Abstract In typical dynamic soil-structure interaction (SSI) problems, the dynamic response a structure can be affected by the existence of some nearby structures, which is sometimes referred to as the dynamic structure-soil-structure interaction (SSSI). This effect is especially important in the earthquake engineering design of adjacent nuclear power plants, as the safety risk is relatively high. However, the current understanding on the SSSI of nuclear power plants is still insufficient. In this work, we use the finite element method to investigate the SSSI of two nuclear power plants located at a specific distance under earthquake excitation. Four nuclear-power-plant-soil systems are designed to account for the SSI and SSSI respectively, where the soil properties are obtained from drilling data. The effect of the SSSI on the nuclear power plants is studied by comparing the dynamic responses of four nuclear power plants-soil systems in vertical and horizontal directions, in which both layered soils and local weak interlayer soils are considered. The results of numerical study show that the presence of one nuclear power plant has a favorable effect on the seismic response of an adjacent nuclear power plant, such as reducing the displacement response, but this effect is limited. In addition, the SSSI effect is related to not only the soil properties, but also the direction of ground motion. Furthermore, the existence of soft soil layers complicates the SSSI effect. The results provide important insights for the construction and expansion of nuclear power plants. soilstructure (SSI problems structures structuresoilstructure SSSI. . (SSSI) high However insufficient work excitation nuclearpowerplantsoil respectively data plantssoil directions considered limited addition motion Furthermore (SSSI

Abstract Events defined as major accidents emerged with the very industrialization process and alongside the development of new production technologies, becoming more complex in the early 21st century. This essay aimed to describe and contextualize the formulation of a concept that has sought to integrate topics related to workers’ safety and health with those of environmental health, workers’ struggles, and the democratization process in Brazil in a scenario of international division of labor, risks, and benefits. Considering the accidents and disasters in the 1980s and the more recent ones involving mine tailings dams, oil spills, and the Fukushima nuclear power plant, the authors identify more complex scenarios and new challenges for tackling this issue in the 21st century. Beyond dysfunctions in technological and organizational systems, the intensification of institutional vulnerabilities, added to the vulnerabilities produced by social inequalities, fuel the occurrence of major accidents and aggravate their effects, which, by being amplified beyond their spatial and temporal boundaries, especially affect countries in the Global South. We conclude that the recent events represent systemic expressions beyond organizational dysfunctions, revealing deeper layers of organizational and sociotechnical systems such as those forging the global economy and its profound asymmetries. technologies st century workers struggles labor risks benefits s dams spills plant inequalities effects which boundaries South asymmetries

Resumo Os eventos definidos como acidentes ampliados surgem com o próprio processo de industrialização, assim como junto ao desenvolvimento de novas tecnologias de produção, tornando-se mais complexos neste início de século XXI. O objetivo deste ensaio foi apresentar e contextualizar a formulação de um conceito que buscou integrar os temas relacionados à segurança e saúde dos trabalhadores com os de saúde ambiental, bem como as lutas que envolviam os trabalhadores e o processo de democratização no país, em um cenário de divisão internacional do trabalho, riscos e benefícios. Considerando os acidentes e desastres ocorridos nos anos 1980 do século XX e, também, os recentes, envolvendo barragens de mineração, derrames de petróleo e uma usina nuclear de Fukushima, são apontados cenários mais complexos e novos desafios para enfrentamento desta questão no século XXI. Para além das disfunções dos sistemas tecnológicos e organizacionais encontradas, a intensificação das vulnerabilidades institucionais, somada às vulnerabilidades produzidas pelas desigualdades sociais, potencializam ocorrências e agravam os efeitos dos acidentes, ampliados para além de suas fronteiras espaciais e temporais, afetando sobretudo países do Sul Global. Conclui-se que os eventos recentes constituem expressões sistêmicas, indo além das disfunções organizacionais e revelando camadas mais profundas de sistemas organizacionais e sociotécnicos, como as que forjam a economia global e suas profundas assimetrias. industrialização produção tornandose tornando se XXI ambiental país trabalho benefícios 198 também mineração Fukushima encontradas institucionais sociais temporais Global Concluise Conclui sistêmicas sociotécnicos assimetrias 19 1

