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International trade enables countries to expand their markets, access more products, improve resource allocation, and boost economic growth by leveraging comparative advantage and specialization. The aim of this article is to analyze the primary factors that influence Malawi’s international trade flows. The study is relevant because it examines Malawi’s trade patterns with its main partners, which include surrounding nations and traditional trade allies. The novelty is that, through the analysis, the research offers valuable insights into the primary factors that influence Malawi’s international commerce. Panel data is gathered from various sources, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, covering the period from 2000 to 2023 for 11 countries that are trading partners with Malawi. We employ the Bayesian Mindsponge gravity methodology. The results show that the economic size (characterized by the gross domestic product) of the origin and destination countries, bilateral agreements, and the population size of the destination country have a beneficial impact on Malawi’s exports. In conclusion, Malawi’s export performance is significantly enhanced by the economic size of both Malawi and its trading partners, the existence of bilateral agreements, and the population size of the destination countries, underscoring the importance of strategic economic partnerships and targeted trade policies in boosting Malawi’s international trade. We recommend Malawi authorities focus on strengthening bilateral agreements and targeting trade relationships with larger and more populous economies to boost international trade.

The pursuit of finely tuned material properties has driven the exploration of annealing strategies in the context of Samarium Silica Nanocomposites (Sm-SiO2 NCs) synthesized through the sol-gel route. This study unveils novel insights into the influence of optimized annealing protocols on the structural and functional evolution of these advanced nanocomposites. Through meticulous experimentation, we establish that controlled temperature annealing plays a pivotal role in tailoring the microstructure and properties of Sm-SiO2 NCs. The judicious manipulation of annealing parameters, including temperature duration, and atmosphere, orchestrates distinct transformations in the composite architecture. Field emission microscopy and structural analysis reveal that precise annealing promotes the consolidation of nanoscale domains, leading to improved crystallinity and enhanced connectivity between samarium species and the silica matrix. Moreover, the annealing-induced modifications extend beyond structural aspects to influence functional properties, an increase in crystallite size was observed from 15 nm to 43 nm as an effect of annealing. Our findings illustrate a remarkable enhancement in luminescence intensity as a consequence of optimized annealing, showcasing the potential for tailored photonic applications. These revelations are supported by a comprehensive suite of analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infra red,\Field emission with Energy dispersive x-ray and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The synthesis-annealing synergy not only advances our fundamental understanding of nanocomposite evolution but also furnishes a pathway towards designing multifunctional materials with precision-engineered attributes.

Background: A large proportion of persons with schizophrenia are either abandoned by their family members in mental hospitals or do not have any family members to look after them. Therefore, almost 2/3rd of hospital beds are occupied by chronic schizophrenic patients. Very few beds are available for the treatment of acute mental patients who need urgent hospitalization. Aim: To assess the impact of a comprehensive socio-vocation rehabilitation package on the work productivity and social behavior of persons with chronic schizophrenia. Materials and Methods: Sixty chronic schizophrenic inpatients were included in the present study. Sociodemographic and clinical details were collected on a specially designed Performa for the study. Each patient was rated on a job-up-to-date form at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months after intervention. Data related to the vocational outcome were collected on the supervisor’s evaluation form at the end of the first month and then after every month till the end of 6 months after intervention. The patient’s social behavior was measured on the Social Behavior Schedule at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months after intervention. Results: Significant improvement was found in the area of vocational outcomes when a comparison was made from the 1st month to the 6th month. Marked improvement was also noticed in their social behaviors after social and vocational rehabilitation. Conclusion: The overall results suggest that chronic schizophrenic inpatients can be properly rehabilitated if opportunity is provided to them.

Nd2O3-SiO2 nanocomposite was prepared in the current work utilising the sol-gel technique. After being heated in air, the amorphous phase of silicates transformed to crystalline phase via intermediate phase as oxide. Due to its comparatively small operating temperature and ability to form nanostructures with precise size, sol-gel approach is a compelling alternative. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), which verified the structural characteristics of neodymium silicate (Nd2O3-SiO2) nanocomposites, were used to characterise the synthesised materials. The effect of duration and annealing temperature on the phase advancement of the silicates has been considered thoroughly. It was discovered that the sample was sintered for 3 hours at various temperatures, thus obtaining neodymium silicates. In addition, Optical characterization of Nd2O3 -SiO2 was performed using Photoluminescence Spectroscopy (PL).

