Measurement, Data Interpretation, and Uncertainty Propagation for Fatigue Assessments of Structures

Real behavior of existing structures is usually associated with large uncertainty that is often covered by the use of conservative models and code practices for the evaluation of remaining fatigue lives. In order to make better decisions related to retrofit and replacement of existing bridges, new techniques that are able to quantify fatigue reserve capacity are required. This paper presents a population-based prognosis methodology that takes advantage of in-service behavior measurements using model-based data interpretation. This approach is combined with advanced traffic and fatigue models to refine remaining-fatigue-life predictions. The study of a full-scale bridge demonstrates that this methodology provides less conservative estimations of remaining fatigue lives. In addition, this approach propagates uncertainties associated with finite-element, traffic and fatigue-damage models to quantify their effects on fatigue-damage assessments and shows that traffic models and structural model parameters are the most influential sources of uncertainty

Syndromic (phenotypic) diarrhoea of infancy/tricho-hepato-enteric syndrome

International audienceOBJECTIVES: Syndromic diarrhoea/tricho-hepato-enteric syndrome (SD/THE) is a rare congenital syndrome. The main features are intractable diarrhoea of infancy, hair abnormalities, facial dysmorphism, intrauterine growth restriction and immune system abnormalities. It has been linked to abnormalities in two components of the putative human ski complex: SKIV2L and TTC37. The long-term outcome of this syndrome is still unknown. We aim to describe the long-term outcome, in the French cohort of patients born since 1992. DESIGN: Review of the clinical and biological features of the 15 patients with SD/THE, followed in France and born between 1992 and 2010. RESULTS: All patients presented typical SD/THE syndrome features, of intractable diarrhoea in infancy requiring parenteral nutrition, a facial dysmorphism with hair abnormalities, and immunological disorders. Half of them also had liver and skin abnormalities. Five children died, among which 3 died due to infections. Probabilities of survival according to the Kaplan-Meier method were 93.3%, 86.7%, 74.3 and 61.9%, respectively at 1 year, 5 years, 10 years and 15 years of age. 3/15 were weaned from parenteral nutrition (PN) with likelihood of weaning being 10% at 5 years and 40% at 10 years. At birth 80% were small for gestational age and the short stature persisted in 60%. Haemophagocytic syndrome was noted in 60% and mild mental retardation was present in 60%. CONCLUSIONS: SD/THE is a rare disease with high morbidity and mortality. Management should be focused on nutrition and immunological defects

Data on the harmonization of image velocimetry techniques, from seven different countries

Here, we present a range of datasets that have been compiled from across seven countries in order to facilitate image velocimetry inter-comparison studies. These data have been independently produced for the primarily purposes of: (i) enhancing our understanding of open-channel flows in diverse flow regimes; and (ii) testing specific image velocimetry techniques. These datasets have been acquired across a range of hydro-geomorphic settings, using a diverse range of cameras, encoding software, controller units, and with river velocity measurements generated as a result of differing image pre-processing and image processing software

Expert anticipatory skill in striking sports: A review and a model

Expert performers in striking sports can hit objects moving at high speed with incredible precision. Exceptionally well developed anticipation skills are necessary to cope with the severe constraints on interception. In this paper, we provide a review of the empirical evidence regarding expert interception in striking sports and propose a preliminary model of expert anticipation. Central to the review and the model is the notion that the visual information used to guide the sequential phases of the striking action is systematically different between experts and nonexperts. Knowing the factors that contribute to expert anticipation, and how anticipation may guide skilled performance in striking sports, has practical implications for assessment and training across skill levels