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Purpose: We assessed whether anticipated stigma (i.e., fear of public mistreatment due to gender identity) impacts communication between transgender women (TGW) living with HIV and health care providers. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of baseline data from Trans Amigas, a study conducted in Brazil, 2018. The study population consisted of TGW living with HIV, older than 18 years, residing in the São Paulo metropolitan area. We used multivariable logistic regression (α = 0.05), mediation, and bootstrapping for the analysis. Results: One hundred and thirteen participants completed the study. Fear of public mistreatment had an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 7.42 (p = 0.003) for difficulty reporting new symptoms to providers. Concerning fear of public mistreatment, we found that unemployment had an aOR of 3.62 (p = 0.036); sex work, an aOR of 2.95 (p = 0.041); and issues related to name change in documents, an aOR of 2.71 (p = 0.033). For the indirect effect on difficulty reporting new symptoms, mediated by fear of public mistreatment, unemployment had an aOR of 1.52 (confidence interval [CI] = 0.88-2.24); sex work, an aOR of 1.48 (CI = 0.81-2.52); and name change issues, an aOR of 1.47 (CI = 0.96-2.43). Conclusions: Anticipated stigma was associated with communication difficulties between TGW living with HIV and providers. Our data suggest that structural factors associated with anticipated stigma could indirectly impact on difficulty reporting new symptoms. These findings indicate the importance of considering social contexts that intersect with individual experiences when analyzing communication barriers between providers and patients, and the need to strengthen social policies for TGW in Brazil. Clinical Trial Registration number: R34MH112177.

Abstract Background Medical educators play a crucial role in the perpetuation of the medical profession. Recent concerns have arisen regarding the quality and quantity of current teachers. To comprehend this shortage, it is key to understand future physicians’ attitudes towards venturing in education, their motivations and possible detracting factors. This study aims to explore graduating students' attitudes towards a future teaching role and identify motivating and hindering factors. Methods Sixty-eight students in their final year of medical training answered a digital questionnaire. Responses were processed using descriptive statistics and qualitative coding for the open-ended questions. Results Teaching was the second most prevalent aspiring role (59%) after the clinical one. The most mentioned motivations were contribution to the future of medicine (50%), passion (31.8%) and sense of social duty (18%). Conversely, top hindering factors revealed non-economic disadvantages (85%), economic disadvantages (39.7%) and cost–benefit rationale (11.7%). Students’ recent experience across the undergraduate path provided insights about the influence of different agents, teachers’ exemplary attributes, and their own projection for their future role. Teaching is predominantly viewed as an honorable and aspirational role but constrained by inadequate economic compensation. Students feel confident on this path, with limited understanding of teacher professionalization. Conclusions Understanding students’ perspective in pursuing teaching careers offers insight that can address longstanding issues in the field. Strategic initiatives should focus on amplifying motivational factors, and addressing demotivational factors, like the lack of economic incentives, to strengthen the appeal of the teaching profession, and offer better resources to aspiring medical educators that may heighten their satisfaction and attract new aspiring professionals keeping high standards in their professionalization and performance.