To address the gaps in previous studies, this paper explores the integration of mindfulness approaches in understanding and tackling the Ukraine conflict. While existing research has predominantly focused on traditional theoretical frameworks like constructivism, neoliberalism, and realism, the potential insights offered by a mindfulness approach remain largely unexplored. This study aims to elucidate how mindfulness principles such as compassion, empathy, and non-judgmental awareness can offer valuable perspectives and effective strategies for resolving conflict and fostering peace in Ukraine. By critically analysing the complexities and dynamics of the conflict, the paper transforms the traditional ABC triangle of conflict into an expanded ABCM diamond of conflict, incorporating a mindfulness approach. Through expert interviews and an analysis of secondary data sources, the paper contributes to a deeper understanding of conflict resolution techniques and offers novel approaches to addressing contemporary geopolitical challenges such as the Ukraine conflict.

Objective To assess the impact of the nurse-led counselling programme on eye patch application for improvement of adherence to eye patch application and vision among children with amblyopia.Material and methods A randomised control trial was done at the paediatric clinic in the eye outpatient department of a tertiary care institute in North India. A total of 70 children with amblyopia were enrolled in the study by using total enumeration sampling techniques and randomised into experimental and control groups with 35 children in each group. Data were collected by interviewing the children with amblyopia and their parents as per the interview schedule. A protocol for nurse-led counselling on the adherence to eye patch application was developed. The intervention included counselling sessions, demonstrations and booklets for the experimental group. A performa for maintaining daily records of the time and duration of eye patch application was given to parents of the experimental group. Eight telephonic follow-ups were done with the experimental group of patients to motivate parents to adhere. Standard care was given to the children of the control group. Both groups were finally evaluated at third month on adherence to eye patch application and visual acuity.Result The adherence to eye patch application, vision (as per logMAR chart) knowledge and practices of eye patch application was significantly better in the experimental group as compared with the control group (p

Background: Immunological Survey or serosurveys have yielded useful information regarding the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the general population, but the impact of the continuing pandemic on the medical students in India is yet to be fully recognised. In this study we assessed the students who had received at least two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for their antibody response. Methodology: A Hospital based, age-stratified, cross-sectional Analytical study design was adopted for the survey, carried out in tribal state of India among medical students. Consecutive sampling method was used where serum samples were tested for antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein. Result: The vaccinee group comprised of 187 students mostly aged between 18-23 years 68.4% were females, 56.6 % were vaccinated with covishield. The mean IgG (Immunoglobin G) titre was 7343.74 AU/Ml, less than 1000 AU/Ml was found in 8% of participants, while more than 8000 AU/Ml was found in 32.1%. Participants who got the covaxin vaccine had a higher median IgG titre (median 6491.8 AU/mL, interquartile range 8898 AU/mL).The antibody titre of male was 0.328 times lower than that of female. Conclusion: Despite the fact that covishield’s mean antibody titre was higher, covaxin’s protection lasted longer.

Background: India is witnessing a dramatic rise in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus. In this study, quality of life (QOL) of patients with diabetes and its determinants were assessed. Second, the valuation of QOL using different methods of measurement was examined. Methods: A community-based survey comprising 306 adults diagnosed with diabetes was undertaken in an urban slum area of Chandigarh city. Direct methods of QOL assessment such as time trade-off (TTO) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) along with indirect like EuroQol 5-Dimensional 5-Level Instrument (EQ-5D-5L) and the QOL Instrument for Indian Diabetes Patients (QOLID) were used. Multiple linear regression was used to compute coefficients to assess point estimate of QOL using the Indian QOLID tool. Results: Overall, health utility scores for a person with diabetes were 0.68 (with TTO method), 0.60–0.64 (with VAS) analog scale, and EQ-5D-5L method, respectively. Valuation of QOL using direct methods yielded utility values which were significantly higher than indirect methods (EQ-5D-5L). Conclusion: Overall, this study found that diabetes is responsible for physical, psychological, and social role disturbance among the patients. In addition, choice of using direct or indirect methods of utility estimation may have practical implications while calculating incremental cost-effectiveness ratios.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), also known as novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). The disease presentation ranges from asymptomatic to severe acute respiratory failure requiring intensive care support. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies are developed either by natural infection from SARS-CoV-2 or by vaccination against COVID-19. The persistence of IgG antibodies allows identification of the people who have been infected in the past, recovered from illness, and possibly become immune.7 IgG detection and other serological assays will play an important role in research and surveillance. Aims and Objective: The objective of the study is to assess anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titre among blood donors and to assess the decreasing incidence of COVID-19 in the department of blood bank, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand. Materials and Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted at the department of blood bank, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand over a period of 2 months and 14 days from 06 February 2021 to 20 April 2021 who donated at least one unit of blood. Results: This study recorded a greater number of male donors with B+ blood group. The anti-SARS-CoV-2 titre were mostly young adults between 18 and 31 years of age. Conclusion: Seroprevalence was high in males having blood group B+ between 18 and 32 years of age.

