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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Leading Pattern of Spring Drought Variability over East Asia and Associated Drivers

Drought events have become more frequent and intense over East Asia in recent decades,leading to huge socioeconomic impacts.Although the droughts have been studied extensively by cases or for individual regions,their leading variability and associated causes remain unclear.Based on the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index(SPEI)and ERA5 reanalysis product from 1979 to 2020,this study evealuates the severity of spring droughts in East Asia and investigates their variations and associated drivers.The results indicate that North China and Mongolia have experienced remarkable trends toward dryness during spring in recent decades,while southwestern China has witnessed an opposite trend toward wetness.The first Empirical Orthogonal Function mode of SPEI variability reveals a similar seesawing pattern,with more severe dryness in northwestern China,Mongolia,North China,South Korea,and Japan but increased wetness in Southwestern China and southeast Asia.Further investigation reveals that the anomalously dry(wet)surface in North(Southwestern)China is significantly associated with anomalously high(low)temperature,less(more)precipitation,and reduced(increased)soil moisture during the previous winter and early spring,regulated by an anomalous anticyclone(cyclone)and thus reduced(increased)water vapor convergence.The spring dry-wet pattern in East Asia is also linked to cold sea surface temperature anomalies in the central-eastern Pacific.The findings of this study have important implications for improving the prediction of spring drought events in East Asia.

Seroprevalence Survey of HIV and Hepatitis B Virus and Behavioral Characteristics among Heavy Truck Drivers along Port Sudan-Khartoum Highways

The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (AIDS) and hepatitis B virus among heavy truck drivers and their assistants has been well documented globally in correlation with their behavioral characteristics. The present study aimed to screen for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and behavioral characteristics among heavy truck drivers in Port Sudan. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 274 heavy truck drivers and their assistants who used the highway Port Sudan-Khartoum in Port Sudan city during 2019-2021. Data on behavioral characteristics and substance use habits were collected using a structured questionnaire, and an ELISA test was used to screen for HIV and HBV infections in the study participants. The chi-square test, odds ratio, and confidence intervals were used to find the association between behavioral characteristics and seropositive HIV/HBV. Of the 274 enrolled participants, the seroprevalence rates of HIV were 2.7% and HBV was 23.7%. Ninety-four (34.3%) of them had a history of high-risk sexual behavior outside of marriage;only two (0.7%) used condoms;14.2% of participants reported alcohol use;and 1.1% reported drug use. Univariate analysis revealed that having a sex history outside of marriage with ≥1 sex partner and never using a condom with a spouse or casual partner were significant risk factors for HIV and HBV among drivers. Fortunately, we found that most of the drivers reported low alcohol and drug use. Concerning this study, the seroprevalence of HIV and HBV is highly associated with a history of having sex outside of marriage and sexual behavior among truck drivers and assistances. Additional studies are needed to further investigate other STIs and behavioral characteristics associated with factors in truck drivers/assistance in different truck stop regions in Sudan.

Statistical Analysis of Accident Proneness of Drivers

A mathematical model describing the risks of road accidents has been built on the basis of statistical data of drivers’ accident rate. It has been revealed that drivers can be divided by the degree of their accident proneness into four categories with sharply differing probabilities of road accidents. It has been shown that there is a possibility of classification of drivers in accordance with specified categories.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Psychoactive Substance Misuse among Heavy Goods Vehicle Drivers in Cotonou, Benin

Introduction: In Benin, Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers play an essential role in the logistics chain, facilitating the transportation of goods within the country or between other countries in the sub-region. HGV drivers are professionals who experience adverse working conditions, exposing them to risky behaviours, including Psychoactive Substance (PAS) misuse, leading to particularly severe road accidents. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PAS misuse among HGV drivers and identify associated factors in Cotonou, Benin. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey involving HGV drivers at parking areas in Cotonou from 26 March to 10 April 2023. The dependent variable was the PAS misuse by HGV drivers, and the independent variables were related to their socio-demographic characteristics, health status and lifestyle habits, and professional characteristics. Data analysis involved determining the prevalence of PAS misuse with a 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI). Subsequently, we identified factors associated with PAS misuse among the participants using multivariate logistic regression. We presented the final regression results as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% CI. Results: The study included 425 HGV drivers. Among them, 53 (12.47%, 95% CI = 9.64 - 15.98) were misusing PAS. Compared to drivers aged 35 and older, those aged under 25 (aOR = 10.67, 95% CI = 3.56 - 32.03) and those aged 25 to 34 (aOR = 3.47, 95% CI = 1.37 - 8.82) had higher odds of PAS misuse. Drivers with a primary education were less likely (aOR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.19 - 0.97) to misuse PAS than those with no formal education. Drivers suffering from cardiovascular diseases were also three times more likely (aOR = 3.08, 95% CI = 1.08 - 8.81) to misuse PAS than others. The odds of PAS misuse were also higher among drivers who reported taking breaks than those claiming not to (aOR = 3.11, 95% CI = 1.57 - 6.18). Conclusion: Driving under the influence of PAS is a risk factor for road accidents, associated with other factors highlighted in this study. Addressing these factors in prevention strategies through integrated approaches could lead to more effective results.