Abstract The effect of TiC and VC nano-precipitate size on the hydrogen embrittlement of ferritic steels was studied in this work. Steels containing two size distributions (10 nm or less and 10 - 100 nm) of TiC and VC carbides are subjected to tensile tests in-situ in an electrochemical hydrogen charging environment. Hydrogen is found to be trapped in interstitial matrix sites on the precipitate/matrix interface with activation energies of 14 - 20 kJ/mol and inside misfit dislocation cores with energies of 27 - 37 kJ/mol. All steels are embrittled by 15 to 20%, except the TiC steel with semi-coherent carbides up to 100 nm, which is embrittled by 37%. This is caused by accelerated intergranular fracture as a result of hydrogen trapped in dislocation pile-ups around grain boundary precipitates. The steel with coherent VC nano-carbides retained the highest strength and ductility during in-situ testing. This is therefore the optimal carbide configuration for use in hydrogen environments.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar se a melhor mobilidade funcional pode estar associada a um menor número de quedas e melhor desempenho funcional em idosas hígidas da comunidade. MÉTODOS: Quarenta e uma idosas foram divididas em dois grupos segundo o desempenho no teste Timed Up & Go (TUG) e foram avaliadas quanto ao histórico de quedas; ao medo de cair (Falls Efficacy Scale International - FES-I); à Força de Preensão Manual (FPM); à potência muscular (Teste de Sentar e Levantar Cinco Vezes - Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test - 5TSTS); à Velocidade da Marcha em 10 m; e ao Teste da Caminhada de Seis Minutos (TC6). Para comparação entre os grupos, foram realizados o Teste t de Student para amostras independentes e o teste de Mann-Whitney U (p ≤ 0,05). RESULTADOS: Dezoito idosas atingiram o ponto de corte no Timed Up And Go para sua faixa etária e foram alocadas no Grupo 1 (G1, n = 18; idade= 66,1 ± 6,7 anos; TUG = 7,3 ± 0,4 s) e 23 idosas não atingiram o ponto de corte proposto para sua faixa etária e foram alocadas no Grupo 2 (G2, n = 23; idade = 68,7 ± 6,4 anos; TUG = 10,2 ± 2,6 s). O G1, quando comparado ao G2, apresentou melhor potência muscular (5TSTS = 11,7 ± 2,0 s vs. 12,8 ± 2,2 s; p = 0,032); velocidade da marcha (VM = 1,6 ± 0,2 vs. 1,4 ± 0,3 m/s; p = 0,001); e distância percorrida em seis minutos (TC6 = 506,9 ± 60,1 m vs. 421,2 ± 70,9 m; p = 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Boa mobilidade funcional (indicada pelo teste TUG) pode indicar melhor desempenho musculoesquelético e capacidade funcional de exercício em idosas hígidas da comunidade.

​​​​​​​To meet the global goal of net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050, many governments are turning to Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) as a critical technology. Brazil is the largest CO2 emitter in South America and the 7th largest globally, yet it is in the early stages of CCS development. Using publicly available geological and infrastructure data, this study evaluates the feasibility and suitability of saline aquifers for CO2 storage in onshore intracratonic basins in southern Brazil. Saline aquifers deemed suitable for CO2 sequestration are those below 800 m deep, with a thickness greater than 20 m, and in areas with regionally extensive caprock at least 10 m thick. Using these criteria, we classify areas within the Rio Bonito Formation of the Paraná Basin and the Mucuri Member in the onshore extent of the Espírito Santo Basin into potential and exclusion areas for CO2 storage. The Rio Bonito Formation is present in the central-southern Paraná Basin and ranges from outcrop exposures to over 3900 m depth. The formation ranges in thickness from 25–350 m, and sandstone intervals within the formation have a cumulative thickness between 13 and 150 m. Caprocks consist mainly of shale and siltstone. Based on the criteria used, CO2 sequestration in the Rio Bonito Formation is optimal in two zones of the Paraná Basin that extend over ca. 27 700 km2 (northern zone) and ca. 38 100 km2 (southern zone). The Mucuri Member is present in almost the entire onshore extent of the Espírito Santo Basin and ranges in depth from 500 to 2650 m. The unit reaches 400 m thick with a cumulative thickness of sandstone layers ranging from 0 to 320 m. Caprocks consist mainly of evaporites, but shale and sandstone intervals are also present. CO2 sequestration in the Mucuri Member is optimal in one zone of the onshore Espírito Santo Basin, which extends over ca. 630 km2. Together, these zones have the capacity to store > 6.1 Gt CO2 providing Brazil with suitable capacity for reducing its CO2 emissions over the short- to medium-term.

Rising CO2 levels, as predicted by global climate models, are altering environmental factors such as the water cycle, leading to soil waterlogging and reduced oxygen availability for plant roots. These conditions result in decreased energy production, increased fermentative metabolism, impaired nutrient uptake, reduced nitrogen fixation, and altered leaf gas exchanges, ultimately reducing crop productivity. Co-inoculation techniques involving multiple plant growth-promoting bacteria or arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi have shown promise in enhancing plant resilience to stress by improving nutrient uptake, biomass production, and nitrogen fixation. This study aimed to investigate carbon and nitrogen metabolism adaptations in soybean plants co-inoculated with Bradyrhizobium elkanii, Azospirillum brasilense, and Rhizophagus intraradices under waterlogged conditions in CO2-enriched environments. Plants were grown in pots in open-top chambers at ambient CO2 concentration (a[CO2]) and elevated CO2 concentration (e[CO2]). After reaching the V5 growth stage, the plants were subjected to waterlogging for seven days, followed by a four-day reoxygenation period. The results showed that plants’ co-inoculation under e[CO2] mitigated the adverse effects of waterlogging. Notably, plants inoculated solely with B. elkanii under e[CO2] displayed results similar to co-inoculated plants under a[CO2], suggesting that co-inoculation effectively mitigates the waterlogging stress, with plant physiological traits comparable to those observed under elevated CO2 conditions.