Resumen Durante los primeros 10 días de guerra, en febrero de 2022, la invasión rusa de Ucrania provocó lo que las Naciones Unidas han descrito como la crisis humanitaria con más rápido crecimiento desde la Segunda Guerra Mundial, y el primer ataque militar contra una planta de energía nuclear activa. Este análisis presenta el primer análisis conocido de ética computacional (AICE), equidad en salud y rentabilidad (CEA) impulsado por la Inteligencia Artificial (IA) para la prevención y respuesta al terrorismo nuclear y al bioterrorismo (en medio de una creciente preocupación mundial por el uso deliberado de armas nucleares tácticas). Aborda el riesgo de operaciones de falsa bandera (encubiertas) para sabotear y, por lo tanto, de usar como arma una central eléctrica ucraniana, y el escenario relacionado con el ataque y ocupación continuos que derivan en el peligro de un accidente en dicha planta, con un resultado similar en ambos escenarios de una explosión nuclear y de un potencial problema de salud en toda Europa, además de una crisis humanitaria y ecológica. Usando datos, metodologías y suposiciones ampliamente aceptadas y disponibles, este análisis computacional demuestra que la prevención de dicho bioterrorismo en promedio produciría ahorros netos de $306.2 billones en general, además de $493.7 billones ahorrados en inequidades explosivas de salud relacionadas de otro modo. Dadas las entradas de estos datos, el análisis ético computacional sugiere la convergencia multicultural sustancial de los diversos sistemas de creencias del mundo (incluidos el budismo, el cristianismo, el confucianismo, el hinduismo, el islam, el judaísmo y el secularismo) sobre el hecho de que la dignidad, los derechos y la justicia requieren la prevención de dicho bioterrorismo y la rápida conclusión de este conflicto, como la respuesta más eficaz y urgente para el sistema de salud y para la salud pública ante esta crisis.

Abstract The February 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine has resulted in the first 10 days of war in what the United Nations described as the fastest growing humanitarian crisis since World War II and the first military attack on an active nuclear power plant. This analysis presents the first known AI driven Computational Ethics (AICE), health equity, and cost effectiveness analysis (CEA) of prevention of and response to nuclear terrorism as bioterrorism (amid mounting global concern for the use of deliberate tactical nuclear weapons). It addresses the risk of false flag operations to sabotage and thus weaponize a Ukrainian power plant, and the related scenario of continued assault and occupation resulting in accidental plant compromise, with the similar outcome in both scenarios of nuclear meltdown as a potentially Europe-wide health, humanitarian, and ecological crisis. Using widely accepted and available data, methodologies, and assumptions, this computational analysis demonstrates that prevention of such bioterrorism on average would produce net savings of $306.2 trillion overall, in addition to $493.7 trillion saves in otherwise explosive related health inequities. Given these data inputs, computational ethical analysis suggests the substantive multicultural convergence from the world’s diverse belief systems (including Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and secularism) that dignity, rights, and justice require prevention of such bioterrorism and prompt conclusion of this conflict as the most effective and urgent health system and public health responses to this crisis.

Abstract The objective of this article is to study the relevance of nuclear energy in Mexico for the economy, as well as for the State and population. In addition, to analyze the opposition of the “Madres Veracruzanas” social movement that originated from the implementation of the LagunaVerde nuclear power plant (CNLv) in the state of Veracruz. The methodology used was that of a case study to fully assess whether the cnlv represents a viable energy alternative for the country.As a result, it was verified that the CNLV is not feasible at an economic and environmental level due to high production costs and ecological risks;on the other hand, at the social level there is mistrust and there is no proposal on the part of the State. It is concluded that the CNLV does not represent a viable long-term option, since it causes social conflicts, environmental degradation and high economic costs.

