Methodological development of a specific tool for assessing acceptability of assistive systems of powered two-wheeler-riders

Research on the acceptability of assistive systems for improving the safety of powered two-wheelers (PTWs) is a pressing issue. The use of safety-enhancing assistive systems for motorised vehicles, including advanced driver assistance systems and in-vehicle information systems is widespread in many countries. Yet, there is only a limited number of equivalent intelligent transport systems (ITS) for PTWs, namely advanced rider assistance systems and on-bike information systems. This study describes the methodological development of a specific tool for assessing motorcyclists' acceptability of ITS, as part of the motorcyclists' profiling questionnaire (MOPROQ). There were three stages of development. First, a literature review was undertaken to assess the current state of the art regarding ITS for PTWs and to determine the most relevant facets of acceptability that should be measured. Second, a series of focus group interviews were conducted to explore riders' attitudes towards ITS. Finally, the focus group results were used to develop a large-scale survey (MOPROQ), which was administered to an initial sample of over 6000 riders internationally. The designed tool can be used as a basis for the determination of rider acceptability of ITS systems in the future

Osteoarticular infection in children

Aims: We aimed to describe the epidemiological, biological, and bacteriological characteristics of osteoarticular infections (OAIs) caused by Kingella kingae. Methods: The medical charts of all children presenting with OAIs to our institution over a 13-year period (January 2007 to December 2019) were reviewed. Among these patients, we extracted those which presented an OAI caused by K. kingae and their epidemiological data, biological results, and bacteriological aetiologies were assessed. Results: K. kingae was the main reported microorganism in our paediatric population, being responsible for 48.7% of OAIs confirmed bacteriologically.K. kingaeaffects primarily children aged between six months and 48 months. The highest prevalence of OAI caused byK. kingaewas between seven months and 24 months old. After the patients were 27 months old, its incidence decreased significantly. The incidence though of infection throughout the year showed no significant differences. Three-quarters of patients with an OAI caused byK. kingaewere afebrile at hospital admission, 11% had elevated WBCs, and 61.2% had abnormal CRPs, whereas the ESR was increased in 75%, constituting the most significant predictor of an OAI. On MRI, we noted 53% of arthritis affecting mostly the knee and 31% of osteomyelitis located primarily in the foot. Conclusion: K. kingae should be recognized currently as the primary pathogen causing OAI in children younger than 48 months old. Diagnosis of an OAI caused by K. kingae is not always obvious, since this infection may occur with a mild-to-moderate clinical and biological inflammatory response. Extensive use of nucleic acid amplification assays improved the detection of fastidious pathogens and has increased the observed incidence of OAI, especially in children aged between six months and 48 months. We propose the incorporation of polymerase chain reaction assays into modern diagnostic algorithms for OAIs to better identify the bacteriological aetiology of OAIs.</p

Acceptability of rider assistive systems for powered two-wheelers

There has been limited development of advanced rider assistance systems and on-bike information systems for powered two-wheelers (PTWs), even though research suggests that population-wide deployment of assistive systems could significantly reduce PTW crashes. This study aims to understand general and system-specific factors that are likely to influence acceptability of PTW assistive systems, including barriers that may prevent uptake and proper use of systems, through a large-scale survey of European riders. The survey was available in seven languages and attracted 6297 respondents. Respondents were frequent riders, who rode primarily for leisure purposes and had high awareness of assistive systems. Cluster analysis revealed two groups based on overall acceptability of assistive systems. The moderate and low acceptance clusters differed in terms of riding practices, risk perception, attitudes towards rule breaking, and some personality traits. Overall acceptability was low, but riders who perceive greater risk in riding display higher acceptability. Acceptability was highest for systems that do not interfere with the riding task, are well-known and/or considered reliable (e.g., night vision, ABS, eCall, advanced front-lighting system). In general, riders believe that existing safety equipment (e.g., helmets, protective clothing) is more reliable, provides greater resistance, and is considerably cheaper than more sophisticated assistive technology. Riders believe that innovations should focus on protective equipment, since they believe crash prevention is better addressed through rider training. Finally, riders felt there should be more emphasis on vehicle tyre condition, while tyre pressure control systems were identified as potentially helpful. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Acceptability of rider assistive systems for powered two-wheelers

There has been limited development of advanced rider assistance systems and on-bike information systems for powered two-wheelers (PTWs), even though research suggests that population-wide deployment of assistive systems could significantly reduce PTW cra