Evaluation of impact of measles rubella campaign on vaccination coverage and routine immunization services in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Like other countries in Asia, measles-rubella (MR) vaccine coverage in Bangladesh is suboptimal whereas 90-95 % coverage is needed for elimination of these diseases. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) of the Government of Bangladesh implemented MR campaign in January-February 2014 to increase MR vaccination coverage. Strategically, the MOHFW used both routine immunization centres and educational institutions for providing vaccine to the children aged 9 months to <15 years. The evaluation was carried out to assess the impact of the campaign on MR vaccination and routine immunization services. METHODS: Both quantitative and qualitative evaluations were done before and after implementation of the campaign. Quantitative data were presented with mean (standard deviation, SD) for continuous variables and with proportion for categorical variables. The overall and age- and sex-specific coverage rates were calculated for each region and then combined. Categorical variables were compared by chi-square statistics. Multiple logistic regression analysis were performed to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) of coverage associated with covariates, with adjustment for other covariates. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS: The evaluations found MR coverage was very low (<13 %) before the campaign and it rose to 90 % after the campaign. The pre-post campaign difference in MR coverage in each stratum was highly significant (p < 0.001). The campaign achieved high coverage despite relatively low level (23 %) of interpersonal communication with caregivers through registration process. Child registration was associated with higher MR coverage (OR 2.91, 95 % CI 1.91-4.44). Children who attended school were more likely to be vaccinated (OR 8.97, 95 % CI 6.17-13.04) compared to those who did not attend school. Children of caregivers with primary or secondary or higher education had higher coverage compared to children of caregivers with no formal education. Most caregivers mentioned contribution of the campaign in vaccination for the children not previously vaccinated. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the evaluation indicated that the campaign was successful in terms of improving MR coverage and routine immunization services. The evaluation provided an important guideline for future evaluation of similar efforts in Bangladesh and elsewhere

Leveraging antibacterial efficacy of silver loaded chitosan nanoparticles on layer-by-layer self-assembled coated cotton fabric

The present study relates to forma self-assembled coating on cotton fabric using layer-by-layer (L-B-L) technique to impart antimicrobial property. Poly(styrenesulfonate) (PSS) and synthesised silver loaded chitosan (CS-Ag) nanoparticles were used as anionic and cationic agents, respectively, for the L-B-L electrostatic assembly of polyelectrolytes. The alternate L B-L deposition of PSS and CS-Ag nanoparticles on fabric was done up to 15 bi-layers, which was confirmed by measuring the change in depth of colour of fabric after each single layer deposition. Scanning electron micrographs showed the successful deposition of CS-Ag nanoparticles as the topmost surface layer of coated fabric, which was further reaffirmed by X ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. Results of both qualitative and quantitative analysis showed enhancement in the antibacterial activity of fabric coated L-B-L with CS-Ag nanoparticles (using minimal loading of silver) with respect to that of fabric coated L-B-L with chitosan (CS) nanoparticles. This was further substantiated by sustained release of Ag+ from fabric coated L-B-L with CS-Ag nanoparticles, as observed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Besides, no adverse effect on the physical and mechanical properties of the fabric, such as air-permeability, tensile strength and bending (flexural) rigidity, was observed after L-B-L coating of nanoparticles

Implementation of the World's largest measles-rubella mass vaccination campaign in Bangladesh: a process evaluation

Background: Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, supported a mass vaccination Measles-Rubella Campaign (MRC) in Bangladesh during January–February 2014

A critical review on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/zinc oxide (ZnO) based piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators

In the recent era of energy crisis, piezoelectric and triboelectric effects are surfacing out of several research topics. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and its copolymers are well known piezoelectric polymers due to their high piezoelectricity and widely used in flexible devices. PVDF is greatly utilized in preparation of triboelectric layer also due to its higher electronegative nature amongst common polymers. On the other hand, zinc oxide (ZnO) has been studied widely to investigate its multifunctional properties including piezoelectricity, pyroelectricity and antibacterial activity. This versatile material can be prepared, using low cost and environmental friendly routes, in various morphologies. Various research is already performed to capture the synergistic effect of reinforcing ZnO within PVDF polymeric matrix. This work firstly describes the basic principles of piezoelectric and triboelectric effects. Thereafter, piezoelectric and triboelectric performances of PVDF and ZnO based materials are briefly depicted based on their structures. Finally, challenges and future scopes, associated with the mechanical energy harvesting from such materials, are highlighted

Recent progress in molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) based flexible nanogenerators: an inclusive review

