Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Hepatitis C Virus Antibodies among Drug Users in Burkina Faso

Introduction: The epidemiology of both hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among drug users (DUs) is little known in West Africa. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses among drug users in Burkina Faso. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional biological and behavioral survey conducted between June and August 2022, among drug users in Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso, the two main cities of Burkina Faso. A respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was used to recruit drug users. Hepatitis B surface antigen was determined using lateral flow rapid test kits and antibodies to hepatitis C virus in serum determined using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Data were entered and analyzed using Stata 17 software. Weighted binary logistic regression was used to identify the associated factors of hepatitis B and C infections and a p-value Results: A total of 323 drug users were recruited with 97.5% males. The mean age was 32.7 years old. The inhaled or smoked mode was the most used by drug users. The adjusted hepatitis B and hepatitis C prevalence among study participants were 11.1% and 2.3% respectively. The marital status (p = 0.001), and the nationality (p = 0.011) were significantly associated with hepatitis B infection. The type of drug used was not significantly associated with hepatitis B infection or hepatitis C infection. Conclusion: The prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies among DUs are comparable to those reported in the general population in Burkina Faso. This result suggests that the main routes of contamination by HBV and HCV among DUs are similar to those in the population, and could be explained by the low use of the injectable route by DUs in Burkina Faso.

Evaluation of an Autonomous Vehicle User Interface for Sensory Impaired Users

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) hold immense promises in revolutionizing transportation, and their potential benefits extend to individuals with impairments, particularly those with vision and hearing impairments. However, the accommodation of these individuals in AVs requires developing advanced user interfaces. This paper describes an explorative study of a multimodal user interface for autonomous vehicles, specifically developed for passengers with sensory (vision and/or hearing) impairments. In a driving simulator, 32 volunteers with simulated sensory impairments, were exposed to multiple drives in an autonomous vehicle while freely interacting with standard and inclusive variants of the infotainment and navigation system interface. The two user interfaces differed in graphical layout and voice messages, which adopted inclusive design principles for the inclusive variant. Questionnaires and structured interviews were conducted to collect participants’ impressions. The data analysis reports positive user experiences, but also identifies technical challenges. Verified guidelines are provided for further development of inclusive user interface solutions.

Reform of the Irrigation Sector and Creation of Functional and Sustainable Irrigation Water Users Associations (AUEI) in Niger: Capitalization of the Experience of the Konni AHA

During the 1980s, as part of a policy of liberalization, following budgetary cuts linked to the implementation of structural adjustment programs, management responsibilities for AHAs were transferred from ONAHA to cooperatives concerned. Due to lack of financial resources, but also because of poor management, everywhere in Niger we are witnessing an accelerated deterioration of the irrigation infrastructure of hydro-agricultural developments. Institutional studies carried out on this situation led the State of Niger to initiate a reform of the governance of hydro-agricultural developments, by streng-thening the status of ONAHA, by creating an Association of Irrigation Water Users (AUEI) and by restructuring the old cooperatives. Indeed, this research aims to analyze the creation of functional and sustainable Irrigation Water User Associations (AUEI) in Niger in a context of reform of the irrigation sector, and based on the experience of the Konni AHA. It is based on a methodological approach which takes into account documentary research and the collection of data from 115 farmers, selected by reasoned choice and directly concerned by the management of the irrigated area. The data collected was analyzed and the results were analyzed using the systemic approach and the diagnostic process. The results show that the main mission of the AUEI is to ensure better management of water, hydraulic equipment and infrastructure on the hydro-agricultural developments of Konni. The creation of the Konni AUEI was possible thanks to massive support from the populations and authorities in the implementation process. After its establishment, the AUEI experienced a certain lethargy for some time due to the rehabilitation work of the AHA but currently it is functional and operational in terms of associative life and governance. Thus, the constraints linked to the legal system, the delay in the completion of the work, the uncertainties of access to irrigation water but also the problems linked to the change in mentality of certain ONAHA agents constitute the challenges that must be resolved in the short term for the operationalization of the Konni AUEI.

