Mariana Pohlmann’s research while affiliated with Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul and other places

The main objective of this work was to develop a nanotechnology-based component containing substances of vegetable origin, such as butters and essential oils, whose properties may help balance the vulvovaginal microbiota and be applied in nonwovens for feminine hygiene products. The high-pressure homogenization technique was used to obtain the aqueous dispersion of these nanoparticles containing tea tree oil, alpha-bisabolol, resveratrol, grape seed oil and citric acid, namely VM-Theospheres (theospheres are nanoparticles formed by Theobroma grandiflorum butter). The average particle size range was 274 ± 5 nm. The stability tests indicated that formulation status remained stable at room temperature for 28 days. In vitro analysis of skin penetration and irritation showed that the VM-Theospheres can be considered safe for use in feminine hygiene products. The production of an absorbent layer was performed by impregnation of VM-Theospheres in nonwovens. The results revealed that spraying was the most effective method, without the need to treat the samples first.

Dados obtidos com o Censo Demográfico, em 2010, revelaram que quase 24% da população brasileira possuem algum tipo de deficiência, sendo a deficiência visual a de maior ocorrência. Dentre as políticas sociais que buscam atender às diferentes necessidades dos cidadãos, vale destacar o direito universal à educação. Recursos didáticos de diferentes naturezas vêm sendo empregados como ferramenta para auxiliar o ensino-aprendizagem de pessoas com deficiência visual. Vale, porém, questionar se esses recursos são realmente eficazes na compreensão de determinados conteúdos? Assim, o presente trabalho propõe a validação de modelos didáticos 3D para permitir a compreensão de sistemas nanoestruturados por deficientes visuais. A avaliação dos modelos foi realizada por usuário cego e, para tanto, foi utilizada uma adaptação do instrumento SETT (Alunos, Ambiente, Tarefas e Ferramentas). Os resultados indicam que os modelos produzidos por impressão 3D necessitam de revisão no que tange à legenda em Braille, mas, quanto aos demais aspectos, são viáveis para o uso como recurso didático para alunos com deficiência visual.

The present study focused on the inclusion of visually impaired individuals in regular and special need education based on the proposal of educational resources to be applied in different disciplines. This study case involved the development of models of nanostructured systems. The production of these models included image design and stylization, 3D virtual modeling and 3D print. The representation techniques used in this study generated a didactic kit for the teaching of nanostructured systems. The proposed models can be used for both sighted and visually impaired students, whether blind or with low vision.

Education systems are undergoing transformations in order to adapt their curriculum to develop skills that are required of professional from courses that have design disciplines. Also increasingly evident is the need for a transdisciplinary teaching that involves collaboration among different disciplines of the same science. In this context, this article focuses, by the case study of synthetic diamond particles, on the integration among Descriptive Geometry, Technical Drawing, Materials and Processes disciplines with the aid of CAD systems. Through this integration and a transdisciplinary teaching it is possible to correlate the knowledge that involves three-dimensional modeling, projection of objects and analysis of the geometric shape. The generated models represent an innovative feature for the process of teaching and learning in the disciplines that involve the design as it provides an effective contact between the student and the object of study through, the manufacturing experience and the concrete three-dimensional experience.

Currently, one of the biggest sectors in the market is the fashion industry. This is due not only to the high volume of sales and quick succession of trends, but also to the number of people and companies involved with these products from their conception to distribution. This high production has a significant impact on the environment. The textile industry is considered one of the main causes of the world's industrial pollution, since several stages of textile processing are potentially causing environmental degradation on various levels. Thus, sustainability and all of its dimensions can be a tool for changing this scenario in which the fashion industry is a major polluter. In order to understand this phenomenon, we conducted a field study with companies from the textile and clothing supply chain to identify the perceptions and sustainability strategies within these companies The data collected reveal a positive scenario: businesses that are aware of the need for change and are looking for sustainable modes of production, as well as actions already being implemented that are changing this situation and serving as an example to companies in other areas.

The bass drum is driven by a pedal that promotes muscle fatigue and can cause injuries. In order to provide engineers with valuable tools, this research aimed at analyzing the use of the drum pedal and to evaluate qualitatively the muscle groups involved and their possible relationship with any injuries resulting from fatigue. Through the analysis, it was found that striking the drum pedal provides health risks; therefore, some actions were suggested to avoid injuries to drummers. All data collected can be used as parameters for the development of products that would prevent health problems or improve the drummersperformance.

O Abrigo da Pedra Grande possui uma considerável quantidade de inscrições rupestres. Devido às intempéries e ao vandalismo, que têm contribuído significativamente para a sua degradação, e em consideração ao seu valor histórico e cultural, este monumento arqueológico carece de preservação. O presente trabalho apresenta o registro das inscrições do Abrigo, por digitalização tridimensional, como possibilidade de preservação e valorização do patrimônio cultural da região. Os modelos virtuais obtidos permitem a construção de modelos reais em escala do sítio arqueológico, bem como sua disponibilização em museus virtuais e web sites.

Este trabalho aborda a interação do processo de gravação a laser na ágata. A carência de inovação tecnológica geralmente dada a este material na atualidade é um dos pontos fortes deste estudo. Foram utilizadas as melhores condições de gravação a fim de verificar diferentes graus de detalhamento em dimensões variadas. A análise da gravação foi feita com o auxílio de imagens de microscopia eletrônica de varredura, pois a grande magnificação das imagens obtidas por esta técnica auxilia em uma precisão micrométrica. Com este intuito, o presente trabalho visa agregar valor e diferencial aos produtos desenvolvidos.