JOURNAL OF BIOENGINEERING, TECHNOLOGIES AND HEALTH

Production of LLDPE and Sisal Composites via 3D Printing

Mariana Souza — 2026-03-22

3D printing is a processing technique that presents an interesting possibility for obtaining various materials, with advantages such as lower cost and design adaptation. Various materials are used for printing, including polymers. However, some difficulties can be faced due to the characteristics of the processed materials, such as their mechanical propertie (tensile strength and strain at maximum load). In this context, composite materials formed by linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and sisal fibers in natura and chemically treated with sodium hydroxide solutions were obtained via extrusion (initially on a twin-screw printer to obtain the masterbatch, a single-screw printer to manufacture the filaments and a 3D printer to obtain the test specimens) with the aim of developing new materials and contributing to aspects related to LLDPE processing in the context of additive manufacturing. The specimens were mechanically evaluated through tensile testing, revealing that the control formulation exhibited greater tension at maximum force than the composites, as well as greater strain at maximum load. Comparing the materials with fiber addition without treatment and with treatment with sodium hydroxide at different content, it was observed that the treatment did not lead to significant differences in the evaluated mechanical properties. Thus, although the processing was successful, resulting in intact specimens, fiber treatments under the evaluated conditions were not sufficient to obtain improved mechanical properties.

Structural Sizing of Wing Spar in Fixed-Wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Concept Using Tsai-Hill Failure Criterion

Hariel Dumont Dias Sousa — 2026-03-22

The structural design for a Fixed-Wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) begins with preliminary aeronautical calculations driven by the mission profile. This profile defines key requirements such as endurance, cruise altitude, and payload capacity, which in turn guide the estimation of gross weight, wing loading, and power-to-weight ratio. These parameters determine the wing planform area, span, and aspect ratio, optimizing aerodynamic efficiency. Based on these definitions, wing load calculations are performed, accounting for distributed loads from lift and any concentrated loads from internal masses. Bending moment, shear force, and torsional moment diagrams along the span are obtained for the most critical load case. The results contribute to the subsequent structural design phase. With the maximum loads identified, the sizing of the stringers (longitudinal stiffeners installed along the wing skin). For this purpose, the reinforced shell model was adopted, composed of a core and flanges in polymer matrix composite material and fiber reinforcement, with assumptions of symmetry and linear loading. The stringers are sized to withstand buckling and axial compression, considering the maximum bending moment and the section centroid position. The cross-section of the profiles was selected based on the relationship between structural weight and stiffness. This process ensures that the structure withstands in-flight loads with minimum weight, applying the Tsai-Hill failure criterion. Using a numerical computing code to assess multiple geometries, the optimal configuration achieved reduced structural weight while maintaining an adequate minimum safety margin.

Process Development Modeling for CubeSats

Camille Grajauskas Gonçalves — 2026-03-22

CubeSat represents a class of miniature satellites with applications in space and academic research, which stands out for its low cost and simplified manufacturing. This work aims to model the CubeSat development process based on the guidelines proposed by the European Cooperation for Space Standardization, using both the knowledge contained in regulatory documents and the knowledge of those working at the SpaceLab of the Federal University of Santa Catarina. The proposed modeling was implemented on the Draw.io platform, a process automation tool. As a result, a structured and systematic methodology was obtained for the stages involved in the development of CubeSats, which aims to contribute to the standardization and improvement of workflows in small aerospace projects.

Vehicle Gear Ratios Assessment: Study of the Fidelity of a Videogame to Theoretical Vehicle Dynamics

Pedro Augusto Ambrósio Almeida — 2026-03-22

The modification of certain vehicle dynamics attributes, such as the gear ratios of a transmission system, can generate significant impacts on vehicle behavior under different driving conditions. Such changes influence performance, such as acceleration times, maximum speed, and traction forces. With advancements in simulation technologies featured in electronic games, there has been a growing convergence between simulated dynamic and real-world behavior of theoretical engineering. In this context, modern video games have increasingly established themselves as complementary tools in the educational process, particularly related to automotive engineering, by enabling the customization of technical concepts in a math ambience. However, in-depth analysis is needed to assess whether vehicle input customizations performed in video games follow the expected results when compared to the real world. Thus, the objective of this article is to investigate the impacts caused by gear ratio changes on vehicle drivability in the videogame Forza Horizon 5. The theoretical framework studied, and the tests conducted shows that this game have already being able to simulate, within their parameters, phenomena that are well-documented in real-world studies, which means that games like this can already serve as valuable educational tools.