Design Method for Optimizing the Interactive Interface of Live Broadcasting Platform for the Elderly Users

In the era of network live broadcasting for everyone,the development of live broadcasting platforms is also more intelligent and diversified.However,in the face of a large group of elderly users,the interface interaction design mode used is still mainly based on the interaction mode for young groups,and is not designed for elderly users.Therefore,a design method for optimizing the interaction interface of live broadcasting platform for elderly users was proposed in this study.Firstly,the case study method and Delphi expert survey method were used to determine the design needs of elderly users and the design mode was analysed.Secondly,the orthogonal design principle was used to design a test sample of the interactive interface of live broadcasting platform applicable for the elderly users,and then a user evaluation system was established to calculate the weights of the design elements using hierarchical analysis,and then the predictive relationship between the design mode of the interactive interface of live broadcasting platform and the elderly users was established by Quantitative Theory I.Finally,Genetic Algorithm was applied to generate the optimized design scheme.The results showed that the design method based on the Genetic Algorithm and the combination of Quantitative Theory can scientifically and effectively optimize the design of the interactive interface of the live broadcasting platform for the elderly users,and improve the experience of the elderly users.

On the Concept of“Basic Rights and Interests”in Recordation Review

Abstract:The concept of“basic rights and interests”in the re-cordation review system serves as a key to understanding the mixed use of review standards by the review authorities.The essence of the“basic rights and interests”concept is the value foundation estab-lished by the community for individuals,playing a legitimizing role in the actual operation of the state power system.Through the method of“triple abstraction,”the substantive construction of“basic rights and interests”can be achieved.Ensuring the“basic rights and interests”of citizens can effectively fulfill the functional purpose of the recorda-tion review system.The diverse human rights norms in China’s legal system are the formal carriers of basic rights and interests,which can be categorized into four types:human rights norms in policies,human rights norms in the Constitution,human rights norms in departmental laws,and human rights norms in social and cultural consensus.By examining the interactive connections of these diverse human rights norms,citizens’“basic rights and interests”can be organized into such five categories as survival care,democratic participation,cul-tural education,well-being development,and ecological harmony.The protection of“basic rights and interests”depends on the review authorities’application of the“basic rights and interests”concept to conduct mixed reviews of relevant normative documents.The applica-tion method should be based on the principles of integration,effective-ness,entirety,and harmony.

BP Network Based Users’Interest Model in Mining WWW Cache

By analyzing the WWW Cache model, we bring forward a user-interest description method based on the fuzzy theory and user-interest inferential relations based on BP（baek propagation） neural network. By this method, the users＇ interest in the WWW cache can be described and the neural network of users＇ interest can be constructed by positive spread of interest and the negative spread of errors. This neural network can infer the users＇ interest. This model is not the simple extension of the simple interest model, but the round improvement of the model and its related algorithm.

The Intersection of Privacy by Design and Behavioral Economics: Nudging Users towards Privacy-Friendly Choices

This paper conducts a comprehensive review of existing research on Privacy by Design (PbD) and behavioral economics, explores the intersection of Privacy by Design (PbD) and behavioral economics, and how designers can leverage “nudges” to encourage users towards privacy-friendly choices. We analyze the limitations of rational choice in the context of privacy decision-making and identify key opportunities for integrating behavioral economics into PbD. We propose a user-centered design framework for integrating behavioral economics into PbD, which includes strategies for simplifying complex choices, making privacy visible, providing feedback and control, and testing and iterating. Our analysis highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of user behavior and decision-making in the context of privacy, and demonstrates the potential of behavioral economics to inform the design of more effective PbD solutions.

Enable Excel-Based Basic Cybersecurity Features for End Users by Using Python-Excel Integration

In the digital age, the global character of the Internet has significantly improved our daily lives by providing access to large amounts of knowledge and allowing for seamless connections. However, this enormously interconnected world is not without its risks. Malicious URLs are a powerful menace, masquerading as legitimate links while holding the intent to hack computer systems or steal sensitive personal information. As the sophistication and frequency of cyberattacks increase, identifying bad URLs has emerged as a critical aspect of cybersecurity. This study presents a new approach that enables the average end-user to check URL safety using Microsoft Excel. Using the powerful VirusTotal API for URL inspections, this study creates an Excel add-in that integrates Python and Excel to deliver a seamless, user-friendly interface. Furthermore, the study improves Excel’s capabilities by allowing users to encrypt and decrypt text communications directly in the spreadsheet. Users may easily encrypt their conversations by simply typing a key and the required text into predefined cells, enhancing their personal cybersecurity with a layer of cryptographic secrecy. This strategy democratizes access to advanced cybersecurity solutions, making attentive digital integrity a feature rather than a daunting burden.

