Analysis of the Tragedy of Vila Socóin Cubatão (São Paulo, Brazil) Using the Haddon Matrix: A Comprehensive Examination of Socio-Environmental Factors and Risk Mitigation Strategies

The tragedy of Vila Socó epitomizes the socio-environmental repercussions of rapid industrialization in Cubatão. Beginning in the 1940s with the construction of the Anchieta highway, the city experienced an influx of migrants drawn by burgeoning industries, leading to unplanned urban growth and the emergence of vulnerable communities like Vila Socó. This article examines the interconnected factors—such as demographic shifts, inadequate planning, and regulatory oversight—that culminated in the devastating fire of 1984, claiming numerous lives and highlighting systemic failures. Utilizing the Haddon Matrix, this study dissects the Vila Socó incident, emphasizing the roles of human error, infrastructure integrity, and socio-economic disparities in disaster causation. By contextualizing the tragedy within Cubatão’s industrial trajectory, it underscores the urgent need for comprehensive risk assessment and proactive mitigation strategies in rapidly developing regions globally. Beyond its immediate focus, this work offers broader insights into the dynamics of industrial disasters and their socio-economic implications. As pipelines continue to play a vital role in global energy infrastructure, the lessons drawn from Vila Socó’s tragedy resonate deeply, emphasizing the imperative of robust safety protocols and accountable governance to prevent similar catastrophes in the future.

The Microstructure and Properties of Copper with Ceria Nanoparticles Addition

Copper-based composites strengthened by ceria nanoparticles were processed by conventional powder metallurgy: mixing (30 min and 46 rpm), compaction (cold, uniaxial, 1080 MPa for 10 s) and sintering (800°C for 6 h in vacuum atmosphere of 10−5 torr). It was studied the microstructure (optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy), X-ray diffraction with Rietveld refinement and some properties (electrical conductivity, Vickers hardness and fracture analysis) of the compositions 92 wt% Cu - 8 wt% CeO2 and 80 wt% Cu - 20 wt% CeO2. The results showed uniform phase distribution, low porosity and ceria disperse inside copper grain. In despite of properties, the composites had electrical conductivity of 38% IACS and 15% IACS and hardness of 69 and 88 HV5, respectively. The results of 92 wt% Cu - 8 wt% CeO2 composites were promising, and they are in according with actual literature.

Determination of Uranium Traces in Nuclear Reactor IEA-R1 Pool Water

IEA-R1 nuclear reactor operation has the routine to control uranium content in pool water to be in trace range below 50 μg/L. There are several routes to determine the uranium trace content in water in the literature;voltammetry has been systematically employed. In the present study, the chosen chemical determination of uranium traces used the voltammetric method known as AdCSV (adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry). This technique, based on mercury voltammetry, is an adequate methodology to determine uranium traces. The chloranilic acid [CAA] (2,5-dichloro-3,6-dihydroxy-1,4-benzo-quinone) is indicated as chelating agent. The redox reaction of UO2+2?with CAA is sensitive in the range of 2 2(CAA)2] reduction potential. In this work, we present the uranium trace results for IEA-R1 reactor water, sampled after an operation routine shutdown. The uranium trace determination for IEA-R1 pool water showed content around 1 μg/L [U] with statistical significance. Therefore the IEA-R1-reactor-water purification showed to be adequate and safe.

Comparison between the Use of Loose and Stranded Seeds in Prostate Brachytherapy in Brazil

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. In 2030, 26.4 million new cases will be diagnosed, with 17 million deaths accounted worldwide. Prostate cancer is the sixth most common type in the world, and the second most commom in men. For Brazil, the number of new cases of prostate cancer in 2010 is estimated to 52,350. Treatment of prostate cancer may be by surgery, radiation or even vigilant observation. A method of radiotherapy which has been extensively used is brachytherapy, where Iodine-125 seeds are placed inside or next to the area requiring treatment. Iodine seeds can be introduced loose seeds or stranded in bioabsorbable polymers in order to increase the dosimetric coverage of the prostate and reducing the chance of seed migration. Data were gathered concerning the commercialization of loose seeds and stranded seeds, between 2005 and 2011, in Brazil. It was noted that the number of stranded seeds commercialized in Brazil (around 80%) has always been much greater than the number of loose seeds, reaching 90% last year. The main reason is the reduction of the seed migration events into other parts of the body, since there is a potential hazard even considering that no harmful effect has been observe. The data regarding dosimetry are still controversial, since the seeds that migrate is normally no more than 1%.

Assessment of Pesticide Contamination in Cidade Dos Meninos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Using Regional Screening Levels (RSL)

In the mid-20th century, the Malaria Institute in Brazil researched hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), and other organochlorines in Cidade dos Meninos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. After Malaria Institute closure, there was a 200-ton stock of chemicals compounds abandoned without any surveillance, which led to massive contamination of the nearby community by carcinogenic organochlorines. This article presents a new review of the Cidade dos Meninos’ case, analyzing the HCH and DDT contamination using a Haddon Matrix and Regional Screening Levels (RSL).