Resumen El objetivo de este artículo es estudiar la relevancia de la energía nuclear en México tanto para la economía como para el Estado y la población. Además, analizar la oposición del movimiento social Madres Veracruzanas que se originó por la implementación de la Central Nuclear Laguna Verde (CNLV) en el estado de Veracruz. La metodología empleada fue la de estudio de caso para valorar de forma integral si la CNLV representa una alternativa energética viable para el país. Como resultado se verificó que la CNLV no es factible a nivel económico y ambiental debido a los altos costos de producción y a los riesgos ecológicos; por otro lado, a nivel social hay desconfianza y no existe alguna propuesta por parte del Estado. Se concluye que la CNLV no representa una opción viable de largo plazo, pues provoca conflictos sociales, degradación ambiental y costos económicos elevados.

Resumen Esta investigación presenta proyectos de largo plazo. Aplica modelos estocásticos mediante simulación de Monte Carlo para identificar el impacto que los cambios en los parámetros de entrada tienen en la variable de salida (LCOEE). Utiliza análisis de tornados para identificar el impacto de las variables de entrada. Los resultados muestran; en termoeléctrica de carbón, que el LCOEE es más sensible a los cambios en el precio de las emisiones de CO2 que a la tasa de descuento. En el ciclo combinado, el LCOEE es más sensible al factor de planta que al precio de las emisiones de CO2. En la central nuclear, la tasa de descuento tiene mayor impacto en el LCOE que el costo unitario de inversión. A diferencia de trabajos anteriores, se usa el riesgo país de México en la tasa de descuento. Limitaciones: los costos relacionados con la transmisión, distribución y tarifa de respaldo no están incluidos. Concluyendo que los modelos estocásticos brindan información útil para la toma de decisiones al incorporar datos históricos y proyecciones de las principales variables que podrían afectar al LCOEE.

Abstract This research presents long-term projects. Applies stochastic models using Monte Carlo simulation to identify the impact that changes have in the input parameters on the output variable (LCOEE). Uses tornado analysis to identify the impact of the input variables. The results show that; in thermoelectric coal plant, the LCOEE is more sensitive to changes in the price of CO2 emissions than discount rate. In the combined cycle, the LCOEE is most sensitive to the plant factor than CO2 emissions price, discount rate. In the nuclear power plant, the discount rate has greater impact on the LCOE than overnight cost. In contrast to previous work, this research uses Mexico’s country-risk in the discount rate. This research’s limitation is that the costs related to transmission, distribution, and backup fee are not included. Concluding that stochastic models provide useful information for decision-making by incorporating historical data and projections of the main variables that could affect the output variable (LCOEE).

Abstract Following the accident of Fukushima in 2011, nuclear facilities in Japan were shut down, and a new evaluation and restart process was developed. Despite the public safety concerns, the current administration expects nuclear energy to become a pillar for economic recovery in the coming years. This paper compares the historic context of restarting Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant before and after Fukushima. The evolution is analyzed through a series of interviews in 2012 and 2013 in the community and with government officers, as well as a close follow-up of the official statements by TEPCO and the government agencies up until the end of 2020. It tackles the development in the relation between TEPCO, local authorities, and local community of this nuclear plant, before and after Fukushima. This historic relation has shown to be the key element in the restart process, even above the legal process.

Resumen Después del accidente de Fukushima en 2011, las instalaciones nucleares fueron cerradas y un nuevo proceso de evaluación y reinicio fue desarrollado. A pesar de la preocupación pública por cuestiones de seguridad, la administración actual busca retomar la energía nuclear como pilar para la recuperación económica. El presente artículo compara el contexto histórico para reiniciar actividades en la Central Nuclear de Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, antes y después de Fukushima. La evolución se analiza a través de una serie de entrevistas entre 2012 y 2013 en dicha comunidad y con oficiales de gobierno, así como me-diante el seguimiento de las declaraciones oficiales de TEPCO y las agencias gubernamentales hasta finales de 2020. Se aborda el desarrollo en la relación entre TEPCO y las autoridades y comunidad local an-tes y después de Fukushima. Esta relación histórica ha mostrado ser el elemento clave en el proceso de reinicio, aun por encima del proceso legal.

