Luiz Carlos Rusilo

Metodologia para análise da confiabilidade estrutural de escavações em rocha

A methodology for rock-excavation structural-reliability analysis that uses Distinct Element Method numerical models is presented. The methodology solves the problem of the conventional numerical models that supply only punctual results and use fixed input parameters, without considering its statistical errors. The analysis of rock-excavation stability must consider uncertainties from geological variability, from uncertainty in the choice of mechanical behaviour hypothesis, and from uncertainties in parameters adopted in numerical model construction. These uncertainties can be analyzed in simple deterministic models, but a new methodology was developed for numerical models with results of several natures. The methodology is based on Monte Carlo simulations and uses principles of Paraconsistent Logic. It will be presented in the analysis of a final slope of a large- dimensioned surface mine.

Vocal quality assessment: methodological approach for a perceptive data analysis

Mailing address: Maria Fabiana Bonfim de Lima Silva Departamento de Fonoaudiologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Paraíba Cidade Universitária, Campus I, Castelo Branco CEP: 58051-900 João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil E-mail: fbl_fono@yahoo.com.br ABSTRACT Purpose: to present a methodological approach for interpreting perceptual judgments of vocal quality by a group of evaluators who used the script Vocal Profile Analysis Scheme. Methods: cross-sectional study based on 90 speech samples from 25 female teachers with voice disorders and/or laryngeal changes. Prior to the perceptual judgment, we performed three perceptual tasks to select samples which were then presented to five evaluators using the Experiment script MFC 3.2 (software PRAAT). Next, we applied a sequence of tests based on successive approaches to interand intra-evaluator behavior. Data were treated by statistical analysis (Cochran and Selenor tests). Results: with respect to the analysis of the evaluators’ performance, it was possible to define those that presented the best results, in terms of reliability and proximity of analyses, compared to the most experienced evaluator, excluding one. The results of the cluster analysis also allowed designing a voice quality profile of the group of speakers studied. Conclusions: the proposal of a methodological approach allowed defining evaluators whose judgments were based on phonetic knowledge, and drawing a vocal quality profile of the group of samples analyzed.