2D Pose Optimization with Genetic Algorithms and Particle Swarm Optimization: A Comparative Analysis for Robotic Localization

Henrique Nunes Teixeira — 2026-03-22

Accurate localization of mobile robots—particularly under conditions of initial uncertainty, known as the Global Localization Problem (GLP)—remains a fundamental challenge in robotics, as it directly impacts autonomous navigation, precise mapping, and safe interaction with the environment. This paper presents a comparative study of two optimization metaheuristics—Genetic Algorithms (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO)—applied to the scan-to-map matching problem for 2D localization with LiDAR sensing. A controlled simulation framework was developed, within which 150 independent experiments were conducted on a high-resolution synthetic occupancy map, employing a cost function based on a Euclidean distance field with penalties assigned to invalid poses. The methodology encompassed automated data generation, parameterized execution of the algorithms, and comprehensive statistical evaluation of key performance metrics, including position error, orientation error, computational time, and convergence behavior. The experimental results demonstrate that both algorithms achieve high accuracy in most trials, yet with notable differences. PSO exhibited faster convergence and attained a lower median angular error (0.18° versus 0.45° for GA), though it displayed a greater tendency to converge to local minima, occasionally resulting in substantial localization errors. In contrast, GA, while slower and with a higher median angular error, proved more robust in avoiding large-magnitude failures, thereby yielding more consistent solutions across the simulated scenarios. These findings suggest that the choice between GA and PSO should be dictated by application-specific requirements: PSO is preferable in domains where rapid convergence is essential, whereas GA is advantageous in safety-critical contexts demanding reliability and fault tolerance. Future directions include the design of hybrid approaches that combine the efficiency of PSO with the robustness of GA, as well as validation in real-world robotic systems, extension to 3D localization tasks, and integration with multi-sensor data.

Study of the Reuse of Eggshells in the Production of Bioplastics with Soil Enrichment Potential

Giulia Freire Fonseca — 2026-03-22

This comprehensive study investigated the significant potential of eggshell, a readily available calcium-rich bio-waste, as an effective and sustainable additive in bioplastics. This innovative approach aims to substantially improve soil fertility during the material's biodegradation, while concurrently mitigating the environmental impacts associated with conventional limestone mining, the traditional source of calcium, as well as addressing the disposal of fossil-derived plastics. The robust methodology involved preparing plant-based raw materials, developing prototypes with systematic variations in composition and concentration, and comprehensively characterizing the formulated biomaterial. Analyses included precise thickness measurements and rigorous soil biodegradation tests through mass loss coupled with calcium carbonate equivalent (CaCO₃) quantification and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emission monitoring. The formulations were systematically studied at concentrations of 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% eggshell, with thicknesses ranging from 0.37846 mm to 0.53594 mm. The biomaterials demonstrated promising average soil biodegradation rates of 52.42%, 51.26%, 52.94%, and 57.64% for concentrations of 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1%, respectively. During the 16 days of biodegradation, the samples released an average of 102.36, 117.55, 128.87, and 138.84 g kg⁻¹ of CaCO₃. These values disregard the baseline CaCO₃ (g kg⁻¹) value found in the soil without the presence of the samples, and it is possible to observe a consistent growing trend in the quantity of this essential nutrient that directly accompanies the increase in eggshell concentration in the formulation. The average aerobic biodegradability rate corresponded to 44.70% within a 14-day interval. Thus, eggshell presented itself as a strong potential additive in bioplastics, enabling formulations that are simultaneously biodegradable and capable of fertilizing the soil.

