bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of a Novel Command Governor-Based Adaptive Cruise Controller for Non-Cooperative Vehicle Following
Authors: Groelke Ben , Earnhardt Christian , Borek John , Vermillion Chris 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
This paper presents a novel adaptive cruise control (ACC) strategy that utilizes a command governor (CG) to enforce vehicle following constraints. The CG formulation relies on knowledge of the maximum possible braking deceleration of the lead vehicle and a tunable assumption regarding the lead vehicle velocity profile (offering different levels of conservatism) to modify wheel torque commands to ensure safe following. In particular, a safe following distance is defined as one in which the ego vehicle can avoid collision with the lead vehicle and maintain a sufficient following distance in the event that the lead vehicle exerts maximum braking deceleration. The CG seeks to adjust the wheel torque command such that the aforementioned constraint is satisfied at every step in a prediction horizon (i.e., at every step, if the lead vehicle exerts maximum braking deceleration, the ego vehicle can brake and remain outside of the aforementioned buffer zone), which requires an estimate of future lead vehicle behavior. In this work, we explore different levels of conservatism with regard to this assumption. Simulations are presented for a heavy-duty truck, using a stochastic lead vehicle model that has been calibrated with actual traffic data. Even for the most conservative lead vehicle prediction models, results show that this CG-based ACC strategy can reduce braking energy expended (used as a surrogate for fuel wasted) by up to 78%, while improving drivability and reducing total trip time.
The Effect of Wing-Motor Connection Mechanism on the Payload Capacity of Flapping Flight Hovering Robots
Authors: Pellerito Victoria , Vejdani Hamid 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
In this paper, we study the effect of the wing to motor connection mechanism on generated lift in flapping wing hovering robots. We also propose a series compliance mechanism for the wing to motor connection and compare its performance against the existing mechanisms. In the first mechanism, the wing is directly connected to the motor with no compliance attached to the wing or motor. The second mechanism has a compliance in parallel to the wing while it, the wing, is directly connected to the motor. This mechanism resembles the well-known spring-mass system in which a spring is in parallel to the motor force, and the inertia of the wing and motor move together. The possibility of producing resonance with this mechanism is a great advantage that increases the produced lift around the resonant flapping frequency. Our proposed mechanism, the third mechanism, is inspired by the existence of tendons and muscles in animal wings. Therefore, there is an elastic spring (tendon) exist between the motor (muscle) and the wing. In this wing-motor mechanism, one end of the spring (or compliance) is connected to the wing and the other end is connected to the motor. We construct trajectory optimization to find the maximum lift production in each mechanism given the geometrical and physical limitations. The results show that the series and parallel compliance mechanisms have the potential to produce more lift with respect to the non compliance mechanism. Moreover, the series compliance mechanism can produce the highest lift depending on the inertia distribution between the wing and the motor.