Background: Nurse led noncommunicable diseases (NCD) clinic may address the significant shortage of human resource for health for managing common NCDs. The objective of this study is to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of nurse-led NCD clinic for identification, prevention, and management of common NCDs. Materials and Methods: A quasi experimental study was conducted at a Public Health Dispensary in periurban community of Northern India. Situational analysis and stakeholders' interview were done based on which the clinic was setup and run over a period of 2 months by registered nurses and nursing students to offer screening, health education and appropriate referral. The primary outcome of study was proportion of population screened, prevalence of common NCDs, risk factors modification, medication adherence, and patient satisfaction. Results: It was feasible to run a nurse led clinic in terms of availability of space, equipment to run the clinic and human resource. A total of 455 individuals aged ≥30 years were enrolled using the total enumeration sampling technique. There was a significant increase in screening rates from 0.29% to 3.7% in nurse-led NCD clinic. There was significant mean change in systolic blood pressure (18.75 ± 6.92 mm Hg), diastolic blood pressure (4.4 ± 3.71 mm Hg), random blood sugar (33.36 ± 38.49 mg/dl) Body Mass Index, and waist circumference (P < 0.01) among the population screened. Medication adherence significantly increased from 7.8% to 76.4% (P < 0.01) after 2 months of nurse-led NCD clinic. Conclusion: Task sharing for managing common NCDs in nurse-led NCD clinic was feasible and effective in increasing screening rates, medication adherence, and risk factors modification among studied population.

Quality of life (QoL) is a very contemporary domain of modern health care practices. Though it has no clear or concise definition, its impact of it is huge for an individual living with diabetes mellitus. Yet, the mention of QoL is restricted to majorly four common domains, such as physical, psychological, social, and environmental, which excludes the major areas that lead to poor QoL among diabetic individuals in rural India, such as, indefinite food restriction and seclusion from the family dining menu or isolation from festivals largely focused on food. Work and role limitation in the Indian setting is also a prevalent precursor to poor QoL, for example, the consciousness of frequent bathroom visits due to polyuria, unaffordability of proper storage of insulin in the workplace, and increased absenteeism for doctor visits. The focus on the vague ideas of QoL needs to be changed towards more individualistic, as it is a subjective measure. Nonetheless, the assessment of QoL is non-existent in the treatment protocols of diabetes in rural India, mostly because of the non-availability of specialized institutions, resources, and services. Moreover, as diabetes is a silent disease, the effects of self-care are not immediate, even though, long-term benefits have been proven, leading to poor motivation added to inaccessibility of healthcare services, creating an environment for detrimental quality of life. Thus, an individualist approach toward QoL is warranted along with mandatory evaluation of QoL in every area of the diabetic therapeutic regime.

Purpose: Men who have sex with men (MSM) is a vulnerable group, who have been neglected and discriminated. Such discrimination decreases their access to health care and increases the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Aims and Objective: The objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of “self-care interventional package” on the promotion of sexual health, among MSM. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on MSM from two nongovernmental organization centers of Chandigarh, which were randomized by simple random sampling into a control and experimental group. Over a period of 1 month, a total of 115 MSM were found eligible; 55 in control group and 60 in experimental group. Data were collected by a personal interview, after taking consent, in a comfortable and private environment. The Self-Care Interventional Package on the promotion of sexual health was developed in the form of flash book and booklet, and delivered by one-to-one interaction. Three follow-ups were done weekly for motivation in both the groups. Postintervention assessment was conducted after 1 month. Results: There was a statistically significant (P < 0.01) improvement in knowledge about prevention and management of STIs and HIV, getting vaccinated for Hepatitis B and regular self check-up. Statistically significant reduction in unsafe sexual practices was noted among the MSM of experimental group. Conclusion: The self-care interventional package for the promotion of sexual health was effective in improving the sexual heath of the MSM population.