Synergy between Innovation, Governance and Accounting in Public Stock Management: Guidelines for Sustainable Practice

Maria de Lourdes Ferraz Heleodoro — 2026-03-22

This study examines the integration between governance practices, accounting information, and public stock management in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on sustainable decision-making in a Brazilian public health institution. Efficient stock management in public health is critical for ensuring resource availability, cost control, and service continuity, especially during crises. Conducted as a qualitative descriptive case study at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), the research involved semi-structured interviews with 14 stock management experts. While existing literature explores governance and accounting separately, few studies analyze their intersection with stock management in public health emergencies, leaving a gap this work seeks to address Data analysis, based on content analysis, identified three core dimensions: accounting instruments, knowledge dissemination, and governance perception. The findings reveal significant challenges, including the lack of standardized information systems, limited formal training, and weak interaction between accounting and stock management areas, which hinder the strategic use of accounting information. Despite collaborative practices and adaptive governance during the crisis, the absence of systemic integration undermines operational efficiency and transparency. The study proposes guidelines to strengthen intersectoral cooperation, enhance technical capacity, and implement digital tools, including a managerial dashboard for stock control. By aligning governance, accounting, and stock management, the proposed framework supports innovation, optimizes resources, and promotes sustainable practices in public administration. This research is limited by its single-case design and reliance on expert perceptions, suggesting the need for broader studies in diverse institutional contexts.

A Multicriteria Decision-Making (MCDA) Method for Decommissioning Offshore Oil and Gas Units in Brazilian Shallow Waters

Antonio José Mendonça Ferreira — 2026-03-22

The decommissioning of offshore oil and gas facilities is a critical final stage in the lifecycle of the energy industry. As numerous infrastructures age and production fields mature, Brazil faces a significant increase in decommissioning obligations, particularly in its shallow water regions. Decision-making in this process is notoriously complex, involving a delicate balance of substantial costs, operational risks, environmental impacts, social considerations, and an evolving regulatory framework. This paper proposes a robust methodology to support decision-making in the decommissioning of offshore oil and gas production units in Brazilian shallow waters, aiming to optimize outcomes from a multifaceted perspective. A comprehensive literature review is conducted on international best practices, the Brazilian regulatory scenario, and the inherent challenges of shallow water decommissioning. Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDA) models are explored, with a focus on methods like the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and compromise ranking solutions such as VIKOR, alongside specialized risk assessment tools like the Hierarchical Analyst Domino Evaluation System (HADES). The proposed methodology integrates technical, economic, environmental, safety, and social criteria into a structured framework designed for managers and regulators. This research is expected to contribute to enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of decommissioning operations in Brazil, minimizing adverse impacts and maximizing stakeholder benefits.

Physicochemical Characterization of a Clay from Sergipe State and its Potential as an Adsorbent

Aline Santana Prado — 2026-03-22

Water treatment is fundamental to removing industrial dyes, such as methylene blue, and to mitigate their severe environmental impacts. In this context, adsorption stands out as a promising solution due to its efficiency and low cost. The use of clays, especially regional ones, is particularly strategic as it utilizes a local and abundant resource to develop a sustainable, accessible treatment technology that adds value to the region’s economy. Thus, this work aims to characterize a regional clay with possible application in the adsorption process. Through the analysis performed, the presence of quartz, calcite, hematite, and feldspar was verified via XRD, in addition to clay minerals such as kaolinite and montmorillonite, which are also part of its composition. The clay minerals are the main components in the adsorption process. From FTIR, it was possible to observe the presence of the 3695 cm⁻¹ band, characteristic of kaolinite clays, in addition to confirming the presence of characteristic bands related to the lamellar structure of clays containing tetrahedral and octahedral layers, such as the bands at 984, 914, 796, and 691 cm⁻¹. Through TGA and DTG, the decomposition of kaolinite was noted at temperatures of 480 °C and 680 °C, along with a total mass loss of 1%. With SEM, a low agglomeration of particles was observed due to the low concentration of montmorillonite in its composition; thus, less agglomerated structures tend to have a larger surface area and more free active sites for the adsorption process. And, through BET, it was found that this clay is microporous (Dp = 1.56 nm and Vp= 0.047 cm³/g) and has a high surface area (S_BET = 36.75 m²/g), and high inter-pore area, in addition to exhibiting a type IV isotherm with H3 hysteresis, typical of materials with a lamellar structure. Furthermore, preliminary adsorption tests validated this potential, achieving a maximum removal of 89.39% of the dye using a 0.3 g mass.