Efficacy of sofosbuvir as treatment for yellow fever: protocol for a randomised controlled trial in Brazil (SOFFA study)
Authors: Figueiredo-Mello Claudia , Casadio Luciana Vilas Boas , Avelino-Silva Vivian Iida , Yeh-Li Ho , Sztajnbok Jaques , Joelsons Daniel , Antonio Marilia Bordignon , Pinho João Renato Rebello , Malta Fernanda de Mello , Gomes-Gouvêa Michele Soares , Salles Ana Paula Moreira , Corá Aline Pivetta , Moreira Carlos Henrique Valente , Ribeiro Ana Freitas , Nastri Ana Catharina de Seixas Santos , Malaque Ceila Maria Sant'Ana , Teixeira Ralcyon Francis Azevedo , Borges Luciana Marques Sansão , Gonzalez Mario Peribañez , Junior Luiz Carlos Pereira , Souza Tâmara Newman Lobato , Song Alice Tung Wan , D'Albuquerque Luiz Augusto Carneiro , Abdala Edson , Andraus Wellington , Martino Rodrigo Bronze de , Ducatti Liliana , Andrade Guilherme Marques , Malbouisson Luiz Marcelo Sá , Souza Izabel Marcilio de , Carrilho Flair José , Sabino Ester Cerdeira , Levin Anna S 
Published: November 2019

IntroductionAn ongoing outbreak of yellow fever (YF) has been reported in Brazil with 1261 confirmed cases and 409 deaths since July 2017. To date, there is no specific treatment available for YF. Recently published papers describing in vitro and animal models suggest a potential effect of antiviral drugs (approved for the treatment of hepatitis virus) against flaviviruses, including YF. The primary aim of this study is to analyse the effect of sofosbuvir on viral kinetics and clinical outcomes among patients presenting with YF. This is a multicentre open-label randomised controlled trial with 1:1 individual allocation, stratified by severity and by recruiting centre.Methods and analysisAdults with suspected or confirmed YF infection and symptoms lasting up to 15 days are screened. Eligible and consenting patients are randomised to receive oral sofosbuvir 400 mg daily for 10 days or to receive standard clinical care. Viral kinetics are measured daily and the reduction in YF plasma viral load from the sample at inclusion to 72 hours after randomisation will be compared between active and control groups. Clinical outcomes include severity meeting criteria for intensive care support, liver transplantation, in-hospital mortality and mortality within 60 days.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was obtained at the participating sites and at the national research ethics committee (CAAE 82673018.6.1001.0068). The trial has been submitted for ethical approval at additional potential recruiting centres. Results of the study will be published in journals and presented at scientific meetings.Trial registrationBrazilian Clinical Trials Registry (RBR-93dp9n).
Study protocol for a randomised trial for atosiban versus placebo in threatened preterm birth: the APOSTEL 8 study
Authors: Klumper Job , Breebaart Wouter , Roos Carolien , Naaktgeboren Christiana A , van der Post Joris , Bosmans Judith , van Kaam Anton , Schuit Ewoud , Mol Ben W , Baalman Jelle , McAuliffe Fionnuala , Thornton Jim , Kok Marjolein , Oudijk Martijn A 
Published: November 2019

IntroductionPreterm birth complicates >15 million pregnancies annually worldwide. In many countries, women who present with signs of preterm labour are treated with tocolytics for 48 hours. Although this delays birth, it has never been shown to improve neonatal outcome. In 2015, the WHO stated that the use of tocolytics should be reconsidered and that large placebo-controlled studies to evaluate the effectiveness of tocolytics are urgently needed.Methods and analysisWe designed an international, multicentre, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Women with threatened preterm birth (gestational age 30–34 weeks), defined as uterine contractions with (1) a cervical length of < 15 mm or (2) a cervical length of 15–30 mm and a positive fibronectin test or (3) in centres where cervical length measurement is not part of the local protocol: a positive fibronectin test or insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (Actim-Partus test) or (4) ruptured membranes, will be randomly allocated to treatment with atosiban or placebo for 48 hours. The primary outcome is a composite of perinatal mortality and severe neonatal morbidity. Analysis will be by intention to treat. A sample size of 760 participants (380 per group) will detect a reduction in adverse neonatal outcome from 11.95% to 6% (alpha error 0.05, beta error 0.2). A cost-effectiveness analysis will be performed from a societal perspective.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee (REC) of the Amsterdam University Medical Centres, location AMC, as well as the REC’s in Dublin and the UK. The results will be presented at conferences and published in a peer-reviewed journal. Participants will be informed about the results.Trial registration numberNederlands Trial Register (Trial NL6469).