Survey of HIV Infection among Injection Drug Users in Guangdong, China

Objective： To understand the prevalence and behavioral risk factors of HIV infection among injection drug users in the Pearl River Delta Region （PRDR） of Guangdong province, and to provide evidence for establishing effective intervention strategies. Methods： Face to face interviews were conducted and serum samples from injection drug users from detoxification centers and the community were collected for HIV screening. Results： 655 drug users were recruited and interviewed. The HIV seropositive rate was 29.0%. 99.5 % of subjects were injection drug users （IDUs）, of whom,75.4% reported sharing injection equipment. Conclusion： HIV prevalence among injection drug users is high in the PRDR of Guangdong. Injection drug use is the principal behavioral risk factor for HIV transmission. Pragmatic harm reduction programs should be implemented to prevent the spread of HIV infection.

Study on Guidance of Users’Point of View to Construction of Urban Park in China——Inspiration by "Reflection on Urban Park:Public Space and Multi-culture"

New idea studying urban parks was opened up by "Reflection on Urban Park:Public Space and Multi-culture". By introducing anthropology into planning and design methodology of urban public space, it provided a new research method for the planning of urban park in our country. Through introduction and assessment of the book, existing problems and suggestions of the construction of our urban parks were proposed. In the perspective of urban parks' users, by the method of ethnology and anthropology, cultural diversity of urban public space would be investigated, paying attention to the usage behavior and different cultural characteristics, thinking about how to respect ecology and environmental construction of parks and coordinate the relation between culture and ecology while cultural diversity was respected. What should be considered in the construction of urban parks was not only culture but also ecological environment protection when culture was respected and citizens' interests during environment construction. These were also the fundamental problems needed to be considered and solved in parks' planning, construction and operation.

Proxy-Users系统收入分配的Stackelberg模型及解的存在性

用对策论的Stackelberg平衡理论研究了Proxy-Users系统中Proxy和Users之间分配收入问题.对Proxy和Users的地位不平等且Proxy不能按到达率提供服务的情况,建立了收入分配的Stackelberg策略模型,得到了一个双层规划模型,并证明了模型的解的存在性.

Server-Proxy-Users系统收入分配的对策论模型及解的存在性

用对策论研究了Server-Proxies-Users系统中Server、Proxies和Users之间的收入分配问题，建立了收入分配的对策论模型，得到了三层规划模型。根据三层规划模型的特殊性，把它分解成两个双层规划模型，同时证明了模型的解的存在性。

Discussion on improving Students'Interests in College English Teaching Class

Interest plays an important role in English learning.Therefore college English teachers should adopt various teaching approaches and methods to arouse students'learning interests in their regular teaching classes.It has been found that using effective approaches certainly helps English teaching.

Server-Agents-Users通信系统的Stackelberg模型

在多媒体通信系统中引入代理服务器,使其成为Server-Agents-Users系统,并用对策论的Stackelberg理论研究该系统.针对Server、Agents和Users地位不平等的情况,建立了该系统的Stackelberg策略模型,得到一个三层规划模型.

The Research on E-mail Users' Behavior of Participating in Subjects Based on Social Network Analysis

The e-mail network is a type of social network. This study analyzes user behavior in e-mail subject participation in organizations by using social network analysis. First, the Enron dataset and the position-related information of an employee are introduced, and methods for deletion of false data are presented. Next, the three-layer model(User, Subject, Keyword) is proposed for analysis of user behavior. Then, the proposed keyword selection algorithm based on a greedy approach, and the influence and propagation of an e-mail subject are defined. Finally, the e-mail user behavior is analyzed for the Enron organization. This study has considerable significance in subject recommendation and character recognition.

