<strong>Background:</strong> Boda-Boda is a well-known and booming motorcycle taxi that employs youths to earn a living. They transport passengers at a faster rate where other means of transport are inacce...<strong>Background:</strong> Boda-Boda is a well-known and booming motorcycle taxi that employs youths to earn a living. They transport passengers at a faster rate where other means of transport are inaccessible or would be time consuming. Global statistics show that HIV has continued to be a major global Public Health issue especially among the “Most At-risk Populations” (MAPs) that include commercial transporters and Boda-Boda riders. <strong>Aim:</strong> This study aimed at assessing the prevalence and predisposing factors for HIV/AIDS among Boda-Boda riders living in Mbarara Municipality. Specifically, the study determined the prevalence of HIV among the Boda-Boda riders, identified social demographic predisposing factors for HIV and determined knowledge of Boda riders on prevention of HIV. <strong>Study setting:</strong> Boda-Boda operators in the transport sector are at high risk of HIV infection but the HIV status of the Boda Riders in Mbarara was not known a reason why the study was instituted: <strong>Study design:</strong> This was an analytical and descriptive cross-sectional study that employed quantitative methods of data collection. The study population comprised the registered Boda-Boda operators from two divisions of Kakoba and Kakiika in Mbarara municipality. <strong>Sample size and sampling methods:</strong> Using Morgan’s table (1970), the population of the registered Boda Riders was 15,041;this corresponded to a sample size of 375 respondents by Morgan Table. Systematic sampling procedure was used to get every 3rd registered rider on the list. <strong>Data collection:</strong> A pre-tested structured tool aided data collection after group pretest counseling. Individual counseling was also done prior to testing and giving results. The laboratory technologists drew blood to determine the sero-status of the respondents. Results were recorded as tested reactive (TRR) or tested non-reactive (TR). Unigold was used as tie breaker to confirm their diagnosis in order to ascertain those who were HIV positive on determine. <strong>Data analysis:</strong> Analysis was done at univariate, bivariate and multivariate using STATA version 13, Statistical significance of the relationship was determined for the p-value (p ≤ 0.05). Significant variables were then considered at multivariate level of analysis. <strong>Results:</strong> More than half 195 (52%) of the Boda-Boda cyclist had attained primary level of education and 36.5% secondary education. HIV prevalence among Boda-Boda riders was 9.9%. Riders who had never heard of VCT/HCT screening for HIV were three times likely to acquire HIV compared to those who ever heard of VCT/HCT screening (OR = 3.35;95% CI 1.14 9.83;p = 0.027). Those with multiple partners were six times more likely to acquire HIV/AIDS compared to those who buy sex from prostitutes (OR = 6.13;95% CI 1.54 24.38;p = 0.01). The level of awareness of VCT was found high at (94.7%), and the general knowledge about utilization and importance of VCT services was at 80%, however condom use as a preventive measure was found low at 44.3% among the respondent Boda-Boda riders. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Boda-Boda riders had high HIV prevalence of 9.9% compared to that of Mbarara district at 6.1% and much higher than 5.7% national HIV prevalence level. The predisposing factors to acquire HIV/AIDS were having multiple sexual partners, not having heard of HIV counseling and testing as well as low and inconsistent condom use at 44.3%. The study recommends health service providers and HIV counselors to intensify awareness and behavior change campaigns on condom use among the Boda-Boda riders as preventive measure against HIV.展开更多
The use of Winderen Knee Protection Solution stirrups compared to standard iron stirrups, reveals the following benefits: 1) A reduction of stress or strain time in the order of 14 seconds per minute of activity whils...The use of Winderen Knee Protection Solution stirrups compared to standard iron stirrups, reveals the following benefits: 1) A reduction of stress or strain time in the order of 14 seconds per minute of activity whilst walking and 5 - 7 seconds less whilst trotting or cantering for muscles around the knee. 2) A reduction of stress or strain time in the order of 25 seconds per minute of activity whilst walking and 9 - 10 seconds less whilst trotting or cantering for ligaments around the knee. 3) A significant improvement in the E-score (less time exposed to stress and shock) and ST-score (lower force around the knee) whilst walking. 4) A considerable improvement in rider comfort and feeling of leg stability (self-assessment) compared with the owners current stirrups, whilst riding.展开更多
<span style="font-family:Verdana;">The act of referring TB presumptive individuals after verbal screening to another health facility/diagnostic centres for testing often results in large loss to follow...<span style="font-family:Verdana;">The act of referring TB presumptive individuals after verbal screening to another health facility/diagnostic centres for testing often results in large loss to follow-up, owing to the many barriers people face in accessing care. The transportation of sputum samples is an efficient method of increasing access to tuberculosis (TB) diagnostics in areas where testing is not currently available. One of the major reasons for the low yield of TB cases in the field was delay in sputum sample transportation to diagnostic laboratories among other factors. Damien Foundation Belgium, carried out a unique sputum riders initiatives in 20 LGAs of Lagos state between Q3-2019 and Q4-2020. A total of 25 sputum dispatch riders across the 20 LGAs in the State who are monitored routinely on an electronic dashboard were engaged for sputum logistics. Therefore, this report highlights how the initiatives ha</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">ve </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">contributed to increased TB case notification in a densely populated metropolitan city in Nigeria. </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Overall, </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">48,265 units of sputum samples were transported to the laboratory from the facilities 99.9% of results </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">which </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">were received from the laboratory by the dispatch riders</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">. </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The contribution of sputum riders to the overall TB case detection by the project progressively increased from 9% when the intervention began to 57% as at Q4 2020. The transportation of sputum samples by motorcycle dispatch riders is an efficient method of increasing access to TB diagnostic services in communities where testing is not currently available.</span>展开更多