Antarctic Sea Ice Concentration in the Brazilian Earth System Model Simulations

Sea ice is an important and complex component of the Earth’s system, acting as both an indicator and an amplifier of climate change. Here, we investigated the ability of the Brazilian Earth System Model (BESM-OA2.5) and four state-of-the-art climate models participating in the fifth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project, Version 5 (CMIP5) to represent the Antarctic Sea Ice Concentration (SIC) seasonal cycle. We validated the sea ice model’s performance using satellite data from 1980 to 2005 and calculated the skill and RMSE of each model. BESM-OA2.5 results for melt-freeze transitions in the Southern Ocean are consistent with CMIP5 models and satellite data. In February, when the sea ice reaches its annual minimum, the BESM-OA2.5 has the best fit among the models. However, in September, when the Antarctic sea ice reaches its annual maximum, the SIC simulated by BESM-OA2.5 indicated the largest area covered by ice compared to satellite, particularly on the Polar Front. Similar results were found in the CMIP5 models evaluated here. We suggest that the large bias simulated in the Polar Front is related to the inability of the sea ice model to represent the complex ocean-atmosphere-sea ice interactions. The subject is considered a hot topic in climate change studies and lacks conclusive answers.

Mechanical Properties for Circumferential Welding Applied to UNS S32750 Super Duplex Stainless Steel Using the GMAW Process with CMT Control

Super Duplex Stainless Steel has been studied for oil and gas industry applications since the 90 s, but their welding always is a technical issue. Then different methods were developed to meet all requirements presents in ASME standards, where most of are applied for lower production, when compared to other materials such carbon steel. This study accomplished circumferential welding experiments in base material (BM)—UNS S32750 Super Duplex Stainless Steel with a thickness of 3.68 mm. Welding was performed using GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) process with CMT (Cold Metal Transfer) control and the aid of a Motoman robot and a turntable device, which were used to ensure the accurate positioning of the torch and that the welding has been fully implemented in the 1 G position, respectively. This process achieves higher production in relation other welding process usually applied for this material class. The joints which presented adequate dimensional results were, then, subjected to tensile and hardness Vickers tests. To avoid the lack of penetration problem, the welding was performed using the CMT process combined with pulsed arc, thus, resulting in full penetration and improved surface finish. The results have shown that the CMT procedure, combined with pulsed arc, led to an adequate superficial finishing, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance in accomplishment with the requirements presented in applicable standards.

Characterization of Nickel Alloy 600 with Ultra-Fine Structure Processed by Severe Plastic Deformation Technique (SPD)

High strength nickel based alloys are used in a multitude of advanced systems where lightweight, high power density mechanical power transmission systems are required. Components such as gears, bearings and shafts could be made significantly smaller and more durable if a major improvement in nickel based alloy mechanical properties could be achieved. An important refinement in grain size (includes nanometric level) is thought to be a promising method for achieving fundamental improvements in mechanical properties. Grain size is known to have a significant effect on the mechanical behavior of materials. One of the most favorable methods of achieving extreme grain refinement is by subjecting the materials to severe plastic deformation (SPD). The principal micro-structural variations in superalloys are the precipitation amount and morphology, grain size and the distribution of carbide precipitation that could reduce the mechanical properties of the alloys. This work shows optical and transmission electron microscopy analysis and also hardness data after severe plastic deformation (pure shear stress).

Characteristics of the CsI:Tl Scintillator Crystal for X-Ray Imaging Applications

Scintillators are high-density luminescent materials that convert X-rays to visible light. Thallium doped cesium iodide (CsI:Tl) scintillation materials are widely used as converters for X-rays into visible light, with very high conversion efficiency of 64.000 optical photons/MeV. CsI:Tl crystals are commercially available, but, the possibility of developing these crystals into different geometric shapes, meeting the need for coupling the photosensor and reducing cost, makes this material very attractive for scientific research. The objective of this work was to study the feasibility of using radiation sensors, scintillators type, developed for use in imaging systems for X-rays. In this paper, the CsI:Tl scintillator crystal with nominal concentration of the 10-3 M was grown by the vertical Bridgman technique. The imaging performance of CsI:Tl scintillator was studied as a function of the design type and thickness, since it interferes with the light scattering and, hence, the detection efficiency plus final image resolution. The result of the diffraction X-ray analysis in the grown crystals was consistent with the pattern of a face-centered cubic (fcc) crystal structure. Slices 25 × 2 × 3 mm3 (length, thickness, height) of the crystal and mini crystals of 1 × 2 × 3 mm3 (length, thickness, height) were used for comparison in the imaging systems for X-rays. With these crystals scintillators, images of undesirable elements, such as metals in food packaging, were obtained. One-dimensional array of photodiodes and the photosensor CCD (Coupled Charge Device) component were used. In order to determine the ideal thickness of the slices of the scintillator crystal CsI:Tl, Monte Carlo method was used.

Lighting by Biogas Burners: Perspectives on Development in Brazil

The development of efficient components to save energy plays an important role in designing of sustainable solutions. Based on the concept of green energy, gas burners based on porous ceramic structures are interesting technologies to supply heat and lighting by burning even low calorific fuels as biogas. In this work, perspectives on development of porous ceramic burners in Brazil are presented. For this study a mixture of rare earth oxides―yttria (YTR) was selected as raw material, considering the unique luminescence proprieties of rare earth elements. Ceramic nettings with homogeneous morphology were produced by colloidal processing of rare earth powders. The results highlighted the potentiality of these components to be applied as biogas burners.