Scientific meetings are vital for research development and networking. However, these events often reflect unconscious biases and barriers to diversity, particularly affecting marginalized groups. The future success of the geosciences depends on diversity, which enhances problem-solving and innovation through varied perspectives. This study examines the attendance diversity at the European Geosciences Union (EGU) General Assembly from 2005 to 2024, focusing on the impact of economic factors, distance, and population size on participation. Using publicly available data from the World Bank and the EGU, this study finds that gross national income (GNI) is the primary determinant of attendance, especially post-COVID. Distance also influences attendance but to a lesser extent, while population size shows a weak correlation. To improve diversity in academic conferences, we suggest facilitating donations, offering affordable accommodations, establishing additional travel funds, and rotating the conference location. Our actions must go beyond the EGU General Assembly and other geoscience conferences, as these actions can also help dismantle barriers to inclusivity in other areas of our community. By addressing these financial and systemic barriers, geoscience conferences can become more inclusive, benefiting the entire scientific community.

Abstract A unidirectional sheet was made with oriented fibers in an epoxy matrix. Natural fibers were extracted from the stem of Montrichardia linifera (Arruda) Schott., traditionally known as aninga, characterized and used to produce a unidirectional polymeric sheet. FTIR, XRD, SEM, TG, and DTG analyses were performed to characterize these cellulose fibers. Peaks observed at 1024 cm− 1, 1600 cm− 1, and 3328 cm− 1 revealed the stretching vibration of the O–H bond, the stretching of the carbonyl in hemicellulose, and the vibration of aromatic rings, respectively. XRD analysis demonstrated a crystallinity index of 62.21%. Morphological analysis revealed the microstructural quality of the fiber surface, with grooves for mechanical anchoring, as well as its interior, which is composed of microfibrils. EDS analysis confirmed the presence of the main elements composing natural fibers, with carbon being the major component (70%). The thermal stability of aninga fibers was up to 450 ºC for the degradation of 50% of their initial mass. The mechanical properties of untreated aninga fibers showed a tensile strength of 332 MPa and an elastic modulus of 13.000 MPa. The unidirectional sheet had a tensile strength of 4.5 MPa and an elasticity modulus of 332.9 MPa. These outcomes ensured that aninga fiber is considered high-performance (> 200 MPa) and can be used for internal automobile components.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate purpose in life among community-dwelling older adults and its possible associations with physical activity. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted with 654 older adult users of primary health care in a city in Southern Brazil. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Purpose in Life Scale were administered to participants. Data analysis was conducted using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests, and Spearman’s correlation coefficients were calculated. Significance was accepted at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The results showed a significant difference in purpose in life according to age (p = 0.003), monthly income (p = 0.001), health perception (p = 0.020), and medication (p = 0.008). There was a very weak correlation between purpose in life and minutes walked per day (r = -0.13). CONCLUSION: We conclude that sociodemographic variables and health conditions (such as health perception and medications used, respectively) can be considered intervening factors in purpose in life among older adults. Engagement in physical activity was not associated with purpose in life.

The past two decades have seen a rapid increase in neuroscientific evidence being used to characterize how contextual, structural, and societal factors shape cognition and school readiness. Measures of functional brain activity are increasingly viewed as markers of child development and biomarkers that could be employed to track the impact of interventions. While electroencephalography (EEG) provides a promising tool to understand educational inequities, traditional EEG data acquisition is commonly limited in some racial and ethnic groups due to hair types and styles. This ultimately constitutes unintentional systemic racism by disproportionately excluding participants from certain racial and ethnic groups from participation and representation in neuroscience research. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of how cultural considerations surrounding hair density, texture, and styling consistently skew samples to be less representative by disproportionately excluding Black and Latinx participants. We also provide recommendations and materials to promote best practices.

