Brazilian Journal of Science

Geotechnical challenges in crystalline basement terrain: mapping subsurface conditions with electrical resistivity tomography in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

2025-04-02T10:17:57-03:00

Subsoil investigation constitutes a critical step in the planning and execution of any construction project. It is a prerequisite for the design and construction of safe, stable, and sustainable structures. Subsoil investigation using Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) was carried out in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria to assess the integrity of foundation soils/near-subsurface geomaterials. The study area is underlain by the crystalline basement terrain of southwestern Nigeria. The study delineated low resistivity zones having as low as 63 Ωm at a depth of about 10 m, localized pockets of clay intercalated by lateritic soil, a stretch of geomaterials of high resistivity values over 10000 Ωm observed at a depth of 6 m, and a structural feature diagnostic of fractured zone with intense weathering at depths stretching beyond 25 m. The presence of an underground water channel within the fractured basement rock is significant. The geological variations along the traverses confirm the heterogeneity of the basement complex rocks, even over short distances. This is crucial for foundation design. A gross assumption of uniformity could be hazardous to the stability of the structure. Geophysics remains a very fundamental tool that can be applied in civil engineering work. Use of integrated geophysical methods would reduce ambiguities and enhance site characterization for construction purposes.

Life cycle assessment of the artisanal bamboo pole (Guadua angustifolia) production in the Brazilian Amazon

2025-04-02T10:17:59-03:00

The artisanal production of bamboo poles is an income alternative for small producers in countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Despite the positive impact on climate change from the use of this renewable material for construction purposes, there is a gap in knowledge about the environmental footprint of this production system. This study assessed the potential environmental impacts of the artisanal production process of bamboo poles (Guadua angustifolia) in the Brazilian Amazon. A life cycle assessment (LCA) conducted within an artisanal production unit (PU) of bamboo poles, in the municipality of Rio Branco, state of Acre, in the Brazilian Amazon, encompassed the entire production chain, from bamboo planting to the chemically treated bamboo poles. The environmental impact category that prominently emerged was Human Carcinogenic Toxicity (HCT), achieving 93% of the total impact generated. Shaving and cutting waste and discarded poles accounted for 91% of the total impact generated by the artisanal bamboo production chain. The findings highlight the need to explore alternative methods for the chemical treatment of bamboo poles and to enhance the management of solid waste, emphasizing the optimization of water usage in the treatment process. Addressing these aspects is imperative for mitigating the environmental footprint associated with the artisanal bamboo production chain and promoting the bioeconomy in the Brazilian Amazon.

Prevalence of anxiety, depression, and psychoactive substances use among pharmacy students in Minas Gerais: Impacts of the pandemic and the university environment

2025-04-02T10:18:00-03:00

Mental disorders affect the population widely, and university students are considered a risk group due to the challenges of academic life. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on this population, intensifying symptoms of anxiety and depression. On the other hand, there is a high consumption of psychoactive substances among academics, which initially aim to minimize internal tensions, but can, in a chronic manner, harm health. Given this, a quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was carried out on the presence of anxiety and depression, as well as the use of psychoactive substances among pharmacy students at a public university in the interior of Minas Gerais. Two questionnaires were used for data collection, one for demographic and psycho-emotional assessment and another specific for anxiety and depression, known as the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The study population consisted of 350 academics. Of these, 69.43% were female, with an average age of 21.72 years. The data indicate that 39.14% of the interviewees had “probable” anxiety and 25.14% “probable” depression, affecting first-year and last-year students more prominently. In addition, there was a higher prevalence of anxiety in males. Depression, on the other hand, affected women more. Regarding the social context, it is observed that both the university and the COVID-19 pandemic increased the prevalence of anxiety and depression. Furthermore, 64.86% of the participants used psychoactive substances, with alcohol and anxiolytics and/or antidepressants being the most used. Thus, the impact of the university and the pandemic on mental illnesses is clear. Furthermore, the high use of psychoactive substances is worrying, as it can generate secondary damage. Therefore, it is suggested that educational measures for preventing psychoactive substance use, as well as improvements in programs related to mental health.