Introducing new point-of-care tests for common infections in publicly funded clinics in South Africa: a qualitative study with primary care clinicians
Authors: van Hecke Oliver , Butler Chris , Mendelson Marc , Tonkin-Crine Sarah 
Published: November 2019

Broad-spectrum antibiotics are routinely prescribed empirically in the resource-poor settings for suspected acute common infections, which drive antimicrobial resistance. Point-of-care testing (POCT) might increase the appropriateness of decisions about whether and which antibiotic to prescribe, but implementation will be most effective if clinician’s perspectives are taken into account.ObjectivesTo explore the perceptions of South African primary care clinicians working in publicly funded clinics about: making antibiotic prescribing decisions for two common infection syndromes (acute cough, urinary tract infection); their experiences of existing POCTs; their perceptions of the barriers and opportunities for introducing (hypothetical) new POCTs.Design, method, participants, settingQualitative semistructured interviews with 23 primary care clinicians (nurses and doctors) at publicly funded clinics in the Western Cape Metro district, South Africa. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsClinicians reported that their antibiotic prescribing decisions were influenced by their clinical assessment, patient comorbidities, social factors (eg, access to care) and perceived patient expectations. Their experiences with currently available POCTs were largely positive, and they were optimistic about the potential for new POCTs to: support evidence-based prescribing decisions that might reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions; reduce the need for further investigations; support effective communication with patients, especially when antibiotics were unlikely to be of benefit. Resources and workflow disruption were seen as the main barriers to uptake into routine care.ConclusionsClinicians working in publicly funded clinics in the Western Cape Metro of South Africa saw POCTs as potentially useful for positively addressing both clinical and social drivers of the overprescribing of broad-spectrum antibiotics, but were concerned about the resource implications and disruption of existing patient workflows.
Proposed minimum information guideline for kidney disease—research and clinical data reporting: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kumuthini Judit , van Woerden Christiaan , Mallett Andrew , Zass Lyndon , Chaouch Melek , Thompson Michael , Johnston Katherine , Mbiyavanga Mamana , Baichoo Shakuntala , Mungloo-Dilmohamud Zahra , Patel Chirag , Mulder Nicola 
Published: November 2019

ObjectiveThis project aimed to develop and propose a standardised reporting guideline for kidney disease research and clinical data reporting, in order to improve kidney disease data quality and integrity, and combat challenges associated with the management and challenges of ‘Big Data’.MethodsA list of recommendations was proposed for the reporting guideline based on the systematic review and consolidation of previously published data collection and reporting standards, including PhenX measures and Minimal Information about a Proteomics Experiment (MIAPE). Thereafter, these recommendations were reviewed by domain-specialists using an online survey, developed in Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap). Following interpretation and consolidation of the survey results, the recommendations were mapped to existing ontologies using Zooma, Ontology Lookup Service and the Bioportal search engine. Additionally, an associated eXtensible Markup Language schema was created for the REDCap implementation to increase user friendliness and adoption.ResultsThe online survey was completed by 53 respondents; the majority of respondents were dual clinician-researchers (57%), based in Australia (35%), Africa (33%) and North America (22%). Data elements within the reporting standard were identified as participant-level, study-level and experiment-level information, further subdivided into essential or optional information.ConclusionThe reporting guideline is readily employable for kidney disease research projects, and also adaptable for clinical utility. The adoption of the reporting guideline in kidney disease research can increase data quality and the value for long-term preservation, ensuring researchers gain the maximum benefit from their collected and generated data.