Research on the User Interest Modeling of Personalized Search Engine

At present, how to enable Search Engine to construct user personal interest model initially, master user＇s personalized information timely and provide personalized services accurately have become the hotspot in the research of Search Engine area. Aiming at the problems of user model＇s construction and combining techniques of manual customization modeling and automatic analytical modeling, a User Interest Model （UIM） is proposed in the paper. On the basis of it, the corresponding establishment and update algorithms of User lnterest Profile （UIP） are presented subsequently. Simulation tests proved that the UIM proposed and corresponding algorithms could enhance the retrieval precision effectively and have superior adaptability.

Prevalence of hepatitis C infection among intravenous drug users in Shanghai

AIM:To characterize the prevalence of hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection among Chinese intravenous drug users(IDUs).METHODS:A total of 432 adult IDUs(95 women and337 men)in Shanghai were included in the study.The third-generation Elecsys Anti-HCV assay(Roche Diagnostics GmbH,Sandhofer Strasse 116,D-68305,Mannheim,Germany)was used to screen for antibodies against HCV.The RIBA strip,a supplemental antiHCV test with high specificity,was performed on all of the samples that tested positive during the initial screening.All of the anti-HCV positive samples were analyzed with a Cobas TaqMan 48 Analyzer(Roche Diagnostics)for direct detection of HCV RNA.All of the HCV RNA-positive samples were sequenced for genotype determination.RESULTS:The preliminary screening identified 262(60.6%)subjects who were seropositive for HCV.Of the 62 females and 200 males seropositive subjects,16(16.7%)and 65(19.3%),respectively,were confirmed by RIBA,yielding an overall HCV seropositive rate of18.8%.Four female(6.5%)and 14 male(7.0%)subjects tested positive for HCV RNA,indicating an active infection rate of 4.2%for the entire study population.The 18 HCV RNA-positive serum samples were genotyped.Seven individuals were genotype 1b,and four were genotype 1a.One individual each was infected with genotypes 2a,2b and 3a.Four subjects were coinfected with multiple strains:two with genotypes 1a and 2a,and two with genotypes 1b and 2a.The active infection rate among HCV-seropositive individuals was22.2%,which was significantly lower than most estimates.CONCLUSION:The prevalence of HCV is relatively low among IDUs in Shanghai,with a spontaneous recovery rate much higher than previous estimates.

Effective Ways to Improve Students'Interests in English Classes

Interest is the key role in English learning. Thus, English teachers should take effective ways to raise students'interests in teaching classes. Scientific investigation has proved that using effective approaches certainly helps arousing students'interests in English teaching.

Geo-Social Profile Matching Algorithm for Dynamic Interests in Ad-Hoc Social Network

Among mobile users, ad-hoc social network (ASN) is becoming a popular platform to connect and share their interests anytime anywhere. Many researchers and computer scientists investigated ASN architecture, implementation, user experience, and different profile matching algorithms to provide better user experience in ad-hoc social network. We emphasize that strength of an ad-hoc social network depends on a good profile-matching algorithm that provides meaningful friend suggestions in proximity. Keeping browsing history is a good way to determine user’s interest, however, interests change with location. This paper presents a novel profile-matching algorithm for automatically building a user profile based on dynamic GPS (Global Positing System) location and browsing history of users. Building user profile based on GPS location of a user provides benefits to ASN users as this profile represents user’s dynamic interests that keep changing with location e.g. office, home, or some other location. Proposed profile-matching algorithm maintains multiple local profiles based on location of mobile device.

USERS′ PERCEPTION OF KOWLOON PARK, HONG KONG:VISITING PATTERNS AND SCENIC ASPECTS

Hong Kong is a hyper-dense city with 7x10(6) people living in an area of 1100km(2). One way to improve the livability of compacted and congested cities like Hong Kong is through the provision of urban parks, an aspect that has largely been under-researched. This study focuses on how users perceive and utilize various facilities in the Kowloon Park. The findings revealed that the Kowloon Park is one of the most preferred parks in Hong Kong for both local residents and tourists. Users were quite satisfied with the park's facilities. Notably, the most important component of an urban park is its greenery. This is followed by water elements, seating places, and facilities for various recreational activities. The improvements users would like to see in urban parks include good design and management, meeting users' needs, overcoming barriers to use, and providing a high quality and varied experience for different groups in the community. The findings of this study provide a good basis to address park management issues from the users' perspective. In particular, parks should provide easy access, encourage optimum usage and enable complimentary improvements to the environment.