Currently,e-learning is one of the most prevalent educational methods because of its need in today’s world.Virtual classrooms and web-based learning are becoming the new method of teaching remotely.The students exper...Currently,e-learning is one of the most prevalent educational methods because of its need in today’s world.Virtual classrooms and web-based learning are becoming the new method of teaching remotely.The students experience a lack of access to resources commonly the educational material.In remote loca-tions,educational institutions face significant challenges in accessing various web-based materials due to bandwidth and network infrastructure limitations.The objective of this study is to demonstrate an optimization and queueing tech-nique for allocating optimal servers and slots for users to access cloud-based e-learning applications.The proposed method provides the optimization and queue-ing algorithm for multi-server and multi-city constraints and considers where to locate the best servers.For optimal server selection,the Rider Optimization Algo-rithm(ROA)is utilized.A performance analysis based on time,memory and delay was carried out for the proposed methodology in comparison with the exist-ing techniques.The proposed Rider Optimization Algorithm is compared to Par-ticle Swarm Optimization(PSO),Genetic Algorithm(GA)and Firefly Algorithm(FFA),the proposed method is more suitable and effective because the other three algorithms drop in local optima and are only suitable for small numbers of user requests.Thus the proposed method outweighs the conventional techniques by its enhanced performance over them.展开更多
The low efficiency and high cost of fresh agricultural product terminal distribution directly restrict the operation of the entire supply network.To reduce costs and optimize the distribution network,we construct a mi...The low efficiency and high cost of fresh agricultural product terminal distribution directly restrict the operation of the entire supply network.To reduce costs and optimize the distribution network,we construct a mixed integer programmingmodel that comprehensively considers tominimize fixed,transportation,fresh-keeping,time,carbon emissions,and performance incentive costs.We analyzed the performance of traditional rider distribution and robot distribution modes in detail.In addition,the uncertainty of the actual market demand poses a huge threat to the stability of the terminal distribution network.In order to resist uncertain interference,we further extend the model to a robust counterpart form.The results of the simulation show that the instability of random parameters will lead to an increase in the cost.Compared with the traditional rider distribution mode,the robot distribution mode can save 12.7%on logistics costs,and the distribution efficiency is higher.Our research can provide support for the design of planning schemes for transportation enterprise managers.展开更多
文摘<strong>Background:</strong> Boda-Boda is a well-known and booming motorcycle taxi that employs youths to earn a living. They transport passengers at a faster rate where other means of transport are inaccessible or would be time consuming. Global statistics show that HIV has continued to be a major global Public Health issue especially among the “Most At-risk Populations” (MAPs) that include commercial transporters and Boda-Boda riders. <strong>Aim:</strong> This study aimed at assessing the prevalence and predisposing factors for HIV/AIDS among Boda-Boda riders living in Mbarara Municipality. Specifically, the study determined the prevalence of HIV among the Boda-Boda riders, identified social demographic predisposing factors for HIV and determined knowledge of Boda riders on prevention of HIV. <strong>Study setting:</strong> Boda-Boda operators in the transport sector are at high risk of HIV infection but the HIV status of the Boda Riders in Mbarara was not known a reason why the study was instituted: <strong>Study design:</strong> This was an analytical and descriptive cross-sectional study that employed quantitative methods of data collection. The study population comprised the registered Boda-Boda operators from two divisions of Kakoba and Kakiika in Mbarara municipality. <strong>Sample size and sampling methods:</strong> Using Morgan’s table (1970), the population of the registered Boda Riders was 15,041;this corresponded to a sample size of 375 respondents by Morgan Table. Systematic sampling procedure was used to get every 3rd registered rider on the list. <strong>Data collection:</strong> A pre-tested structured tool aided data collection after group pretest counseling. Individual counseling was also done prior to testing and giving results. The laboratory technologists drew blood to determine the sero-status of the respondents. Results were recorded as tested reactive (TRR) or tested non-reactive (TR). Unigold was used as tie breaker to confirm their diagnosis in order to ascertain those who were HIV positive on determine. <strong>Data analysis:</strong> Analysis was done at univariate, bivariate and multivariate using STATA version 13, Statistical significance of the relationship was determined for the p-value (p ≤ 0.05). Significant variables were then considered at multivariate level of analysis. <strong>Results:</strong> More than half 195 (52%) of the Boda-Boda cyclist had attained primary level of education and 36.5% secondary education. HIV prevalence among Boda-Boda riders was 9.9%. Riders who had never heard of VCT/HCT screening for HIV were three times likely to acquire HIV compared to those who ever heard of VCT/HCT screening (OR = 3.35;95% CI 1.14 9.83;p = 0.027). Those with multiple partners were six times more likely to acquire HIV/AIDS compared to those who buy sex from prostitutes (OR = 6.13;95% CI 1.54 24.38;p = 0.01). The level of awareness of VCT was found high at (94.7%), and the general knowledge about utilization and importance of VCT services was at 80%, however condom use as a preventive measure was found low at 44.3% among the respondent Boda-Boda riders. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Boda-Boda riders had high HIV prevalence of 9.9% compared to that of Mbarara district at 6.1% and much higher than 5.7% national HIV prevalence level. The predisposing factors to acquire HIV/AIDS were having multiple sexual partners, not having heard of HIV counseling and testing as well as low and inconsistent condom use at 44.3%. The study recommends health service providers and HIV counselors to intensify awareness and behavior change campaigns on condom use among the Boda-Boda riders as preventive measure against HIV.