Resumo Objetivo descrever o desenvolvimento de protocolo farmacoterapêutico acerca dos medicamentos prevalentes em unidade pediátrica. Método pesquisa metodológica, conduzida entre fevereiro e junho de 2024, em duas fases: 1ª) diagnóstico situacional; 2ª) construção do protocolo que se subdividiu em três momentos: revisão integrativa de literatura; levantamento das monografias dos medicamentos no Drugdex-Micromedex® e WeMEDS®; e estruturação do protocolo, cuja validação será posterior. Resultados o escopo do protocolo denominado “Protocolo assistencial farmacoterapêutico em pediatria” se embasou no guia de elaboração do Ministério da Saúde e Conselho Regional de Enfermagem de São Paulo e Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II. Foi composto por 12 propriedades farmacológicas e farmacêuticas dos medicamentos intravenosos (classe terapêutica, usos clínicos, potencial hidrogeniônico, osmolaridade, estabilidade, armazenamento, reconstituição, diluição, tempo de infusão, interação medicamentosa, manejo terapêutico, e reações adversas e alterações laboratoriais) e sete propriedades dos medicamentos orais (classe terapêutica, usos clínicos, apresentação, administração, interação medicamentosa, manejo terapêutico, e reações adversas e alterações laboratoriais). Conclusão e implicações para a prática o protocolo configura uma opção tecnológica que permeará acesso às informações fidedignas sobre propriedades farmacológicas e farmacêuticas dos medicamentos prevalentes na unidade pediátrica, ampliando o conhecimento da equipe de enfermagem de modo prático e acessível, assegurando uma assistência medicamentosa segura à criança hospitalizada.

IntroductionScreen time can have important ramifications for children's development and health. Children exposed to greater screen time score lower on assessments of language development and tend to sleep less. However, most studies examining associations among screen time, language development, and sleep quality have focused on older children and/or have relied on subjective assessments of screen time exposure (i.e., parent report). The current study examined whether screen exposure, assessed via both maternal-report questionnaires and in-home audio recordings, was associated with differences in language development and sleep quality in infants at ~6 months of age (N = 187).MethodsMothers completed questionnaires to assess infant screen exposure, language production, and sleep quality, as well as family socioeconomic and demographic factors. The Language Environment Analysis (LENA) recorder was used to measure home screen use and the language environment.ResultsHigher family income and higher maternal education were associated with less infant screen time, as assessed by both maternal report and in-home LENA recordings. Neither measure of infant screen exposure was significantly associated with the home language environment, maternally-reported infant language production, or infant sleep quality. Maternally-reported screen exposure showed a small but significant positive correlation with LENA-derived screen exposure.DiscussionWe find no detectable association between screen exposure and differences in maternally reported language development or sleep quality in the first 6 months of life. Future studies will be needed to examine associations among screen time and subsequent infant development and health outcomes.

Salmonella Dublin is a serovar that causes severe infections and cattle. Despite the importance of this agent, research on achieving its elimination from dairy farms is limited, which complicates risk mitigation and control efforts. This study thus aimed to assess the prevalence of S. Dublin on a farm with a history of outbreaks, to understand the dynamics of the infection, characterize the antimicrobial resistance of the isolates, and evaluate their genetic similarity. Multiparous cows in the postpartum phase are nearly five times more likely to shed Salmonella sp. A total of 39 cases of fatal septicemic salmonellosis caused by S. Dublin were confirmed in calves aged 3-5 months. Antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated in 45 strains of S. Dublin, with 48.9% of the isolates classified as multidrug resistant, including resistance to penicillin (48.9%), tetracyclines (42.2%), and fluoroquinolones (33.3%). Seven multidrug-resistant isolates were selected for genomic sequencing. Among the resistance determinants identified, a mutation in the gyrA gene, present in all sequenced isolates, was notable. Analyses of cgMLST and SNPs revealed that the isolates from healthy animals were closely related to those found in animals with confirmed cases of S. Dublin, confirming that the agent was circulating among healthy animals across various categories. A high similarity was also found between the isolates in this study and strains causing salmonellosis in humans in Brazil, thus reinforcing the zoonotic nature and possible epidemiological link between cattle, and the occurrence of this disease in humans.

