Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Relating to HIV among Motorbike Taxi Drivers in Parakou, Benin, in 2021

Background and Objective: HIV infection is a major global Public Health threat worldwide, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa of which Benin. The level of knowledge determines the attitudes and behaviors of the populations towards this infection. The study objective was to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices related to HIV infection among motorbike taxi drivers (MTD) in Parakou in 2021. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study targeting MTD in Parakou in 2021. Participants were selected by cluster sampling. Pretested Digitized questionnaire using KoboCollect@ applicationserved as a data collection tool. Knowledge, attitudes and practices variable were treated on a score scale. A knowledge score was considered to reflect a good knowledge of HIV if at least two-thirds of the knowledge statements had been correctly answered provided the subject recognized the sexual route as one of modes of HIV transmission, identified at least one preventive measure and meant the incurability of the disease. Quantitative and qualitative variables were appropriately described using the EPI Info 7.1.3.3 software. The participant was classified at positive attitude/practice for HIV prevention, when it has a score of at least 80% and suggests a good preventive measure face a risk of exposure to HIV. Results: A total of 374 subjects were recruited into the study. The mean age was 31.51 ± 7.76 years. Most participants (86.06%) had good knowledge of condom use as an HIV prevention method. The sources of information mentioned were mainly the media (77.07%), relatives or friends (63.38%), and field-workers from non-governmental organizations (37.26%). Routine HIV testing was 50.53%. Among participants, 76.10% reported at least two different sexual partners. Condom use was 59.18 % during the casual sexual intercourse. Within the client-provider relationship with female sex workers, 33.17% had had sexual intercourse with them. The sexual route was the most cited (92.99%), and 90.23% stated that HIV infection can be stabilized by medication in a health structure. Conclusion: The level of knowledge of motorbike taxi drivers in Parakou does not match their behavior with regard to HIV prevention. Appropriate strategies are needed to develop prevention skills in this population. To effectively comb at HIV, it will be necessary to strengthen the targeted HIV preventive interventions at key and bridge populations including motorbike taxi drivers in Benin.

Itinerary-Dependent Degradation Analysis of a Lithium-Ion Battery Cell for E-Bike Applications in Rwanda

There are obstacles to the widespread use of small electric vehicles(EVs)in Rwanda,including concerns regarding the battery range and lifespan.Lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)play an important role in EVs.However,their performance declines over time because of several factors.To optimize battery management systems and extend the range of EVs in Rwanda,it is essential to understand the influence of the driving profiles on lithium-ion battery degradation.This study analyzed the degradation patterns of a lithium-ion battery cell that propels an E-bike using various real-world E-bike driving cycles that represent Rwandan driving conditions under deep discharge(>80%).By being aware of these variables,battery failure can be slowed and improved battery performance can be achieved to promote the transition to cleaner transportation in Rwanda for the productive use of energy.The analyzed parameters that affect battery performance are temperature,driving cycles,and state of charge.It was found that the higher the temperature,the higher was the rate of fading.On the other hand,the EVs that operate in the region with higher elevation(hilly region)combined with a flat surface where the riders use their physical forces to propel the E-bike and their batteries lose their capacity rapidly compared to those operating in regions where the energy from the lithium-ion battery assists for the entire mileage.By draining the battery to 10%and charging it to 90%of its initial capacity,the capacity fading decreased by 5%.

Research on semi-solid thixoforming process of AZ91D magnesium alloy brackets for generators in JH70-type motorbikes

The investment on semi-solid die casting processes of AZ91D magnesium alloy brackets for generators in JH70-type motorbikes is introduced. The processes of low super-heat and cooling slope for the preparation of billets with non-dendritic microstructure, the remelting of billets for thixoforming and the parameters in the process of semi-sohd thixoforming have been researched. The results show that primary billets with non-dendritical structures can be prepared by forming great amount of nuclei in melt via the process of low super heat. By optimizing the remelting process through adjusting the current of the induced equipment, semi-solid billets with a structure of spherical grains were obtained from the primary billets with non-dendritical structure. The range of 580℃ to 583℃ is the proper remelting temperatures by which the billets have an expected thixotropy and can be transferred to a die-casting machine. The optimized parameters of semi-solid forming in a die-casting machine are as follows： the area of the ingate in the die is 383.5 mm^2, the speed of the pierce of the machine 5 m/s, the shot pressure of the pierce 75 MPa, and the maintenance pressure of the pierce 350 MPa. The castings of brackets for supporting generators in JH70 type motorbikes were formed by adopting the optimized processes and parameters mentioned above.

