+00:00

This article presents a comprehensive review of the advancements in mobile soft robotics, highlighting their design, actuation mechanisms, and performance capabilities. The objective is to examine the fastest and most capable mobile soft robots, emphasizing their diverse approaches and technologies for various environments. A systematic literature review was conducted using IEEE Xplore and Scopus databases, focusing on mechanical models, actuation methods, and performance metrics. Results show that the Tunable Dynamic Walking robot, using vibration through soft twisted beams, achieved the highest speed of 156.30 mm/s. Additionally, the Untethered Crawling Robot, employing pneumatic actuation, demonstrated the highest payload capacity of 6000 g. These findings underscore the significant progress in speed, mobility, and payload capacities of mobile soft robots. The study emphasizes the importance of continued research in enhancing the functionality and adaptability of these robots for real-world applications, including inspection, surveillance, and environmental monitoring.