Background Anthropometry and body mass index (BMI) do not assess body composition or its distribution in older adults; thus, individuals may have different fat percentages but similar BMI values. The body adiposity index (BAI) was recently proposed as a feasible and inexpensive method for estimating the percentage of body fat based on measurements of hip circumference and height. The present study evaluated whether BAI and BMI are useful alternatives to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), which is rarely used in clinical practice, for predicting body fat in independent long-lived older adults. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we used DXA to calculate the percentage of body fat, which was compared with BAI and BMI values. We performed Pearson correlation analyses and used Cronbach’s alpha, described by Bland and Altman, to compare the reliability between the indexes. Results Among 157 evaluated individuals (73.2% women, mean age 87±3.57 years), men had a lower percentage of total fat, as assessed by DXA, and lower BAI indices than women. The correlation between BAI and DXA was moderate (r=0.59 for men and r=0.67 for women, p

Multi-criteria methods are highly attractive tools to address the inherent complexity of evaluating problems in various scientific areas. The combination of methods such as Delphi/AHP is emerging as a robust alternative to evaluate the sustainability of renewable energy sources. In this theoretical-descriptive research, the use of the Delphi method is proposed to select criteria and sub-criteria to obtain a high level of reliability, while the AHP method is used to establish an order of preference among the alternatives analyzed. This process requires the support of a committee of experts, whose role is to identify the various biomass alternatives that can be used in the sugar industry, considering aspects related to sustainability. The selected experts have identified energy, exergy, and emergetic indicators, in which economic, environmental, and social aspects are integrated. The multi-criteria analysis shows that the V1 variant was the most satisfactory in terms of biomass sustainability, representing 45% and 53% of the overall priorities in the evaluated case studies. In addition, the sensitivity analysis under an equal-weighted scenario for both study cases evidenced that variant V1 acquired the highest score (38.17%) among all alternatives. Variant V4 achieved the second highest score (31.79%), while alternative V2 achieved only 29.04%, respectively. The integration of Delphi/AHP methods emerges as a novel tool to assess sustainability in different industries of the energy sector.

Introduction: Health care-associated infections (HAIs) contribute to morbidity and mortality and to the dissemination of multidrug-resistant organisms. Children admitted to the intensive care unit undergo invasive procedures that increase their risk of developing HAIs and sepsis. The aim of the study was to analyse factors associated with mortality due to sepsis arising from HAIs. Patients and methods: We conducted a case-control study in a 7-bed multipurpose paediatric intensive care unit in a tertiary care teaching hospital. The sample consisted of 90 children admitted between January 2014 and December 2018. The case group consisted of patients who died from sepsis associated with the main health care-associated infections; the control group consisted of patients who survived sepsis associated with the same infections. Results: Death was associated with age less than or equal to 12 months, presence of comorbidity, congenital disease, recurrent ventilator-associated pneumonia and septic shock. In the multiple regression analysis, heart disease (OR, 12.48; CI 2.55–60.93; P = .002), infection by carbapenem-resistant bacteria (OR, 31.51; CI 4.01–247.25; P = .001), cancer (OR, 58.23; CI 4.54–746.27; P = .002), and treatment with adrenaline (OR, 13.14; CI 1.35–128.02; P = .003) continued to be significantly associated with death. Conclusions: Hospital sepsis secondary to carbapenem-resistant bacteria contributed to a high mortality rate in this cohort. Children with heart disease or neoplasia or who needed vasopressor drugs had poorer outcomes. Resumen: Introducción: Las infecciones relacionadas con la asistencia sanitaria (IRAS) contribuyen a la morbimortalidad y a la diseminación de organismos multirresistentes. Los niños ingresados en la unidad de cuidados intensivos son sometidos a procedimientos invasivos que aumentan su riesgo de desarrollar IRAS y sepsis. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar los factores asociados a la letalidad por sepsis derivada de IRAS. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio de casos y controles, en una unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos polivalente de 7 camas de un hospital universitario de tercer nivel. La muestra consistió en 90 niños ingresados entre enero de 2014 y diciembre de 2018. Los casos se definieron como fallecimientos por sepsis asociada a infecciones asistenciales principales; los controles fueron los pacientes supervivientes que presentaron sepsis asociada a las mismas infecciones. Resultados: La muerte se asoció a edad menor o igual a 12 meses, presencia de comorbilidad, enfermedad congénita, neumonía recurrente asociada a ventilación mecánica y shock séptico. En el análisis múltiple, la cardiopatía (OR 12,48; IC 2,55–60,93; p = 0,002), la infección por bacterias resistentes a carbapenémicos (OR 31,51; IC 4,01–247,25; p = 0,001), el cáncer (OR 58,23; IC 4,54–746,27; p = 0,002) y el uso de adrenalina (OR 13,14; IC 1,35–128,02; p = 0,003) siguieron asociados a la muerte. Conclusiones: La sepsis hospitalaria secundaria a bacterias resistentes a carbapenémicos contribuyó a una elevada tasa de mortalidad. Los niños con cardiopatía o neoplasia o que necesitaron fármacos vasopresores tuvieron peores desenlaces.