Abstract Synthesis of ZnO‐based material is becoming more importance as eco‐friendly alternative to traditional production process because of its excellent industrial application. Here, in this paper, we report comparative study of ZnO micro‐ and ZnO nano‐films prepared by low‐cost sol‐gel syringe spray method and then followed by sintering in the muffle furnace at 450°C. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern confirms hexagonal structure with maximum diffraction intensity from (101) plane. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images confirm appreciable variation of grain size of micro‐ and nano‐coated films. EDAX spectrum confirms presence of Zn and O elements. An increase in optical band gaps from 3.21 eV for ZnO thick film to 3.40 eV for ZnO nano‐film was observed by UV‐Vis spectroscopy. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra show a wide absorption band at 1400 cm−1 corresponding to the stretching vibration of zinc and oxygen ZnO bond. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra exhibit strong ultraviolet emission at room temperature, indicating useful material for short‐wave light‐emitting photonic devices. The DC conductivity measurement from two probe method shows semiconductor characteristics.

AimTo assess the impact of a culturally appropriate and theoretically driven nurse-led tele-counseling intervention to parents of children with cerebral visual impairment (CVI) on the adherence to visual therapy advised by the ophthalmologists.DesignA pre-experimental design was used.MethodsParents of children with CVI aged 2–9 years were enroled telephonically during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic through the Pediatric Ophthalmology Clinic of a tertiary eye care center. Pre-assessment of participants was done telephonically as per the interview schedule. As per the protocol, the trained nurse-delivered tele-counseling intervention two times weekly for the first 2 weeks and weekly for the next 2 weeks via audio and video two-way tele-interaction with parents. A CVI information booklet was shared with parents via WhatsApp interface and individualized visual therapy was reinforced in accordance with the advice of the treating ophthalmologist. It was based on a thorough review of clinical records of the child, such as a detailed CVI questionnaire, history, and findings of clinical examination and neuro-visual behavior of a child. In addition, parents were encouraged to maintain a diary of the daily sessions of visual therapy and share recorded videos of their training exercises which were then evaluated and discussed with the ophthalmologist for any deviation. Outcome measures included adherence to eye activities for 7–8 sessions per day. Data were analyzed by using SPSS statistics for windows, version 20.ResultsOverall, improvement of adherence to visual therapy was observed among children with CVI (p < 0.0001). Nearly half (47.6%) of participants adhered to 3–4 sessions/day and only 28.6% were adherent to the recommended 7–8 sessions/day.ConclusionThe pilot study demonstrated the potential of the nurse-led tele-counseling intervention to supplement the ongoing health treatment of patients in improving the adherence to eye activities among parents of children with CVI.

Rapidly growing viral infections are potent risks to public health worldwide. Accessible virus-specific antiviral vaccines and drugs are therapeutically inert to emerging viruses, such as Zika, Ebola, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Therefore, discovering ways to prevent and control viral infections is among the foremost medical challenge of our time. Recently, innovative technologies are emerging that involve the development of new biomaterial-based formulations and surfaces endowed with broad-spectrum antiviral properties. Here, we review emerging biomaterials technologies for controlling viral infections. Relevant advances in biomaterials employed with nanotechnology to inactivate viruses or to inhibit virus replication and further their translation in safe and effective antiviral formulations in clinical trials are discussed. We have included antiviral approaches based on both organic and inorganic nanoparticles (NPs), which offer many advantages over molecular medicine. An insight into the development of immunomodulatory scaffolds in designing new platforms for personalized vaccines is also considered. Substantial research on natural products and herbal medicines and their potential in novel antiviral drugs are discussed. Furthermore, to control contagious viral infections, i.e., to reduce the viral load on surfaces, current strategies focusing on biomimetic anti-adhesive surfaces through nanostructured topography and hydrophobic surface modification techniques are introduced. Biomaterial surfaces functionalized with antimicrobial polymers and nanoparticles against viral infections are also discussed. We recognize the importance of research on antiviral biomaterials and present potential strategies for future directions in applying these biomaterial-based approaches to control viral infections and SARS-CoV-2.

Data presented in this article describe bacterial and fungal repellent properties of 2D-films and 3D-hydrogels made of different recombinantly produced spider silk proteins based on consensus sequences of Araneus diadematus dragline silk proteins (fibroin 3 and 4). Here, the attachment, growth, and microbial colonization of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) as well as Candida albicans (C. albicans) on plane and micro-patterned films were visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Also, microbial viability data are provided of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Pichia pastoris (P. pastoris) on hydrogels made of eADF4(C16) and eADF4(C16)-RGD, quantified using the Alamar blue assay. Experimental results, design of a post-operative contamination model of microbes with mammalian cells, and methods in the data article refer to the research paper “Engineered spider silk-based 2D and 3D materials prevent microbial infestation” published recently [1].