文摘The use of Winderen Knee Protection Solution stirrups compared to standard iron stirrups, reveals the following benefits: 1) A reduction of stress or strain time in the order of 14 seconds per minute of activity whilst walking and 5 - 7 seconds less whilst trotting or cantering for muscles around the knee. 2) A reduction of stress or strain time in the order of 25 seconds per minute of activity whilst walking and 9 - 10 seconds less whilst trotting or cantering for ligaments around the knee. 3) A significant improvement in the E-score (less time exposed to stress and shock) and ST-score (lower force around the knee) whilst walking. 4) A considerable improvement in rider comfort and feeling of leg stability (self-assessment) compared with the owners current stirrups, whilst riding.
文摘<span style="font-family:Verdana;">The act of referring TB presumptive individuals after verbal screening to another health facility/diagnostic centres for testing often results in large loss to follow-up, owing to the many barriers people face in accessing care. The transportation of sputum samples is an efficient method of increasing access to tuberculosis (TB) diagnostics in areas where testing is not currently available. One of the major reasons for the low yield of TB cases in the field was delay in sputum sample transportation to diagnostic laboratories among other factors. Damien Foundation Belgium, carried out a unique sputum riders initiatives in 20 LGAs of Lagos state between Q3-2019 and Q4-2020. A total of 25 sputum dispatch riders across the 20 LGAs in the State who are monitored routinely on an electronic dashboard were engaged for sputum logistics. Therefore, this report highlights how the initiatives ha</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">ve </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">contributed to increased TB case notification in a densely populated metropolitan city in Nigeria. </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Overall, </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">48,265 units of sputum samples were transported to the laboratory from the facilities 99.9% of results </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">which </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">were received from the laboratory by the dispatch riders</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">. </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The contribution of sputum riders to the overall TB case detection by the project progressively increased from 9% when the intervention began to 57% as at Q4 2020. The transportation of sputum samples by motorcycle dispatch riders is an efficient method of increasing access to TB diagnostic services in communities where testing is not currently available.</span>
文摘Currently,e-learning is one of the most prevalent educational methods because of its need in today’s world.Virtual classrooms and web-based learning are becoming the new method of teaching remotely.The students experience a lack of access to resources commonly the educational material.In remote loca-tions,educational institutions face significant challenges in accessing various web-based materials due to bandwidth and network infrastructure limitations.The objective of this study is to demonstrate an optimization and queueing tech-nique for allocating optimal servers and slots for users to access cloud-based e-learning applications.The proposed method provides the optimization and queue-ing algorithm for multi-server and multi-city constraints and considers where to locate the best servers.For optimal server selection,the Rider Optimization Algo-rithm(ROA)is utilized.A performance analysis based on time,memory and delay was carried out for the proposed methodology in comparison with the exist-ing techniques.The proposed Rider Optimization Algorithm is compared to Par-ticle Swarm Optimization(PSO),Genetic Algorithm(GA)and Firefly Algorithm(FFA),the proposed method is more suitable and effective because the other three algorithms drop in local optima and are only suitable for small numbers of user requests.Thus the proposed method outweighs the conventional techniques by its enhanced performance over them.
文摘The low efficiency and high cost of fresh agricultural product terminal distribution directly restrict the operation of the entire supply network.To reduce costs and optimize the distribution network,we construct a mixed integer programmingmodel that comprehensively considers tominimize fixed,transportation,fresh-keeping,time,carbon emissions,and performance incentive costs.We analyzed the performance of traditional rider distribution and robot distribution modes in detail.In addition,the uncertainty of the actual market demand poses a huge threat to the stability of the terminal distribution network.In order to resist uncertain interference,we further extend the model to a robust counterpart form.The results of the simulation show that the instability of random parameters will lead to an increase in the cost.Compared with the traditional rider distribution mode,the robot distribution mode can save 12.7%on logistics costs,and the distribution efficiency is higher.Our research can provide support for the design of planning schemes for transportation enterprise managers.