RESUMO Usinas nucleares são projetadas com sistemas dedicados a oferecer um alto grau de proteção aos seus trabalhadores, à população e ao meio ambiente. Entre os níveis de proteção da população e do meio ambiente, encontra-se o plano de emergência nuclear. Este plano deve conter um segmento específico relacionado com o gerenciamento da comunicação de risco à população. Historicamente, técnicas de comunicação de risco surgiram para minimizar danos às pessoas, por meio de estratégias de controle de pânico da população. Entretanto, essa questão atualmente é pouco desenvolvida no Brasil na área de segurança nuclear. Dessa forma, este trabalho visou estabelecer uma proposta inicial no uso da teoria de Sistema de Comando de Incidentes como estratégia de gerenciamento da comunicação de risco em caso de acidentes na Central Nuclear Almirante Álvaro Alberto, localizada no Brasil.

ABSTRACT Nuclear power plants are designed with systems dedicated to offering a high degree of protection to their workers, the population, and the environment. Between the levels of protection of the population and the environment, there is the nuclear emergency plan. This plan must contain a specific segment related to the management of risk communication to the population. Historically, risk communication techniques have emerged to minimize harm to people, through population panic control strategies. However, this issue is currently underdeveloped in Brazil in the field of nuclear safety. Thus, this work aimed to establish an initial proposal on the use of the theory of Incident Command System as a strategy for managing risk communication in the event of accidents at the Almirante Álvaro Alberto Nuclear Power Plant located in Brazil.

RESUMO Usinas nucleares são projetadas com sistemas dedicados a oferecer um alto grau de proteção aos seus trabalhadores, à população e ao meio ambiente. Entre os níveis de proteção da população e do meio ambiente, encontra-se o plano de emergência nuclear. Este plano deve conter um segmento específico relacionado com o gerenciamento da comunicação de risco à população. Historicamente, técnicas de comunicação de risco surgiram para minimizar danos às pessoas, por meio de estratégias de controle de pânico da população. Entretanto, essa questão atualmente é pouco desenvolvida no Brasil na área de segurança nuclear. Dessa forma, este trabalho visou estabelecer uma proposta inicial no uso da teoria de Sistema de Comando de Incidentes como estratégia de gerenciamento da comunicação de risco em caso de acidentes na Central Nuclear Almirante Álvaro Alberto, localizada no Brasil.

ABSTRACT Nuclear power plants are designed with systems dedicated to offering a high degree of protection to their workers, the population, and the environment. Between the levels of protection of the population and the environment, there is the nuclear emergency plan. This plan must contain a specific segment related to the management of risk communication to the population. Historically, risk communication techniques have emerged to minimize harm to people, through population panic control strategies. However, this issue is currently underdeveloped in Brazil in the field of nuclear safety. Thus, this work aimed to establish an initial proposal on the use of the theory of Incident Command System as a strategy for managing risk communication in the event of accidents at the Almirante Álvaro Alberto Nuclear Power Plant located in Brazil.

Abstract This paper aims to calculate the Total Levelized Cost of Generation with Externalities (CTNGE, in Spanish) of three baseload technologies: coal thermoelectric, combined cycle and nuclear power plant. Monte Carlo simulation is used to estimate the CTNGE probability densities. The portfolio theory is used to find the mix of technologies that provides the least risky CTNGE and with the lowest average. We find that the nuclear power plant has the lowest CTNGE. The coal-fired thermoelectric plant is thetechnology with the largest and riskiest CTNGE. The analysis suggests that, when generating electricity, it is convenient to leave out the coal-fired thermoelectric plant and focus on two technologies: combined cycle and nuclear power plant, assigning a higher participation to the latter. One limitation of the work is that the probability densities of the CTNGE estimated through the Monte Carlo simulation depend on the data used. The present analysis suggests that the CTNGE can be significantly modified by including the cost of CO2.