Impact of Manipulative Treatment on Professional Drivers

The experimental research, presented in the study, focuses on track tests with the aim of highlighting changes in lap times after manipulative treatment of drainage of the glymphatic system and stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. Introduction: The experimental research, presented in this study, focuses on analyzing the potential effects of a manipulative treatment on the performance of a professional driver. The main objective is to evaluate the change in lap times after the application of the treatment, trying to understand whether it can actually positively influence the driver’s performance. The study stands an important opportunity to extend knowledge, regarding the use of manipulative therapies in the context of optimized driving skills. The results obtained could provide useful insights and contribute to improving the performance of professional drivers by offering new perspectives and strategies to improve their performance. Leveraging a rigorous scientific approach and a sample of highly skilled drivers, the research aims to provide concrete evidence on the effectiveness of manipulative treatment in driving skills. Monitoring lap times before and after the intervention also capture any temporary or long-term effects of the treatment, ensuring a thorough and reliable analysis of the results. Materials and methods: 15 professional drivers, aged 18 to 36 years, with at least 10 years of experience as drivers, participated in this study. The test consisted of analyzing lap times before and after treatment.

Drivers of Innovative Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture in Bamenda City, Cameroon

Urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) is gaining increasing importance in developing countries, due to rapid urbanization and rising rural-to-urban migration which has led to an increase in the population of the urban poor in Cameroon. It has been estimated that at least 70% of the total population of Cameroon will be living in urban areas by 2060. Urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) has become an important source of livelihood and survival, especially amongst the urban poor but is not adequately recognized and supported by the government of Cameroon and organizations. Recent innovations in UPA have created new opportunities for social, economic, and environmental sustainability of urban areas, hence possible policy formulation in UPA. Therefore, this study was conducted with the main objective of determining the drivers of innovative urban and peri-urban agriculture in Bamenda City, Cameroon. Methodologically, the study employed probit model, using primary data collected from a sample of 402 UPA farmers through the cluster, simple random, and snowball sampling techniques. The results revealed that access to extension services is a major driver of innovative UPA in Bamenda City and is statistically significant at 1%. Other factors such as employment status (full time), age group (26 to 50 years), and gender, were also seen to have a significant positive influence on innovative UPA while the level of education (secondary) had a negative influence on innovative UPA and was statistically significant at 5%. Limited capital, limited knowledge, and financial constraints were identified as the major challenges hindering the practice of innovative urban and peri-urban agriculture in Bamenda City. The study recommends that the government and non-governmental organizations should increase the quality and quantity of extension service delivery to urban and peri-urban farmers, and more recognition and support should be offered to them to help overcome the challenges faced.

Exploring the drivers of urban expansion in a medium-class urban agglomeration in India using the remote sensing techniques and geographically weighted models

Rapid urbanization urges the immediate attention of policymakers to ensure sustainable city development.Under-standing the urban growth drivers is essential to address effective strategies for urbanization-related challenges.This work aims to study Raiganj’s urban development and the factors associated with this expansion.This study employed global logistic regression(LR)and geographical weighted logistic regression(GWLR)to explore the role of different factors.The results showed that the role of the central business district(covariate>-1),commercial market(covariate>-3),and police station(covariate>-4)were significant to the development of new built-up areas.In the second period,major roads(covariate>-2)and new infrastructures(covariate>-4)became more relevant,particularly in the eastern and southern areas.GWLR was more accurate in assessing the different fac-tors’impact than LR.The results obtained are essential to understanding urban expansion in India’s medium-class cities,which is critical to effective policies for sustainable urbanization.

