The objective of this study was to systematize a method that describes the dynamic processes that exist in space and time related to the production chain of the ceramic industry production center in Iranduba, Amazonas, Brazil, through the use of a mandala. A map of possible conditioning factors that can be characterized as links or problems related to the production chain was constructed, and this consisted of seven variables subdivided into three levels that stratify the descriptive steps of the processes of the production chain. A mandala was constructed in order to describe historical aspects of the ceramic industry production center in Iranduba, as well as to integrate biophysical and economic variables such as soil climate, energy sources used in the ceramic kilns, economic and financial variables, and specific characteristics of the ceramic industry production center. This method allowed for delineation of productive chain influences with the goal of improving the processes spatially and temporally. The results demonstrate that the structure of this method based on a mandala allows for an integral and systematic vision of these processes. It is therefore inferred that this is a practical tool which is integrated for making adjustments and new inclusions of techniques and procedures, remodeling the conditioning variables of production chains such as the one of the ceramic industry production center in Iranduba. The mandala is a tool that adjusts itself in time and space in a flexible way due to its capacity for interactive analysis in the construction of technical and scientific knowledge and dynamic and sustainable processes.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the spatial and temporal dynamics of the process of combustion of fruits of the Brazil nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl.) using thermographic images in order to characterize the potential of this biomass as an energy source for use in ceramic kilns. Infrared thermography was used as a diagnostic tool, and the trial was conducted in November 2018, in two blocks with two repetitions in each, with the fruits organized so that the cavity was oriented upward and also downward. The thermograms were analyzed using Flir Tools (6.3 v). The temperatures were the highest in the center of the fruits (>160˚C), attaining incandescence in 6 min 30 s. Heat was propagated from the center to the edge, and this process was quicker for fruits with their cavities pointed upward. A second order polynomial model explained combustion time with a maximum duration of 7.2 minutes. The thermographic diagnostic has the potential to be used in management strategies for this biomass as an energy source, thus aggregating value to the residuals that are normally left in the forest during harvest by extractivists.

The use of Amazonian biodiversity has great potential to produce bioproducts in diverse production chains and segments of industry. The combination of public policies with biotechnological development represents an important indicator for the implementation of sustainable production chains that adhere to the Sustainable Development Objectives (SDO). The ceramic industries in the Amazon region represent activities that promote local economic development through the use of biological resources that can be transformed into bioproducts that are considered a reference for sustainable production in world markets. The operations of these industries have great potential to incorporate technologies that can be used for fabrication of ceramic products on a biological base that is compatible with bioeconomic guidelines. The principle of a bioeconomy is centered on the possibility of transformation of natural resources into bioproducts that aggregate technologies and contribute to increase incomes and reduce environmental impacts. In this way, the integration of different fields of science should be stimulated to incorporate new technologies that favor business models that comply with the premises of sustainability.

This research aimed to optimize the packaging process, mapping the operational difficulties of a company that packs and markets regional flour in Manaus. It presented a better theoretical understanding of quality tools: Ishikawa Diagram and 5W2H. As well as bringing a case study of its application. To achieve these objectives, the work was based on simple and low-cost changes. By analyzing the daily routine of the company's production sector, through action research with its employees. Classified as a qualitative method that seeks to understand the problems and contexts involved through data collection, such as interviews, participant observation and document analysis, Denise Filippo (2011 p.452). It was possible to identify some obstacles with regard to planning, control and process modes that, over the years, brought a lot of damage to the business. Specifically, the investigation seeks to identify and create action plans, with the purpose of solving the problems that generate delays in the elaboration of works in the production sector, improving the operational performance of the company's production. As a result, it was found that the tools, in general, helped the production sector to better organize its work routine, as well as bringing suggestions for improvements to problems found during this study, such as: the improvement of productivity rates, better redistribution of tasks and standardization of services.

O processo de secagem de artefatos cerâmicos em olarias é realizado em fornos pré-aquecidos visando uma homogeneidade na distribuição de calor. O objetivo neste trabalho foi avaliar gradientes térmicos a partir de imagens termográficas de fornos em plena atividade no polo ceramista de Iranduba-AM, no intuito de subsidiar professores e alunos da educação tecnológica que tenham interesse em utilizar novas tecnologias no processo de ensino-aprendizagem. Os termogramas foram analisados em dois diferentes dias de queima de tijolos. Foram analisadas possíveis respostas termográficas considerando as condições climáticas na área de estudo, baseado na série histórica homogênea do período de 1981 a 2010. Os termogramas gerados foram analisados no programa Flir Tools, 6.3v, sendo considerados padrões térmicos em ordem decrescente, identificados pelas cores: branco, vermelho, amarelo, verde e azul. De acordo com a climatologia da região, o mês de agosto marca a menor precipitação acumulada (mm) e a maior temperatura média do ar (°C). O alvo mais quente foi o centro do forno (padrão branco), apresentando temperatura superior a 160 °C. No interior dos fornos as temperaturas atingem valores entre 700 a 800 °C. As demais camadas apresentavam padrão termográfico normal e homogêneo, diminuindo o fluxo de calor à medida que ocorria o processo de condução térmica. Conclui-se que a termografia infravermelho é uma tecnologia inovadora que fornece diagnóstico e respostas térmicas de diferentes alvos com alta precisão, possibilitando a ampliação do uso de ferramentas técnico-científicos na pesquisa e a conectividade de alunos e professores a novos recursos no processo de ensino-aprendizagem.