Resumen El objetivo de este artículo es calcular el Costo Total Nivelado de Generación con Externalidades (CTNGE) de tres tecnologías de carga base: termoeléctrica de carbón, ciclo combinado y central nuclear. Se emplea simulación Monte Carlo para estimar las densidades de probabilidad de los CTNGE. Se emplea la teoría de portafolio para encontrar la mezcla de tecnologías que brinden el CTNGE menos riesgoso y con menor media. Se encuentra que la central nuclear tiene los menores CTNGE. Siendo la termoeléctrica de carbón la tecnología con mayores y más riesgosos CTNGE. El análisis sugiere que, al generar electricidad, conviene dejar fuera a la termoeléctrica de carbón y centrarse en dos tecnologías: ciclo combinado y central nuclear, asignando a ésta última una mayor participación. Una limitante del trabajo es que las densidades de probabilidad de los CTNGE estimadas a través de la simulación Monte Carlo dependen de los datos empleados. El presente análisis sugiere que el CTNGE se puede modificar significativamente al incluir el costo del CO2.

Resumen Introducción: Durante el 21o. Congreso Mundial de Epidemiología, organizado por la Asociación Internacional de Epidemiología (IEA) en Saitama-Japón en agosto de 2017, se aceptó invitación de los organizadores para visitar la Planta Nuclear # 1 de Fukushima. Objetivo: Explorar la situación operacional y de salud pública en el área de la prefectura de Fukushima y su planta nuclear #1, sitio afectado por el terremoto y tsunami de 2011. Métodos: Salida de inspección de campo (Inspection Tour) y encuentro con representantes de TEPCO (Tokyo Energy Power Company) en área de control; explicación didáctica de antecedentes y situación actual zonal, e instrucciones (briefing) para acceso. Visita con explicación de zonas de atención de salud y trabajos realizados. Recorrido en autobús especialmente adaptado al perímetro de cada reactor, portando dosímetro individual. Reunión final para resolución de dudas e inquietudes y lecciones del caso. Resultados: Visita y reuniones ejecutadas; exposición personal = 0,01 mSv/h. Radiación por zonas de reactor: central=230 mSv/h; paredes=40 mSv/h; planta=0,26 mSv/h, periferia=0,26 mSv/h. Zona de exclusión=20 km. Políticas de salubridad basadas en limpieza y remoción de fuentes de contaminación; aislamiento de aguas y bombeo de fuentes subterráneas; prevención y contención de escapes. Conclusión: La prevención lo es todo en asuntos industriales, sean nucleares o no; la colaboración interpersonal e interagencias es esencial en el manejo a muy largo plazo de desastres similares; debe evitarse incorporar técnicas o tecnologías industriales desconocidas o foráneas sin antes valorar su costo, alcance y posibles riesgos de salud individual, pública o medio-ambiental.

Abstract Introduction. During the 21st. International Epidemiology Association (IEA) World Congress of Epidemiology at Saitama (Japan), celebrated in August 2017, an invitation from its organizers to visit Fukushima Nuclear Plant # 1 was accepted. Objective: To explore operational and public health situation at the area of the Fukushima Prefecture and its nuclear plant #1, place affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Methods. Inspection tour and appointment with representatives of TEPCO (Tokyo Energy Power Company) at the control area; explanation on background and actual situation, and briefing before access. Guided visit to areas dedicated to healthcare and workers’ attention, and work done. Tour by specially adapted autobus to the perimeter of each reactor, using individual dosimeter. Final meeting to solve questions and lessons of this case. Results. Visit and meetings were executed; individual exposure = 0,01 mSv. Radioactivity by reactor zones: central (inside) =230 mSv/h; walls =40 mSv/h; plant =0,26 mSv/h, perimeter =0,26 mSv/h. Exclusion zone =20 km. Public Health policies in place based upon cleansing and removal of sources of contamination; water isolation and subterranean sources pumping; prevention and containment of leaks. Conclusion. About industrial issues, prevention is everything, whether they be nuclear or not; interpersonal / interagencies’ cooperation is paramount when dealing with similar disasters at a very long term; unknown or poorly understood industrial techniques or technologies should be avoided before a proper evaluation of their risk/benefit balance, scope and possible health risks to subjects, communities or environment.

