A Personalized Human Drivers\u27 Risk Sensitive Characteristics Depicting Stochastic Optimal Control Algorithm for Adaptive Cruise Control

This paper presents a personalized stochastic optimal adaptive cruise control (ACC) algorithm for automated vehicles (AVs) incorporating human drivers\u27 risk-sensitivity under system and measurement uncertainties. The proposed controller is designed as a linear exponential-of-quadratic Gaussian (LEQG) problem, which utilizes the stochastic optimal control mechanism to feedback the deviation from the design car-following target. With the risk-sensitive parameter embedded in LEQG, the proposed method has the capability to characterize risk preference heterogeneity of each AV against uncertainties according to each human drivers\u27 preference. Further, the established control theory can achieve both expensive control mode and non-expensive control mode via changing the weighting matrix of the cost function in LEQG to reveal different treatments on input. Simulation tests validate the proposed approach can characterize different driving behaviors and its effectiveness in terms of reducing the deviation from equilibrium state. The ability to produce different trajectories and generate smooth control of the proposed algorithm is also verified

Robust Missing Traffic Flow Imputation Considering Nonnegativity and Road Capacity

There are increasing concerns about missing traffic data in recent years. In this paper, a robust missing traffic flow data imputation approach based on matrix completion is proposed. In the proposed method, the similarity of traffic flow from day to day is exploited to impute missing data by the low-rank hypothesis of constructed traffic flow matrix. And the physical limitation of road capacity and nonnegativity is also considered through the optimization process, which avoids the possibility of producing negative and overcapacity values. Moreover, the proposed algorithm can impute missing data and recover outlier in a unify framework. The experiment results show that the proposed method is more accurate, stable, and reasonable

Prognostic prediction models for treatment experienced people living with HIV: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION: Despite the favourable efficacy of antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV/AIDS continues to impose significant disease burdens worldwide. This study aims to systematically review published prognostic prediction models for survival outcomes of treatment experienced people living with HIV (TE-PLHIV), to describe their characteristics, compare their performance and assess the risk of bias and real-world clinical utility. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Studies will be identified through a comprehensive search in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and OpenGrey databases. Two reviewers will independently conduct a selection of eligible studies, data extraction and critical appraisal. Included studies will be systematically summarised using appropriate tools designed for prognostic prediction modelling studies. Where applicable, evidence will be summarised with meta-analyses. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is not required because only available published data will be analysed. The results of this work will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number CRD42023412118

Robust Missing Traffic Flow Imputation Considering Nonnegativity and Road Capacity

There are increasing concerns about missing traffic data in recent years. In this paper, a robust missing traffic flow data imputation approach based on matrix completion is proposed. In the proposed method, the similarity of traffic flow from day to day is exploited to impute missing data by the low-rank hypothesis of constructed traffic flow matrix. And the physical limitation of road capacity and nonnegativity is also considered through the optimization process, which avoids the possibility of producing negative and overcapacity values. Moreover, the proposed algorithm can impute missing data and recover outlier in a unify framework. The experiment results show that the proposed method is more accurate, stable, and reasonable

Sexual Behaviours and Sexual Health Among Middle-aged and Older Adults in Britain

Objectives Population-representative studies of the sexual health of middle-aged and older adults are lacking in ageing societies. This study aimed to identify latent patterns of sexual behaviours and health of people aged 45–74 years. Methods We conducted a latent class analysis of the National Attitudes and Sexual Lifestyles Survey (Natsal-3), a nationally representative survey conducted in Britain in 2011. Results Of the 5260 respondents aged 45–74 years, 48.86% of men and 44.91% of women belonged to the Content Caseys class who reported good sexual health. The Infrequent Indigos (30.94% of men, 44.38% of women) were characterised by a lack of sexual activity, reported some dissatisfaction, and were more likely to have a disability. The Low-Functioning Lees (11.65% of men, 8.41% of women) reported some more disability and had issues with sexual functioning and higher levels of distress. The Multiple-Partnered Morgans (8.62% of men, 2.30% of women) were characterised by a greater number of sexual partners and several risk behaviours. Conclusions The use of these four classes can aid in improved targeting of tailored sexual health services to improve sexual function, sexual satisfaction, reduce distress and risky behaviours among middle-aged and older adults. These services should be inclusive of the disabled community

Stakeholder efforts to mitigate antiretroviral therapy interruption among people living with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic in China: a qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected antiretroviral therapy (ART) continuity among people living with HIV (PLHIV) worldwide. We conducted a qualitative study to explore barriers to ART maintenance and solutions to ART interruption when stringent COVID-19 control measures were implemented in China, from the perspective of PLHIV and relevant key stakeholders. METHODS: Between 11 February and 15 February 2020, we interviewed PLHIV, community-based organization (CBO) workers, staff from centres for disease control and prevention (CDC) at various levels whose work is relevant to HIV care (CDC staff), HIV doctors and nurses and drug vendors from various regions in China. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using a messaging and social media app. Challenges and responses relevant to ART continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic were discussed. Themes were identified by transcript coding and mindmaps. RESULTS: Sixty-four stakeholders were recruited, including 16 PLHIV, 17 CBO workers, 15 CDC staff, 14 HIV doctors and nurses and two drug vendors. Many CDC staff, HIV doctors and nurses responsible for ART delivery and HIV care were shifted to COVID-19 response efforts. Barriers to ART maintenance were (a) travel restrictions, (b) inadequate communication and bureaucratic obstacles, (c) shortage in personnel, (d) privacy concerns, and (e) insufficient ART reserve. CBO helped PLHIV maintain access to ART through five solutions identified from thematic analysis: (a) coordination to refill ART from local CDC clinics or hospitals, (b) delivery of ART by mail, (c) privacy protection measures, (d) mental health counselling, and (e) providing connections to alternative sources of ART. Drug vendors contributed to ART maintenance by selling out-of-pocket ART. CONCLUSIONS: Social and institutional disruption from COVID-19 contributed to increased risk of ART interruption among PLHIV in China. Collaboration among key stakeholders was needed to maintain access to ART, with CBO playing an important role. Other countries facing ART interruption during current or future public health emergencies may learn from the solutions employed in China