Burnout, well-being and defensive medical practice among obstetricians and gynaecologists in the UK: cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Bourne Tom , Shah Harsha , Falconieri Nora , Timmerman Dirk , Lees Christoph , Wright Alison , Lumsden Mary Ann , Regan Lesley , Van Calster Ben 
Published: November 2019

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of burnout in doctors practising obstetrics and gynaecology, and assess the association with defensive medical practice and self-reported well-being.DesignNationwide online cross-sectional survey study; December 2017–March 2018.SettingHospitals in the UK.Participants5661 practising obstetrics and gynaecology consultants, specialty and associate specialist doctors and trainees registered with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrevalence of burnout using the Maslach Burnout Inventory and defensive medical practice (avoiding cases or procedures, overprescribing, over-referral) using a 12-item questionnaire. The odds ratios (OR) of burnout with defensive medical practice and self-reported well-being.Results3102/5661 doctors (55%) completed the survey. 3073/3102 (99%) met the inclusion criteria (1462 consultants, 1357 trainees and 254 specialty and associate specialist doctors). 1116/3073 (36%) doctors met the burnout criteria, with levels highest amongst trainees (580/1357 (43%)). 258/1116 (23%) doctors with burnout reported increased defensive practice compared with 142/1957 (7%) without (adjusted OR 4.35, 95% CI 3.46 to 5.49). ORs of burnout with well-being items varied between 1.38 and 6.37, and were highest for anxiety (3.59, 95% CI 3.07 to 4.21), depression (4.05, 95% CI 3.26 to 5.04) and suicidal thoughts (6.37, 95% CI 95% CI 3.95 to 10.7). In multivariable logistic regression, being of younger age, white or ‘other’ ethnicity, and graduating with a medical degree from the UK or Ireland had the strongest associations with burnout.ConclusionsHigh levels of burnout were observed in obstetricians and gynaecologists and particularly among trainees. Burnout was associated with both increased defensive medical practice and worse doctor well-being. These findings have implications for the well-being and retention of doctors as well as the quality of patient care, and may help to inform the content of future interventions aimed at preventing burnout and improving patient safety.
Effectiveness of the Labour Inspection Authority’s regulatory tools for work environment and employee health: study protocol for a cluster-randomised controlled trial among Norwegian home-care workers
Authors: Indregard Anne-Marthe R , Knardahl Stein , Emberland Jan Shahid , Skare Øivind , Johannessen Håkon A 
Published: November 2019

IntroductionThere is a need to evaluate whether, and to what degree, labour inspections or other regulatory tools have the desired effects on psychosocial, organisational and mechanical work environment, and employee health. The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority (NLIA) uses different tools and strategies to enforce compliance with occupational safety and health (OSH) legislation. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of labour inspections and other regulatory tools employed by the NLIA. The home-care service is one of the fastest growing occupations and a prioritised area for the NLIA, hence the present study will investigate regulatory tools in this sector.Methods and analysisThe research project has been designed as a longitudinal, cluster-randomised, controlled trial and will be conducted among Norwegian home-care workers. The objective of the research project is to evaluate the effects of the NLIA’s regulatory tools (inspection and guidance) on: (1) compliance with OSH legislation and regulation; (2) psychosocial, organisational and mechanical work environment; (3) employee health in terms of musculoskeletal and mental health complaints; and (4) sickness absence. Public home-care services have been randomised to three intervention groups and one control group. Home-care services in the intervention groups will receive one of three intervention activities from the NLIA: (1) inspection from the Labour Inspection Authority; (2) guidance through an online interactive risk-assessment tool; and (3) guidance on psychosocial, organisational and mechanical work environment through workshops. The interventions will be performed at the organisational level (home-care service), and the effects of the interventions on the working environment and health complaints will be measured at the individual level (home-care employees).Ethics and disseminationThis project has been approved by the Regional Committees for Medical and Health Research Ethics (REC) in Norway (REC South East) (2018/2003/REK sør-øst C), the Norwegian Center for Research Data (566128), and will be conducted in accordance with the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki. The results will be reported in international peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberNCT03855163.