High-Level Circulating Total Calcium and Low Phosphate as Predictors of Insulin Resistance among Non-Diabetic Taxi-Motorbike Drivers Living and Working in Cotonou, Benin

Insulin resistance (IR) is a well-recognized marker of increased cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk. Therefore, screening for IR predictors would help reduce the likelihood of progression from early stage of IR to T2D or CVDs. However, the knowledge of association between IR and circulating total calcium (CTCa) and phosphate levels among non-diabetic patients in Benin is lacking. We investigated whether CTCa and phosphate levels within the normal ranges are associated with IR risk among taxi-motorbike drivers (TMDs) living and working in Cotonou. We evaluated 134 non-diabetic TMDs (aged 22 - 59 years) based on CTCa, phosphate, glucose, fasting insulin, and IR levels. IR was assessed using the homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). IR was defined as the 75th percentile of HOMA-IR value. Cardiometabolic factors were analyzed by tertiles of CTCa and phosphate levels (low, middle, and high groups). Logistic regression models evaluated the relationships between IR and CTCa and phosphate levels. Our results showed that participants with high CTCa levels had the highest prevalence of IR, elevated total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In a fully adjusted model, the odd ratio (OR) of having IR comparing the highest (>2.50 mmol/L) to the lowest CTCa levels (1.23 mmol/L) and the lowest levels (<1.10 mmol/L) of phosphate was 0.28 (p = 0.037). In conclusion, our study demonstrates that elevated CTCa and low phosphate levels are significant predictors of IR in non-diabetic patients. Continuous monitoring of these markers may help identify earlier individuals at greatest IR risk.

Low Plasma Potassium and High Iron Levels Increased the Risk of Dyslipidemia among Non-Diabetic Taxi-Motorbike Drivers Living and Working in Cotonou, Benin

Non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as iron and potassium may play a role in lipid metabolism. However, information on this association is lacking in populations of Benin. This study evaluated the associations between plasma iron and potassium levels and risk of dyslipidemia among taxi-motorbike drivers (TMDs) in Cotonou. We conducted a cross-sectional study on 134 males TMDs aged ≥20 years old, of whom 39 (29.1%) had dyslipidemia. Plasma biochemistry including measurements of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), iron, and potassium were performed. Dyslipidemia was defined as any or combinations of the following: TC > 5.2 mmol/L, LDL-C > 3.4 mmol/L, TG > 1.7 mmol/L, and HDL-C 18.8 μmol/L) to the 1st tertile of plasma iron (<13.6 μmol/L) was 3.85, (95% CI: 1.20 - 12.35, p = 0.023). We observed similar patterns of association in a subgroup analysis restricted to normotensive patients, although the estimates lacked statistical significance. Our findings also revealed that the risk of dyslipidemia decreased when plasma potassium levels increased. The OR (95% CI) for dyslipidemia comparing the 2nd tertile (4.4 - 4.8 μmol/L) to the 1st tertile (<4.3 μmol/L) of potassium was 0.31 (0.11 - 0.86, p = 0.025). Interestingly, the risk of dyslipidemia decreased progressively (81% to 86%) and significantly across plasma potassium tertiles when restricting analysis to normotensive patients. The ORs (95% CI) for dyslipidemia comparing the 2nd and 3rd tertiles to the 1st tertile of plasma potassium were 0.19 (0.04 - 0.87, p = 0.032) and 0.14 (0.02 - 0.93, p = 0.043). In conclusion, our study shows that higher plasma iron and low potassium levels are significant predictors of dyslipidemia in TMDs. As such, the findings have public health implications for predicting and preventing dyslipidemia and associated cardiometabolic diseases. However, longitudinal studies are needed to determine if disturbances in iron and potassium levels, even within the normal range, are precursors or consequences of dyslipidemia.

Elevated White Blood Cell Count Is Associated with an Increased Risk of Insulin Resistance among Non-Diabetic Taxi-Motorbike Drivers Working in Cotonou, Benin

High white blood cell count (WBC) and insulin resistance (IR) are interrelated events that contribute to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including type-2 diabetes (T2D). However, associations between IR and hematological parameters have never been explored in populations of Benin. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of IR and associated hematological parameters in taxi-motorbike drivers (TMDs) working in Cotonou. A total of 133 participants were analyzed in this cross-sectional study. Complete blood count, including WBC and platelet, as well as fasting plasma glucose and insulin, were performed by standard procedures. IR was assessed using the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Factors associated with IR, their odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined by logistic regression analysis. The mean age of the study participants was 39.3 years. The HOMA-IR cut-off (75th percentile) for IR was 5.9. The overall prevalence of IR was 24.1%. IR increased with the increase of exposure duration and WBC levels. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk of IR increased significantly with higher total WBC, with adjusted ORs (95% CI) for the second and third tertiles of 3.56 (1.10 - 11.58) and 4.01 (1.21 - 13.31), respectively. Similar patterns of associations were observed in an analysis restricted to non-drinkers, although these estimates lacked statistical significance. BMI > 24.2 kg/m2 was independently associated with an increased risk of IR (OR = 3.82, 95% CI: 1.33 - 11.03, P = 0.013). In conclusion, the prevalence of IR in TMDs was 24.1%. IR was significantly associated with elevated WBC count and BMI. WBC may serve as a biomarker to identify individuals at the greatest IR risk.