Resumo A aplicação de juntas soldadas dissimilares, de Inconel 718 endurecível por precipitação e aço inoxidável austenítico AISI316L, ocorre principalmente em indústrias aeroespaciais e plantas de usinas nucleares. Isso ocorre devido à elevada resistência mecânica aliada a boa resistência à corrosão em ambos ambientes e condições de temperaturas. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar o efeito da intensidade da corrente de soldagem e da temperatura de interpasse em juntas dissimilares utilizando o processo de soldagem a arco com eletrodo de tungstênio e proteção gasosa (TIG) autógeno. Este processo de soldagem foi escolhido em função de seus excelentes resultados aliados à facilidade operacional e baixo custo. Foi utilizada a ferramenta de planejamento experimental para maximizar o potencial dos resultados experimentais. Para caracterização metalúrgica foram utilizados análise da macrografia da junta soldada, de perfis de microdureza, e de microscopia ótica (MO). A variação da corrente de soldagem e da temperatura de interpasse ocasionou alteração da geometria da zona fundida (ZF) de até 232% de aumento da área da ZF. A microdureza sofreu uma variação de até 25% de aumento na região da ZF. Quanto a fração volumétrica de ferrita, foi observado um acréscimo de até 139% na região da ZF. Este trabalho objetiva também estabelecer referências de parâmetros de soldagem que possam proporcionar garantias de estabilidade para a união metalúrgica entre metais de dissimilares.

Abstract The application of dissimilar welded joints, from Inconel 718 precipitation curable and AISI316L austenitic stainless steel, occurs mainly in the aerospace and nuclear power plant industries. This is due to the high mechanical resistance coupled with good corrosion resistance in both environments and temperature conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of welding current and interbody temperature on dissimilar joints using the tungsten electrode and gaseous protection (GTAW) autogenous arc welding process. This welding process was chosen due to its excellent results coupled with ease of operation and low cost. The experimental planning tool was used to maximize the potential of the experimental results. For metallurgical characterization, the weld joint macro-analysis, microhardness profile, and optical microscopy (OM) analysis were used. The variation of the welding current and the interpolation temperature caused a change in the geometry of the molten zone (MZ) of up to 232% increase in the ZF area. The microhardness varied up to a 25% increase in the MZ region. As for the volumetric fraction of ferrite, an increase of up to 139% in the MZ region was observed. This work also aims to establish references of welding parameters that can provide guarantees of stability for the metallurgical union between dissimilar metals.

In May of 2017, the national and subnational authorities made public the construction of a nuclear power plant on the east coast of the Río Negro province. Growing discontent among civil society members in Viedma and the surroundings as well as several manifestations followed this announcement. In September the provincial government dropped the project and it sanctioned the law 5227, which prohibits the construction of nuclear power plants in the provincial territory. This article, based on a qualitative and exploratory investigation, aims to analyze the planned project and its possible impact on the regional development through the application of tools and concepts of the field of Public Economy. Firstly, the nuclear power plant project is analyzed within the framework of the Public-Policy-Making Cycle and economic evaluation topics of public projects. The analysis focuses on the role of the national and regional territorial scales and takes into consideration the concept of intergenerational equity. In the final considerations, this article highlights the complexity of the analysis of the impacts of the nuclear power plant project in relation to the promotion of regional development. The costs and benefits related to the project are uneven distributed between the national and the provincial level. The intergenerational distribution would be also unequal.