Reverse Engineering Applied to a Circuit Breaker Lever: Case Study

Alex Francisco dos Santos Ribeiro Junior — 2026-03-22

The obsolescence of components in industrial systems has become a significant and growing challenge for corrective maintenance and operational continuity of complex and high-cost equipment. To address this issue, this work proposes an integrated multidisciplinary approach combining reverse engineering, design for additive manufacturing, structural simulation, and 3D printing technique for recovering and refurbishing obsolete components. As a detailed case study, the functional restoration of a high-power circuit breaker used in a hospital environment was performed, where conventional replacement would involve high costs and prolonged downtime, with direct impact on system safety and reliability. The process involved precise 3D scanning of the original component, followed by parametric modeling with geometric and structural optimization. Computational simulations were conducted to verify mechanical performance under operating conditions. The component was manufactured using an additive manufacturing technique with high-performance engineering resin. The result was a carefully redesigned part showing significant improvements in geometry, strength, and robustness while maintaining full dimensional compatibility and functional interchangeability with the original system. Comprehensive tests demonstrated adequate dimensional accuracy and satisfactory mechanical performance, along with substantial reductions in costs and repair time compared to conventional replacement methods. The developed methodology proved effective as a strategic alternative to address parts’ unavailability in the market, providing greater technical autonomy and flexibility in maintaining complex industrial assets, and highlighting the promising potential of integrating digital technologies with reverse engineering as a sustainable and innovative solution for managing obsolescence challenges in electromechanical systems.

Proposal for TRL Adjustment in the Maturation of Agroindustrial Technologies

Cauã de Souza Farias — 2026-03-22

Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) measure the maturity of technologies and are traditionally applicable to physical products and engineering systems. Although widely adopted by governments and industries, their use presents limitations when applied to areas such as agroindustry, which often rely on descriptive and methodological processes without tangible technological deliverables. In this context, it becomes necessary to adapt TRL to include methods that, although not resulting in a physical product, directly contribute directly to technological development. This study proposes an adaptation of the TRL scale for application in conceptual projects, especially in agroindustry, focusing on the maturation of protocols, planting methodologies, and technical processes. A systematic literature review, with searches carried out in the ScienceDirect and Scopus databases, revealed a lack of approaches that consider processes without a final product in the agricultural sector. As an example, the project at Cimatec Sertão focused on the production of bioethanol from Agave sp., where the TRL scale is used in the maturation of processes and methods involved in Agave cultivation. The adapted proposal redefines TRL levels to include stages such as ideation, scientific validation, proof of concept, and tests at different scales, culminating in commercial application. This new approach provides greater clarity, uniformity, and applicability in agroindustrial projects, ensuring effective communication among researchers and facilitating the evaluation of maturity levels for descriptive technological processes.

Soil Mixtures with Additions for Expansive Soil Stabilization: A Systematic Literature Review

Anne Pinheiro Garcez — 2026-03-22

The volumetric instability of expansive soils poses a significant challenge to civil engineering, particularly affecting pavement works, foundations, and supporting structures. This behavior, associated with the presence of clay minerals such as montmorillonite, results in considerable variations when changes in moisture content occur, triggering expansion and shrinkage processes that compromise the performance and durability of structures. Traditionally, the stabilization of these soils is carried out using cement or lime, however, such methods may increase the stiffness and brittleness of the material, impairing its performance under dynamic loads. In this context, the use of natural or synthetic fibers emerges as a promising alternative, acting as reinforcement to improve strength and crack control. The analysis of rheological properties is crucial for evaluating the feasibility of applying these mixtures in the field. This study presents a systematic literature review, with data extracted from the Scopus database and analyzed in RStudio using the Bibliometrix package, aiming to map the state of the art regarding stabilizing mixtures for expansive soils. The search was guided by keywords such as “soil-cement,” “expansive soil,” and “lime,” followed by the application of filters for subject area, document type, and source type. A total of 105 articles published between 1999 and 2025 were selected. The bibliometric analysis revealed a significant increase in scientific production since 2018, led by countries such as China, India, and Australia, in addition to the concentration of publications in high-impact journals. The results indicate that the integration of fibers, combined with rheological control, has significant potential to mitigate shrinkage and improve the mechanical performance of expansive soils, providing technical support for the development of more durable and environmentally appropriate solutions in geotechnical engineering.