OSMR is a potential driver of inflammation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease,and the molecular mechanism underlying its pathology remains poorly understood.However,inflammation is known to play an important role in the development of this condition.To identify driver genes that affect the inflammatory response in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,as well as potential treatment targets,it is crucial to analyze brain tissue samples from patients with both sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and C9orf72-related amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Therefore,in this study we used a network-driven gene analysis tool,NetBID2.0,which is based on SJARACNe,a scalable algorithm for the reconstruction of accurate cellular networks,to experimentally analyze sequencing data from patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.The results showed that the OSMR gene is pathogenic in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and participates in the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by mediating the neuroinflammatory response.Furthermore,there were differences in OSMR activity and expression between patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and those with C9orf72-related amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.These findings suggest that OSMR may be a diagnostic and prognostic marker for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

A Framework for Driver DrowsinessMonitoring Using a Convolutional Neural Network and the Internet of Things

One of the major causes of road accidents is sleepy drivers.Such accidents typically result in fatalities and financial losses and disadvantage other road users.Numerous studies have been conducted to identify the driver’s sleepiness and integrate it into a warning system.Most studies have examined how the mouth and eyelids move.However,this limits the system’s ability to identify drowsiness traits.Therefore,this study designed an Accident Detection Framework(RPK)that could be used to reduce road accidents due to sleepiness and detect the location of accidents.The drowsiness detectionmodel used three facial parameters:Yawning,closed eyes(blinking),and an upright head position.This model used a Convolutional Neural Network(CNN)consisting of two phases.The initial phase involves video processing and facial landmark coordinate detection.The second phase involves developing the extraction of frame-based features using normalization methods.All these phases used OpenCV and TensorFlow.The dataset contained 5017 images with 874 open eyes images,850 closed eyes images,723 open-mouth images,725 closed-mouth images,761 sleepy-head images,and 1084 non-sleepy head images.The dataset of 5017 images was divided into the training set with 4505 images and the testing set with 512 images,with a ratio of 90:10.The results showed that the RPK design could detect sleepiness by using deep learning techniques with high accuracy on all three parameters;namely 98%for eye blinking,96%for mouth yawning,and 97%for head movement.Overall,the test results have provided an overview of how the developed RPK prototype can accurately identify drowsy drivers.These findings will have a significant impact on the improvement of road users’safety and mobility.

基于DriverStudio的WDM型PL2303设备驱动的开发

使用DriverStudio开发工具为PL2303芯片开发了一套WDM型驱动程序。介绍了WDM驱动程序概念、USB设备通信协议,阐述了DriverStudio开发工具的操作步骤和驱动程序的安装。在自制的学生实验开发板的基础上以PL2303芯片为对象进行了WDM型驱动程序的开发研究,并完成相关代码的编写,得到了实验的验证。结果表明:可以明显地简化开发板的操作时间并且提高了通信效率。

用DriverStudio开发PCI总线设备驱动程序

以PCI9656为例,介绍了利用DriverStudio开发PCI设备驱动程序的方法步骤,并实现了具有I/O和内存读写、中断处理和DMA传输功能的驱动程序。

关于Oracle JDBC Thin Drivers的解析

随着Internet技术的不断发展,单纯的采用HTML语言写成的静态网页在交互性、动态性等方面已经不能满足用户的需求,也跟不上技术发展的形势。JSP是由SUN公司推出的动态网页新技术,基于强大的JAVA语言,也被许多人认为是最具发展前途的技术。动态网站在构建时,与数据库的连接要求越来越多。尤其是一些电子商务网站。在Java中连接数据库的技术是JDBC(JavaDataBaseConnectivity)。ORACLE公司作为全球最大的数据库产品的提供商,推出的JDBC驱动程序更加适合采用JSP技术开发的动态网页中对ORACLE数据库的访问。本文对ORACLEJDBC瘦驱动程序(ThinDriver)的两个版本(ORACLEJDBC1.0,ORACLEJDBC2.0)进行解析,以让用户了解其发展与应用情况。

用Numega DriverStudio设计Windows NT设备驱动程序

Windows NT以其高度安全性和全新体系结构,而成为许多应用系统的首选操作系统平台,开发Windows NT下的驱动程序已成为应用系统开发的难点之一。本文简述了驱动程序的生成、调试、安装方法,系统介绍了用Numega DriverStudio设计Windows NT的设备驱动程序,包括多板同机、驱动程序与应用程序的I/O通信和中断事件通知,在此基础上可以编写实用的Windows NT设备驱动程序。

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在Windows2000下,采用DriverStudio开发设备驱动程序的基本步骤包括:通过安装DriverStudio,利用DriverWizard创建WDM框架程序;对框架程序添加代码,编译产生驱动*.sys;最后再安装及调用驱动程序。

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USB以其诸多的优点已被广泛应用于PC接口设计之中,USB设备驱动程序的开发是USB开发的一个重要部分。介绍了USB和WDM驱动程序的概念和结构,阐述了利用DriverStudio工具包开发WDM型USB设备驱动的方法,并对相关代码进行了修改,此驱动程序在实验中得到了验证。