En mayo del año 2017, las Autoridades Públicas Nacionales y de Río Negro comunicaron la construcción de una central nuclear en la Costa Este de la provincia. A partir del anuncio, hubo manifestaciones sociales de descontento de distinta índole, principalmente en la localidad de Viedma y alrededores. En septiembre de ese año, el gobierno provincial rechazó el proyecto y se sancionó la ley N º 5227 que prohíbe la instalación de centrales de generación de energía nucleoeléctrica de potencia nuclear, pero exceptúa a las de diseño nacional basadas en la tecnología CAREM. En ese marco, el presente trabajo aplica herramientas y conceptos del campo de la Economía Pública para contribuir al análisis de la propuesta y de su impacto en el desarrollo rionegrino. El estudio es de tipo exploratorio y la metodología de investigación es la cualitativa. Inicialmente trata la iniciativa de instalar la central nuclear en relación con el ciclo de formación de las políticas públicas y luego aborda algunos aspectos de su evaluación económica como proyecto público, introduciendo en el análisis las escalas territoriales nacional y provincial, como así también a la equidad intergeneracional. Por último y como reflexión, se destaca la complejidad del análisis de la influencia de la propuesta en el desarrollo regional de Río Negro. El impacto del proyecto en términos de beneficios y costos sería diferente según la escala territorial nacional y provincial como así también su distribución entre generaciones.

Resumo: Acidentes tecnológicos podem ter vasta abrangência e necessitam rápida resposta para evacuação da região afetada. As vias de acesso para centrais nucleares são fundamentais para elaboração de planos emergenciais em caso de desastres tecnológicos. Na Central Nuclear Almirante Álvaro Alberto (CNAAA) em Angra dos Reis (RJ), as vias de acesso e sua própria estrutura localizam-se em região com altos índices de precipitação e relevo bastante acidentado. Este artigo visa apresentar procedimentos de processamento digital de imagens e geoprocessamento para o mapeamento de áreas de risco e de cicatrizes de deslizamento associadas às vias de acesso do CNAAA. Modelos Digitais de Elevação e suas derivações foram utilizados para a identificação de áreas de risco, por meio de classificação baseada em objeto. Imagens LANDSAT foram utilizadas para o mapeamento da cobertura do solo. As informações foram sobrepostas e as áreas de risco e as potenciais cicatrizes de deslizamento foram mapeadas. Os resultados apresentam um diagnóstico sobre a susceptibilidade à escorregamentos na área de estudo e das potenciais áreas de risco. As informações apresentadas sobre as áreas associadas às principais vias de acesso evidenciam o risco de ocorrência de escorregamentos que pode afetar a evacuação da região em caso de acidente tecnológico.

Abstract: Technological accidents can be vast in scope and require a rapid response to evacuate the affected region. Access routes to nuclear power stations are essential for the preparation of emergency plans in the event of technological disasters. The Admiral Álvaro Alberto Nuclear Power Plant (Central Nuclear Almirante Álvaro Alberto - CNAAA) in Angra dos Reis, Brazil, is located in a region with high rainfall and rugged terrain. This article presents digital image processing and geoprocessing procedures for mapping landslide-susceptible areas and landslide scars associated with the CNAAA access routes. Digital Elevation Models and their derivations were used to identify landslide-susceptible areas, and LANDSAT images were used to map the land cover. The information was superimposed, and the hazard areas and potential landslide scars were mapped. Most of the study area is medium or high risk for landslide events. Landslides scars mapping achieved over 50% of accuracy representing a potential methodology for the risk assessment and landslides monitoring in the study area. The results demonstrate that further and detailed studies must be performed in the areas in order to maintain the access roads available for eventual evacuations in a technological disaster event.