Finnish Trial on Practices of Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion (FACADE): a protocol for a prospective randomised non-inferiority trial comparing outpatient versus inpatient care
Authors: Lönnrot Kimmo , Taimela Simo , Toivonen Pirjo , Aronen Pasi , Koski-Palken Anniina , Frantzen Janek , Leinonen Ville , Silvasti-Lundell Marja , Förster Johannes , Jarvinen Teppo 
Published: November 2019

IntroductionAlthough a great majority of patients with cervical radiculopathy syndrome can successfully be treated non-operatively, a considerable proportion experience persistent symptoms, severe enough to require neurosurgical intervention. During the past decade, cervical spine procedures have increasingly been performed on an outpatient basis and retrospective database analyses have shown this to be feasible and safe. However, there are no randomised controlled studies comparing outpatient care with inpatient care, particularly with emphasis on the patients’ perception of symptom relief and their ability to return to normal daily activities and work.Methods and analysisThis is a prospective, randomised, controlled, parallel group non-inferiority trial comparing the traditional hospital surveillance (inpatient, patients staying in the hospital for 1–3 nights after surgery) with outpatient care (discharge on the day of the surgery, usually within 6–8 hours after procedure) in patients who have undergone anterior cervical decompression and fusion procedure. To determine whether early discharge (outpatient care) is non-inferior to inpatient care, we will randomise 104 patients to these two groups and follow them for 6 months using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) as the primary outcome. We expect that early discharge is not significantly worse than the current care in terms of change in NDI. Non-inferiority will be declared if the mean improvement for outpatient care is no worse than the mean improvement for inpatient care, by a margin of 17.3%. We hypothesise that a shorter hospital stay results in more rapid return to normal daily activities, shorter duration of sick leave and decreased secondary costs to healthcare system. Secondary outcomes in our study are arm pain and neck pain using the Numeric Rating Scale, operative success (Odom’s criteria), patient’s satisfaction to treatment, general quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), Work Ability Score, sickness absence days, return to previous leisure activities and complications.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the institutional review board of the Helsinki and Uusimaa Hospital District on 6 June 2019 (1540/2019) and duly registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. We will disseminate the findings of this study through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.Trial registration numberNCT03979443.
Proximal deep vein thrombosis among hospitalised medical and obstetric patients in Rwandan university teaching hospitals: prevalence and associated risk factors: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mugeni Regine , Nkusi Eugene , Rutaganda Eric , Musafiri Sanctus , Masaisa Florence , Lewis Kayan Lea , Simpao Marc , Tugirimana Pierrot Lundimu , Walker Timothy David 
Published: November 2019

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by ultrasound scanning, as well as associated clinical features and known risk factors, among medical and obstetrics–gynaecology inpatients in two Rwandan tertiary hospitals.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingsRwanda teaching hospitals: Kigali and Butare University Teaching Hospitals.Participants901 adult patients admitted to the Departments of Internal Medicine and Obstetrics–Gynecology (O&G) who were at least 21 years of age and willing to provide a consent.OutcomesPrevalence of proximal DVT, clinical features and known risk factors associated with DVT.MethodsBetween August 2015 and August 2016, participants were screened for DVT by compressive ultrasound of femoral and popliteal veins, conducted as a monthly cross-sectional survey of all consenting eligible inpatients. Patients completed a self-report survey on DVT risk factors. Prevalence of proximal DVT by compression ultrasonography was the primary endpoint, with univariate and multivariate regression analyses performed to assess associated clinical features and risk factors.ResultsProximal DVT was found in 5.5% of the study population, with similar rates in medical and O&G inpatients. The mean age was 41±16 SD (range, 21–91), 70% were female and 7% were pregnant. Univariate analysis showed active malignancy, immobilisation, prolonged recent travel and history of DVT to be significant risk factors for proximal DVT (all p values <0.05); while only active malignancy was an independent risk factor on multivariate regression (OR 5.2; 95% CI 2.0 to 13). Leg pain or tenderness, increased calf circumference, unilateral limb swelling or pitting oedema were predictive clinical features of DVT on both univariate analysis and multivariate regression (all p values <0.05).ConclusionProximal DVT prevalence is high among hospitalised medical and O&G patients in two tertiary hospitals in Rwanda. For reducing morbidity and mortality, research to develop Africa-specific clinical prediction tools for DVT and interventions to increase thromboprophylaxis use in the region are urgently needed.