用“E-Bikes”和“Pedelecs”对电动自行车定义和分类

你也许注意到人力-电动混合型自行车的数量在增加。找出一个合适的名称来区分不同类型的自行车变得越来越困难。至此,你已听到电动自行车(electric bicycles),电动车(e-bikes),电动助力自行车(electric Power Assisted Cycles缩写为EPACs)及电控自行车(Electronic Bike)。你能说出它们之间的区别吗?

Higher Plasma Potassium Level Reduces 10-Year Cardiovascular Disease Risk Predicted by the Framingham Risk Score among Taxi-Motorbike Drivers Residing and Working in Cotonou, Benin

Hypertension, obesity, smoking, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are the major risk factors for developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Recent studies revealed that taxi-motorbike drivers (TMDs) in Cotonou had higher rates of CVD risk factors, but their impacts on cardiovascular events have rarely been studied. The Framingham risk score (FRS) is an algorithm that considers CVD risk factors and estimates the risk of developing CVD in the next 10 years. Our objectives were to assess the 10-year CVD risk predicted by the FRS, and to examine the relationships of 10-year CVD risk with plasma iron and potassium levels among TMDs. We included 134 TMDs (22 - 59 years old) who had no prior diagnosis of CVD or T2D, and not taking medications affecting iron and potassium homeostasis. Conventional cardiovascular risk factors were used to calculate the 10-year CVD risk, which was categorized as low (20%). FRS > 2%, which corresponded to the 75th percentile of FRS distribution in our study population, was used as a cut-off value to classify participants into two groups. Plasma iron and potassium levels were segregated into tertiles and their associations with 10-year CVD risk were quantified by multivariate-adjusted logistic regression to calculate the odd ratios (ORs) to being above the 75th percentile of 10-year CVD risk with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We found that 62.0% of participants had at least one of cardiovascular risk factors. Approximately 97.8% of TMDs had 10-year CVD risk 4.8 mmol/L led to an 83% risk reduction of having 10-year CVD risk > 2% (OR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.04 - 0.82, P = 0.027). In conclusion, our findings showed that high plasma potassium levels associate with reduced 10-year CVD risk among TMDs. Interventions focused on monitoring of plasma potassium, particularly in those with existing cardiovascular risk factors, may help prevent CVD.

荷兰经销商营销e-Bikes获利滚滚

对荷兰经销商而言,e-Bikes（电动自行车）现在是最赚钱的机器。在2010年上半年度,从金钱这方面看,电动自行车成为首屈一指的销售热门。荷兰经销商的电动自行车销售总量占总营业额的37.6%。

既可电力驱动、又可脚踏骑行的“E-BIKE”电动自行车

富有开拓、创新精神的日本ENAX股份公司（以开发、生产锂电池产品为主业)，通过自身不懈的努力，最近即将向市场推出一款取名为“E-BIKE”的新型折叠式电动自行车。此款“E—BIKE¨技术含金量相当高既可电力驱动，同时又可脚踏骑行．而且操作也相当方便。

摩托车尾气致小鼠DNA损伤及精子畸形

目的 了解摩托车使用无铅汽油后其尾气对DNA的遗传毒性作用。方法 选用 40只健康昆明种成年小鼠 ,体重 2 4 6g～ 36 3g ,平均体重为 (30 50± 5 1 2 )g,随机分为 4组 ,染毒组分别将摩托车尾气吸收液按 1∶2 ,1∶4 ,1∶1 6稀释后进行灌胃染毒 ,每天一次 ,每周 5d,共计 40d。测定小鼠外周血淋巴细胞DNA单链的损伤以及精子畸形率的变化。结果 摩托车尾气可引起小鼠外周血淋巴细胞DNA单链断裂增加 ,高浓度组与对照组比较有显著性差异 (P <0 0 1 )。尾气染毒组可使成年雄性小鼠精子畸变率增高 ,高浓度组与对照组比较有显著性差异 (P <0 0 5)。

摩托车尾气对小鼠抗氧化作用及DNA损伤的影响

目的:了解摩托车尾气对机体抗氧化酶、脂质过氧化物及DNA损伤的作用.方法:选用40只健康昆明种成年小鼠,体重24.6～36.3 g,平均体重为(30.50±5.12)g,随机分为4组,染毒组分别将摩托车尾气吸收液按1:2、1:4、1:16进行稀释后进行灌胃染毒,对照组用二甲基亚砜按1:2用蒸馏水稀释后灌胃,每天1次,每周5 d,共计40 d.分别测定小鼠肝细胞匀浆SOD、GSH-Px活性和MDA、GSH含量、以及外周血淋巴细胞DNA单链损伤的变化.结果:摩托车尾气染毒各组可致肝细胞匀浆中MDA含量增高,GSH含量及SOD、GSH-Px活性降低,外周血淋巴细胞DNA单链断裂增多,存在剂量-效应关系,高浓度时表现更为明显,与对照组比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01).结论:本实验结果显示摩托车尾气对实验小鼠体内肝组织具有氧化损伤和DNA损伤毒作用.