A reliable quality assurance (QA) function in the nuclear environment is underpinned by the effective identification of risk, and by effective decision-making processes in relation to the risk identified. The need for competent auditors who are able to remain objective and independent at all times forms a critical component of this process. This exploratory study sought to determine reasons for the noted inconsistency among auditors when rating the severity of audit findings, and to provide recommendations to reduce this variability. The Delphi technique, a structured process to gather information from a panel of experts, was adopted to enable multiple iterations of qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, in an attempt to mimic the elements of a sequential exploratory strategy related to a mixed method methodology.

'n Betroubare gehalteversekeringsfunskie in die kern omgewing word ondersteun deur die effektiewe identifikasie van risiko sowel as doeltreffende besluitnemingsprosesse met betrekking tot die geidentifiseerde risiko. Die behoefte aan bekwame ouditeure wat in staat is om objektief en onafhanklik te bly ten alle tye, is 'n kritieke komponent van hierdie proses. Hierdie verkennende studie het gepoog om die redes vir die bekende teenstrydigheid te bepaal onder ouditeure wanneer die erns van ouditbevindinge beoordeel word; en om aanbevelings om die bekende variasie te verminder te verskaf. Die Delphi-tegniek, 'n gestruktureerde proses vir die insameling van inligting uit 'n paneel van kundiges, is aangeneem om verskeie iterasies van kwalitatiewe en kwantitatiewe data-insameling en analise in staat te stel, in 'n poging om die elemente van 'n opeenvolgende verkennende strategie na te boots.

RESUMEN La Central Nuclear Almirante Álvaro Alberto (CNAAA) utiliza agua de mar en el enfriamiento de sus plantas nucleares. Esta agua retorna al ambiente con un aumento de temperatura de 2 °C a 8 °C. Para conocer los efectos de ese efluente térmico, se ha desarrollado un amplio programa de monitoreo ambiental que incluye, entre parámetros físico-químicos y biológicos, el estudio de algas pardas en el punto de muestreo 32B, ubicado junto a la zona de descarga térmica. Este trabajo compara las variaciones mensuales y estacionales de la composición específica de algas pardas para evaluar la viabilidad de cambiar la frecuencia de muestreo del programa de monitoreo de la CNAAA. Para esto, se elaboró una curva de acumulación de especies y se compararon los valores de riqueza obtenidos en colectas mensuales y estacionales. La estructura de dicha curva indica que la diversidad de algas pardas en el punto 32B es suficientemente conocida. Los valores de riqueza específica indican que no hay diferencias significativas entre los valores mensuales y estacionales. Por lo tanto, los resultados sugieren que es posible reducir la frecuencia del muestreo de algas pardas enmarcada en el monitoreo ambiental de CNAAA sin que ocurra una pérdida significativa de la información. Esto permitiría a la compañía disminuir costos y distribuir mejor sus esfuerzos como parte del programa de monitoreo ambiental.

ABSTRACT Almirante Alvaro Alberto Nuclear Complex (CNAAA) uses seawater in the cooling system of its nuclear power plants. This water returns to the environment with a 2 °C to 8 °C temperature increase. To understand the effects of this thermal effluent, there is a large environmental monitoring program that analyses physicochemical and biological parameters, including a survey of brown algae at sampling site 32B, the nearest to the thermal discharge. This work compares monthly and seasonal variations of the specific composition of brown algae to evaluate the feasibility of changing the sampling frequency of the CNAAA monitoring program. The evaluation is performed by following two approaches: a species accumulation curve and comparisons between species richness values obtained from monthly and seasonal sampling. Species accumulation curve structure indicates that brown algae diversity at site 32B is well covered. Species richness measurements indicate that there are no significant differences between monthly and seasonal samples. These results suggest that it is possible to reduce brown algae sampling frequency for the CNAAA monitoring program without significant data loss. Furthermore, it would allow the company to cut costs, thus improving the distribution of resources within its environmental monitoring program.