Dental multilayer zirconia ceramics are attractive materials for restorative dentistry because they offer significant esthetic advantages over monolithic, white, or monocolored zirconia. They enable anatomical adjustments in dental prostheses, making them more similar to natural teeth. New categories of dental ceramics have been developed using varying translucency and color within the same piece to meet esthetic requirements. This technique employs zirconia with different yttria (Y2O3) contents to achieve varying levels of translucency. This study investigated two types of dental ceramics based on multilayer zirconia, correlating their mechanical properties, translucency, and color variations concerning their application in dental prostheses. Two types of multilayer zirconia pre-sintered blocks with different Y2O3 content were examined: 1) blocks with a Y2O3 gradient chemical composition between 3 mol.% and 4 mol.%, named M3-4YSZ; 2) blocks with a Y2O3 gradient chemical composition between 4 mol.% and 5 mol.%, named as M4-5YSZ. Samples were cut in cross-section to separate the layers based on Y2O3 content and color and were then sintered at 1530 °C for 2 h. The sintered samples were characterized by relative density, crystalline phases, microstructure, Vickers hardness, fracture toughness (KIC), and optical properties (color and contrast ratio). Fully dense ceramics were obtained after sintering. Layers containing a greater amount of Y2O3 in the zirconia matrix have a higher content of the ZrO2 cubic phase, while layers with a lower content of Y2O3 in the matrix are predominantly tetragonal ZrO2. No statistical variation in hardness was observed depending on the layers of the material. However, fracture toughness values showed significant statistical variations, with an increase in the tetragonal phase content responsible for the increase in fracture toughness. KIC in M3-4YSZ samples varied between 3.63 and 7.73 MPa.m1/2, while M4-5YSZ samples ranged from 2.70 to 5.65 MPa.m1/2. The smooth and gradual variations in color and translucency observed between the layers of the two groups of dental ceramics studied indicate stability and homogeneity between the layers, contributing significantly to esthetic effects in dental applications.

The present work aims to explore Spirulina biomass’ functional and technological marvels and its components, such as C-phycocyanin (C-PC), in modern food systems from a circular economy perspective, evaluating a decade of insights and innovations. This comprehensive review delves into the pivotal studies of the past decade, spotlighting the vital importance of maintaining stability in various food matrices to unleash the full biological impacts. Through the lens of food science intertwined with circular economy principles, this analysis meets health and environmental requisites and explores the harmonious synergy between food systems, economy, and industry. While Spirulina has typically served as a supplement, its untapped potential as a fundamental food ingredient has been unveiled, showcasing its abundant nutritional and functional attributes. Technological hurdles in preserving the vibrant color of C-PC have been triumphantly surmounted through simple temperature control methods or cutting-edge nanotechnology applications. Despite the gap in sensory acceptance studies, the emergence of blue foods introduces groundbreaking functional and innovative avenues for the food industry.

Leisure activities are known to be especially important for the health of people with disabilities. In Belém, PA, an Amazonian city in Brazil, a nonprofitable organization has promoted leisure ridings in bicycles for those people in Utinga State Park, a large green area for physical and leisure activities. The handcrafted bikes have a sidecar attached for users with disabilities which are ridden by trained volunteers. Since such bikes have been empirically manufactured, they require some minor improvements in safety, comfort, and handling, and verification of structural strength. Therefore, ergonomic, modal, and forced vibration analyses assessed the user’s comfort and safety and a structural analysis with the use of strain gauges evaluated the bicycle’s structural strength. Initially, a numerical modal analysis was performed using the finite element method, and the modal model obtained was validated by an experimental modal analysis employing shaker excitation. ISO-2631-based evaluations of forced vibration and human body comfort were conducted regarding whole-body vibration in vehicles and mechanical equipment. Vibration measurements at the position of the rider and sidecar occupant were obtained during rides on the bicycle and, according to the results, in general, when subjected to loads, the bicycle showed low stress levels far from the yield stress of the material, promoting an excellent safety factor in relation to its structural integrity. The modal, comfort, and forced vibration analyses revealed a mode of vibration in the sidecar that caused discomfort to the back of the users. Ergonomics analysis pointed out changes in the handlebars, the bicycle seat, the coupling between the sidecar and the bike, and the dimensions of the sidecar will provide greater comfort and safety. This paper presents and discusses the proposed modifications to both bicycle and sidecar.