电动自行车与燃油助动车生命周期评价的比较

对上海市在用的电动自行车和燃油助动车进行了生命周期评估。结果表明:在整个生命周期中,虽然电动自行车比二冲程燃油助动车消耗较少的能量,排放较少的GWP(温室气体)、BOD、GOD、悬浮物(SS)、可溶固形物(DS)和碳氢化合物(HC)。但是计入火力发电过程,电动自行车比燃油助动车产生更多的固体废物,排放更多的引起酸雨(AP)的SO2和更多的重金属离子。因此,并不是在所有的方面电动自行车都比燃油助动车好。

摩托车尾气对小鼠毒性作用的实验研究

目的 :了解摩托车使用无铅汽油后其尾气的毒性作用。方法 :选用 4 0只健康昆明种成年小鼠 ,体重 2 4 .6～ 36 .3g ,平均体重为 (30 .5 0± 5 .12 ) g ,随机分为 4组 ,染毒组分将摩托车尾气吸收液按 1∶2 ,1∶4 ,1∶16进行稀释后进行灌胃染毒 ,溶剂对照组用二甲基亚砜 (DMSO)按 1∶2用蒸馏水稀释后进行灌胃 ,每天 1次 ,每周 5d ,共计 4 0d。测定小鼠体内谷胱甘肽 (GSH)含量、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶 (GSH -Px)活性以及骨髓微核、精子畸形率的变化。结果 :摩托车尾气染毒各组可致全血及肝组织匀浆中GSH含量及GSH -Px活性降低 ,高浓度时表现更为明显 ,与对照组比较差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 5 ) ;骨髓嗜多染红细胞微核及精子畸变率增高 ,存在剂量 -效应关系 ,高浓度组与对照组比较明显增高 ,差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 5 )。结论 :本实验结果显示摩托车使用无铅汽油其尾气对实验小鼠具有明显的毒性作用。

中国摩托车轻合金车轮整体铸造的发展与展望

概述了我国摩托车轻合金车轮铸造的现状 ,对车轮生产中采用的各种铸造方法进行了分析比较 ,认为低压铸造是我国摩托车轻合金车轮铸造的首选方法 。

Witness在摩托车油箱涂装生产线系统中的仿真应用

分析了摩托车油箱涂装工艺流程,针对油箱涂装生产线系统的特点,采用Witness仿真软件构建油箱涂装生产线物流仿真模型,定义了模型的元素及功能,设定仿真参数,根据系统的繁忙率与空闲率,提出优化措施,为制造企业的生产物流系统分析与改善提供理论依据和仿真模型。

摩托车发动机缸体双面加工工艺

针对某企业对摩托车发动机缸体双面11孔加工提出的生产节拍要求,研制了一台加工工艺及布局均针对此工序的专用机床。在分析工件的结构、加工精度及生产效率等基础上,总结了加工难点,即工件材料质地较软,装夹及加工过程中较易变形,加工内容较多且不共面,从而使工件成品合格率及生产效率低。为解决前述问题,在对比传统方案的优劣后拟定了全新的工艺方案,并确定了加工过程中的主要工艺参数,同时,详细阐述了专用夹具的结构及工作原理。实际生产表明,双面11孔只需一次装夹即可完成钻孔加工,生产节拍在1 min/件左右,有效地降低了工人劳动强度,基本实现加工过程的自动化。

AX-100摩托车车架自动焊设备与工艺

研制出适用于铃木AX-100摩托车车架焊接的自动焊设备,并对其相应的焊接工艺进行了研究.

摩托车配件智能销售系统的设计与实现

利用 BDE引擎、C++builder、C++、SQL编程语言在 Windows98SE平台上开发出一套以导航窗、模拟购物为核心的智能化摩托车配件销售系统。该系统主要功能由销售区域、客户区域、货物查询、购物车。

车架静力试验与有限元静力分析

进行车架的静力试验和有限元法静力分析,对比试验结果与有限元计算结果,分析两者误差原因,改进有限元模型,使得两种结果的误差在一定范围内,有限元法静力分析能够代替车架静力物理试验。