Energy consumption and structure have changed in the new era along with the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence, and the power sources for billions of dispersed gadgets and sensors have sparked attention globally to protect the environment. Due to the rising usage of non-renewable energy sources and the resulting environmental damage, researchers are investigating alternative energy systems that can harness energy from the environment. Therefore, self-sufficient small-scale electronic systems will be possible through the use of underutilised natural waste energy sources collected in nanogenerators (NGs). The features of the materials used have a significant impact on how well NGs work. In this regard Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), a 2D material, is one of the compounds that is discussed vastly nowadays due to its exceptional characteristics that made it useful in a variety of applications. Many research papers on the advancement and implementation of MoS2 materials have been published, but this article will give an in-depth overview. It offers an introduction and interpretation of the main properties of 2D MoS2 nanomaterials, starting with their current state, properties, and various synthesis processes. Later, the review concentrates on MoS2 applications and energy-harvesting capabilities and gives a comprehensive study of piezoelectric, triboelectric and thermometrical nanogenerators based on 2D MoS2 nanocomposite materials

Characterization techniques for nanotechnology applications in textiles

304-317Nanoscience and nanotechnology are considered to be the key technologies for the current century. Efforts are being made worldwide to create smart and intelligent textiles by incorporating various nanoparticles or creating nanostructured surfaces and nanofibres which lead to unprecedented level of textile performance, such as stain resistant, self-cleaning, antistatic, UV protective, etc. However, there are many challenges in the research and development of nanotechnology based products. The precise control of nanoparticle size, size distribution, dispersion at nanolevel and deposition on textile substrate needs sophisticated characterization techniques, such as particle size analyzer, electron microscopy (SEM/TEM/HRTEM), atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photon spectroscopy, etc. This paper discusses the basic principle and applications of these instrumental techniques in the field of nanotechnology research in textiles

Effect of process parameters on layer-by-layer self-assembly of polyelectrolytes on cotton substrate

To our knowledge, the present study is the first attempt to evaluate the effect of different process parameters on the amount of polyelectrolyte adsorbed on a cotton textile substrate via sequential adsorption of negatively charged poly (styrene sulphonate) (PSS) and positively charged poly (allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) using layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly nanocoating process. A considerably different polymer adsorption behaviour was observed from thick adsorbed layers to thin adsorbed layer with different degree of layer penetration and ionic pair formation over the pH range (2.5 - 9.0) studied. The amount of polyelectrolyte adsorption on cotton fabric was evaluated by measuring the colour value (K/S) of methylene blue absorbed cotton surface. Contact angle measurement revealed that the extent of binding of the oppositely charged polyions on the fabric depends on the pH of the polyelectrolyte solution and 'zipped-up' structure with more ion pair formation was observed at the pH range 4.5 - 6.5. At higher temperature, the amount of polyelectrolyte adsorbed within the multilayers was higher. An increased deposition of PSS and PAH was observed with increase in electrolyte (NaCl) concentration. The amount of PSS and PAH adsorption increased up to 0.03 (M) of PSS and 0.01 (M) of PAH concentrations, respectively. A dipping time of 5 min was sufficient to have a maximum deposition of the polyelectrolyte multilayers

Modulation of size, shape and surface charge of chitosan nanoparticles with reference to antimicrobial activity

Chitosan is extensively used in medicine and medical textiles for drug delivery and other applications because of its biocompatibility, biodegradability and inherent antimicrobial properties. In this study, we demonstrated a manipulating route with suitable process conditions to synthesize chitosan nanoparticles which are expected to have the best antibacterial activity for medical application. Ionotropic cross-linking using sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) was the chosen route for synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles. It was interesting to observe that pH of the chitosan and TPP solution has a significant role in controlling the nanoparticle shape and size and thus can be fine tuned to achieve optimum antimicrobial activity. Solution pH of both chitosan and TPP was demonstrated to be the most critical factor in controlling particle size, surface charge and even shape as revealed by the SEM and TEM micrograph. It was also found that variation in size, shape and surface charge of chitosan nanoparticles resulted in significant variation in their antibacterial activity. The study demonstrated that best antimicrobial activity against bacteria S. aureus was achieved when the chitosan nanoparticles were synthesized at chitosan solution pH fixed at 6.0 and the TPP solution pH at 8.9. These observations can be used to fine tune the synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles for their application as an effective antimicrobial agent in polymers and textiles for their noble use in medical field

Ecofriendly antimicrobial finishing of textiles using bioactive agents based on natural products

295-304In the present scenario of environmental consciousness, the new quality requirements not only emphasize on the intrinsic functionality and long service life of the product but also a production process that is environment-friendly. Therefore, research on environment-friendly antimicrobial agents based on natural products for textile application is gaining worldwide interest. This paper reports a comprehensive review on natural product based bioactive agents such as chitosan, natural dyes, neem extract and other herbal products for antimicrobial finishing of textile substrates. Different classes of active ingredients found in extracts of natural products and their mechanism of antimicrobial action have been presented. The major challenges and the future potential of application of natural products on textiles have also been critically reviewe