Potential of Alternative Sources for Electric Power Generation in the State of Paraná

Abstract The State of Paraná stands out in Brazil for its hydraulic potential for electricity generation. Furthermore, the State also shows potential for the use of other sources of energy, such as solar energy, biogas and biomass. The study traces the profile of electric energy consumption and compiles analysis of the alternative energy potentials of Paraná on the use of solar energy, the biomass of forest residues and agricultural crops, the generation of biogas through the residues of farmed animals and the urban solids residues. The work took account for the estimates, the logistical limitations for the biomass or biogas collection and the real availability of the wastes in terms of viability of exploration through distributed generation plants. The use of the business analytics software Tableau Desktop 2020.3.2® made possible the open data analysis at the municipal level. The paper provides realistic estimates about the feasibility of the use of alternative energy sources in the State of Paraná.

Association of facial massage, dry needling, and laser therapy in Temporomandibular Disorder: case report / Associação entre massagem facial, agulhamento a seco e laserterapia no tratamento da Disfunção Temporomandibular: relato de caso

ABSTRACT This case report aims to evaluate the treatment of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) of muscular origin by associating facial massage (FM), dry needling (DN), and low-level laser therapy (LLLT). The pre- and post-treatment evaluations consisted of clinical examinations based on the Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC) for TMD, pain intensity quantification by means of the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), mandibular movement measurement, and electromyographic (EMG) analysis of the masseter and temporal muscles. Post-therapy assessment indicated a decrease in pain sites of 58%, in pain intensity mean (1.3), and an increase in the maximum aperture of 10 mm, in addition to normalization of EMG signals. We conclude that, after application of the treatment protocol, there was a decrease in painful sites, gain in amplitude of mandibular movements, and normalization of EMG activity.

RESUMO O objetivo do presente relato de caso é avaliar a associação entre a Massagem Facial (MF), Agulhamento a Seco (AS) e Terapia a Laser de Baixa Intensidade (TLBI) no tratamento da Disfunção Temporomandibular (DTM) de origem muscular. Paciente com DTM crônica foi submetida a 4 sessões de associação entre a MF, AS e TLBI. A avaliação inicial e final foi composta por exame clínico baseado nos Critérios diagnósticos de pesquisa para DTM (RDC - Research Diagnostic Criteria), quantificação da intensidade da dor por meio da Escala visual analógica de dor, mensuração dos movimentos mandibulares e análise eletromiográfica (EMG) dos músculos masseter e temporal. Na pós-terapia, foi observada a redução de 58% dos sítios dolorosos, da média (1,3) da intensidade de dor e aumento de 10 mm na abertura máxima, além da normalização dos sinais EMG. Conclui-se que, após a aplicação de protocolo de tratamento, houve a redução dos sítios dolorosos, ganho de amplitude dos movimentos mandibulares e normalização da atividade EMG.

Efeito da terapia LED na disfunção temporomandibular: estudo de caso / Effect of LED therapy on temporomandibular disorder: a case study

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o efeito da terapia light emitting diode (LED) na disfunção temporomandibular. DESCRIÇÃO DO CASO: Uma paciente diagnosticada com disfunção temporomandibular foi submetida a quatros sessões de terapia LED com intervalo de sete dias entre as irradiações. No exame inicial da articulação temporomandibular a paciente apresentava abertura de boca sem dor de 23 mm, abertura máxima de 25 mm e abertura máxima com auxílio de 27 mm. Após o tratamento houve aumento de 7 mm na abertura sem dor entre a primeira e a última avaliação enquanto que a abertura máxima de boca e a abertura máxima com auxílio aumentaram 6 mm entre a primeira e a última avaliação. Após 21 dias de tratamento detectou-se redução de 50% dos sítios dolorosos ao exame de palpação. Após o final do tratamento, a escala visual analógica de dor detectou diminuição da intensidade de dor em ambos os lados, e houve diminuição da média total da intensidade de dor. Pela análise das respostas ao questionário Medical Outcomes Study 36- item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), dos oito domínios de qualidade de vida avaliados, quatro apresentaram melhora. CONCLUSÕES: No protocolo empregado neste caso, após a terapia LED houve redução da intensidade da dor e aumento da amplitude de movimentos mandibulares. A remissão dos sinais e sintomas da disfunção temporomandibular resultou em melhora na qualidade de vida da paciente.

AIMS: To evaluate the effect of light emitting diode (LED) therapy on temporomandibular disorder. CASE DESCRIPTION: A woman diagnosed with temporomandibular disorder was subjected to four LED therapy sessions at a seven-day interval. In the initial examination of the temporomandibular joint the patient presented a mouth opening without pain of 23 mm, a maximum opening of 25 mm and a maximum opening with the aid of 27 mm. After the treatment, there was an increase of 7 mm in the opening without pain between the first and last evaluation, while the maximum opening of the mouth and the maximum opening with aid increased 6 mm between the first and last evaluation. After 21 days of treatment, a 50% reduction in painful sites was detected on the palpation examination. After the end of the treatment, the visual analog pain scale detected a decrease in pain intensity on both sides, and there was a decrease in the total mean pain intensity. By analyzing the responses to the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), of the eight quality of life domains evaluated, four showed improvement. CONCLUSIONS: In this case study, after LED therapy there was reduction in pain intensity and increase of the mandibular range of motion. The resolution of the signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder resulted in patient's better quality of life.