Satellite-Based Quantum Key Distribution: Protocols, Network Architectures, and Continuous-Variable Implementation Challenges

Cássio de Castro Silva — 2026-03-22

Losses and attenuation are the main limitations to implementing secure quantum networks based on fiber or free-space optical links over long distances. A hybrid satellite–ground approach offers an effective solution to overcome these constraints and achieve higher key transmission rates. This article presents a systematic review of publications on satellite quantum communication, providing an overview of quantum key distribution with satellites, the use of satellite networks with emphasis on commonly adopted orbits, and the role of satellites in such architectures. Special attention is given to the implementation of continuous-variable QKD (CV-QKD) in satellite-based channels, highlighting its challenges and potential for integration into future satellite-based quantum networks.

International Overview of Quantum Security: Mapping Organizations, Technologies, and Use Cases in PQC and QKD

Mabel Diz Marques Mota — 2026-03-22

The article presents an international overview of the quantum security ecosystem, focusing on Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). The methodology involved a systematic mapping of 85 active organizations, revealing the predominance of the private sector (84.7%), with the highest concentration in the United States (30.59%) and China (14.12%). The data indicate a strong presence in the development of hybrid solutions (65.88%), which can be attributed to the pursuit of greater implementation flexibility, particularly in contexts of technological transition. These solutions are directly associated with strategic sectors such as telecommunications (31 organizations), cloud computing (17), and finance/government (16). Use cases demonstrate applications in IoT, 5G networks, blockchain, and digital identity, with notable contributions from companies such as Infineon, Toshiba, ID Quantique, CryptoNext, Microsoft, and DigiCert. Additionally, the results suggest increasing maturity, commercial expansion, and the relevance of PQC and QKD for technological resilience and sovereignty, establishing these technologies as pillars of secure digital infrastructures in the era of quantum computing.

Exploring Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Communication in Maritime Environments: Challenges and Perspectives

Aldalice Rodrigues Dias — 2026-03-22

With the continuous advancement of embedded technologies and the growing demand for remote and autonomous operations, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have been increasingly employed in a variety of maritime applications, including platform inspections, cargo transport, search and rescue missions, environmental monitoring, and open-sea surveillance. However, maintaining reliable, high- performance communication between UAVs and control stations remains one of the main operational challenges, primarily due to the lack of fixed infrastructure, the long distance from shore, and adverse and highly variable environmental conditions. This work presents an exploratory literature review, categorizing the key factors that influence communication performance: latency, data transfer rate, frequency bands (VHF, L, C, Ku, Ka), and phenomena such as signal refraction and multipath propagation over the sea. The limitations of traditional maritime communication systems, such as VHF and L-band, and their impacts when adapted to aerial missions are analyzed in detail. Emerging technologies, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS), and hybrid architectures that integrate aerial, maritime, and satellite links, show strong potential to expand coverage and reduce latency in challenging oceanic environments. In addition, prospects for sixth-generation (6G) networks are discussed, highlighting their potential to enable ultra-responsive control, enhanced link resilience, and massive data transmissions in remote areas. Selecting the most suitable communication architecture must account for mission type, data volume, and operational context. Despite recent advances, significant gaps remain, underscoring the need for continued research and innovation to develop resilient, mission-tailored communication architectures for UAVs operating in maritime domains.

A Review of Central Pattern Generator-Based Approaches for Quadruped Robot Locomotion

João Pedro Almeida Miranda Silva — 2026-03-22

This paper reviews locomotion control approaches for quadruped robots, with a specific focus on methods based on Central Pattern Generators (CPGs). CPGs are bio-inspired neural circuits that generate rhythmic motor commands, offering a computationally efficient solution for controlling complex robotic movements. The study explores fundamental concepts of quadruped locomotion, including gait types and parameters and details the application of CPGs, highlighting the use of different oscillators, such as Hopf and Van der Pol, and their integration with Inverse Kinematics. The review emphasizes the potential of hybrid control techniques, which combine CPGs with learning-based methods to enhance the robot's adaptability and robustness on various terrains. The paper concludes that CPGs, especially when combined with hybrid control strategies, present a promising and efficient solution for achieving stable and adaptive locomotion in quadruped robots.