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This paper reports on the results of the second part of a round-robin programme designed to assess the accuracy of TFM (Total Focussing Method) sizing as it relates to probability of detection truth values. Part 1 of the programme involved analysis of flaw responses simulated using the FMC (Full Matrix Capture) method of acquisition in CIVA simulation software. The report [1] noted that the mean standard deviation of height-sizing error for all participants 0.56mm and the mean standard deviation of error for ligament sizing was 0.88mm. CIVA simulation software is well known for its ability to reproduce ultrasonic results; however, software simulation cannot fully represent the human factors of uncertainty. To address the human factors, a second part to the programme was organised whereby welds with seeded flaws were provided to volunteers from several labs. Their task was to scan the welds using an acquisition format compatible with a TFM algorithm and analyse the data using the TFM algorithm of their choice. Height, length and smallest ligament was to be reported. This report summarises the statistical findings of Part 2 of the programme.

Reliability of non-destructive (NDT) procedures is usually assessed using probability of detection (POD). However, the reliability of the POD is rarely questioned. A POD usually produces a curve that relates the size of a defect to the likelihood that it will be detected by the NDT procedure. PODs are often used in conjunction with fracture mechanics that can relate the severity of a flaw to the service life of a component (Fitness for Service or FFS). To this end, it is the flaw vertical extent relative to the component thickness that is important. Closely related to the concern for flaw height is how close the flaw is relative to the surface of the component. Proximity to a surface can increase the stresses raised by the flaw and make it more critical to the fitness for service. Use of full matrix capture (FMC) techniques in ultrasonic testing, in conjunction with the postprocessing use of Total Focussing Method (TFM), has shown good potential to provide accurate flaw sizing. This paper examines the results of a round-robin trial using CIVA simulated data that were configured to assess flaw height and ligament in simulated welds. Results suggest that FMC with TFM post-processing can provide sizing estimates as good or better than manufacture estimates and can be used as the actual measured values for POD assessments.

The use of composite materials has been an option increasingly used in various industry sectors. However, the degradation process by which these materials are subjected due to operational conditions is a reality that makes monitoring a challenge. In this work, conventional ultrasonic technique was used to analyse the behaviour of GFRP pipes under different aging conditions (temperature and pressure). The pipes were submitted to aging for 2, 6 and 18 months and acoustic measurements were performed in certain areas of each pipe in order to monitor the relevant locations, both in circumference and in length. The gathering of these signals was carried out periodically throughout the aging process. Through the methodology presented in this work regarding ultrasonic inspection, it was possible to correlate the acoustic properties obtained with the mechanical properties of the material during aging. Additionally, after the end of the aging process and occasional failures, some samples were extracted to perform tensile tests, which were able to indicate residual Young Modulus in the axial direction. Sound testing for mechanical characterization were also performed and their results were compared to the ones calculated by ultrasonic results. Microstructure of the material and its manufacturing process were also found to be important parameters that must be considered. The experimental database obtained were analysed using statistical tools to evaluate the feasibility of a trend model in the behaviour of material properties during aging.

Se presenta en este trabajo el análisis paleontológico de 26 especies fósiles muestradas en cinco cortes de las Formaciones de Tamengo y Guaicurus en las regines de Corumbá y Ladário: canteras de Corcal y Laginha, Porto Sobramil, Porto Figueiras y Ecoparque Cacimba. Además, se añaden varias interpretaciones paleoecológicas y ambientales, basadas en el registro fósil. Cloudina carinata Cortijo et al., 2010, previamente citada en España y Siberia, aparece por primera vez en el continente Americano, concretamente en limolitas de la Formación Tamengo en el corte de Porto Figueiras, Corumbá, Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. La biota de la Formación Tamengo incluye tres metazoos mineralizados, que incluyen espículas de poríferos, posibles gémulas de esponjas y una colonia sésil de procaiotas epibentónicos. Este trabajo se centra en la taxonomía y distribución estratigráfica de cuatro icnoespecies y tres especies de vendoténidos que forman la fauna bentónica de la parte superior del Grupo de Corumbá. La biodiversidad de la Formación Tamengo ha sido completada con el registro de 16 especies microfósiles que representan posiblemente una asociación plantónica marina. Se ha identificado un cambio drástico en las condiciones ambientales de las Formaciones Tamengo y Guaicurus, que culminan en un evento de extincinón masiva posiblemente relacionado con la extincición en masa que marca el tránsito global Ediácarico- Cámbrico. Por otro lado, se han extraído microfósiles de pared orgánica de varios afloramientos: nueve especies de la Formación de Nomtsas (Namibia), cuatro de la Formación Tagatiya Guazu (Paraguay) y seis de la Formación Dengying (China). Se propone un marco bioestratigráfico para el Ediacárico terminal que incluye seis biozonas y una biozona para el Cámbrico basal.

Este estudio presenta una actualización del registro isotópico de la Formación de Tamengo, parte superior del Grupo Corumbá, que se encuentra en la parte meridional del Cinturón Paraguayo. Este trabajo incluye cortes estratigráficos detallados enlazados con la geoquímica de alta resolución δ13C y δ18O de dos yacimientos mineros cercanos a Corumbá (Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil).

Este estudo aborda centralmente a relação entre alcoolismo e violência em etnias indígenas do Brasil. São descritos e analisados os principais estudos epidemiológicos sobre alcoolismo realizados no país, constatando-se a escassez e também a necessidade imperativa de mais pesquisas, que permitam um melhor dimensionamento do problema e uma maior visibilidade da caracterização das especificidades culturais de cada etnia. Aponta-se a importância do entendimento do significado peculiar do processo de alcoolização, para que sejam possíveis abordagens preventivas e intervenções efetivas. Conclui-se pela urgência da superação do quadro encontrado, postulando-se uma íntima colaboração entre líderes comunitários e esforços conjugados para a mobilização e organização de quadros funcionais competentes das entidades assistenciais, governamentais e não-governamentais, e da comunidade acadêmica.This study mainly addresses the interface between alcoholism and violence in Brazilian indigenous people. Principal epidemiological studies on alcoholism are described and analyzed. This analysis demonstrates that, in our country, studies on this matter are rare, with the need to carry out more studies so to improve our knowledge on the extension of this problem, acknowledging the specific cultural characteristics of each ethnic group. It indicates the importance of understanding the peculiar significance of the process of alcoholization, making it possible to under-take preventive actions and effective interventions. It concludes the need to urgently overcome the current situation, proposing a close collaboration among community leaders, government and non-government assistance organizations and the academic community to engage efforts in mobilizing and organizing competent personnel.