The bacterial isolate KC1 was screened from the rhizosphere of castor plants (Ricinus communis) indigenous to agricultural fields of Bihar. The isolate was Gram negative, non-spore forming, and exhibited fluorescence under UV light. Its molecular characterization is based on the sequencing of 16S rDNA (1450 bp) and alignment at GeneBank (NCBI, MaryLand). The strain has been validated as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (HM195190). The bacterium grew at 4–42 °C, with a temperature optima of 30 °C. The strain KC1 was found to produce cyanide (4.78 nmol l−1) over a period of 36 h. Data revealed enhanced cyanogenesis (6.98 nmol l−1), when glycine was provided in the King’s B medium. Seed bacterization exhibited reduction in root length, shoot length of weed seedlings (Amaranthus spinosus, Portulaca oleracea), which was significant (p

Introduction: In recent years more responsibility have been added to the work of Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) affecting the satisfaction of the users. So need was felt to conduct a study on the satisfaction of clients in study area. The objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of ANMs in terms of client satisfaction in selected health care settings of North India. This cross-sectional study was conducted in two selected health care settings of North India. Material and Methods: Convenient sampling technique was used to select 7 ANMs and 100 clients from the study area. Data collection was done by using client satisfaction interview schedule. Descriptive and inferential statistics (χ2 test) was used. Results: Most (87%) clients were satisfied with the services provided by ANMs. The dissatisfaction in rural area was only 2% as compared to 24% in urban area. Lesser proportion of people were satisfied with family planning, provision of health services and other services. Conclusion: Clients in rural area were more satisfied as compared to clients in urban area .More satisfaction was reported in communication, maternal and child health and health education services.

Introduction: Medicine administration is a major role played by registered nurses. Medicines are prescribed by the physician and dispensed by the pharmacist but responsibility for meticulous administration rests with the registered nurse. It becomes even more important when drugs are to be administered to children. Drug administration via Intramuscular (IM), Intradermal (ID) and Subcutaneous route is a complex process. Errors are associated with medicine administration. Aim: The objective of this study was to develop Standard Operational Protocol (SOP) for IM, ID and Subcutaneous drug administration and checklist to assess the implementation of the developed SOP. Materials and Methods: A methodological research design adapted to carry out the present study to develop standard operational protocol for IM, ID and subcutaneous drug administration for children, admitted in Advanced Paediatric Centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. The study included 58 bedside nurses and 90 observations of medicine administration procedure. Results: The Content Validity Index (CVI) was prepared to assess the validity of content (items) of SOPs and checklists. Over all Cronbach's-alpha values was calculated to assess the internal consistency of Items in SOPs and checklists. CVI of SOP and checklists were 98.51%, 97.83% and 99.03%. Over all Cronbach'salpha values were calculated 0.96, 0.82 and 0.95. All the nurses felt that SOPs are useful. Conclusion: Valid and feasible SOPs for drug administration in children along with valid and reliable checklists were developed. It is recommended to use this document for drug administration in children to prevent any possible error during drug administration to children.

Introduction: The lockdown to curb COVID-19 pandemic has affected day-to-day life of the public. The people faced many challenges in their daily life and took various measures to overcome them. Objective: To explore challenges being faced by the employees of tertiary care centre during the lockdown period due to COVID-19 pandemic and various interventions undertaken by them to overcome those issues. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted in the study. Purposive sampling technique was used to enrol 151 class III and IV employees of a tertiary care hospital. The data was collected using a questionnaire comprising of socio-demographic profile sheet and questions regarding health-related challenges, preventive practices and the effect of lockdown on basic life activities of the employees of tertiary care Institute during COVID-19 pandemic. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee and written informed consent was taken from each participant. Results: During lockdown, there was an increase in food intake, weight, duration of physical activity, frequency of bathing and changing clothes, involvement in household chores and time spent with children. However, there was no significant change in the sleeping patterns and sexual activity of the participants. They faced various difficulties in medical consultation of non-covid issues, could not procure medicines and skipped vaccinations of their children. The findings also show that people practiced various measures such as herbal and home remedies increased their frequency and duration of hand-washing and sanitisation and started wearing personal protective equipment to some extent to prevent transmission of COVID-19 infection. Conclusion and Recommendations: The imposition of lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection affected the basic lifestyle of people and changed their behaviours. The people faced many difficulties in accessing healthcare services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted in a peri-urban community near Chandigarh, India, to assess the prevalence of skin disorders. The study found that fungal infections were the most common diagnosed skin disease, followed by psoriasis, urticaria, atopic dermatitis, and vitiligo. Allergies and itching were the most common self-reported skin complaints. The study also revealed that a significant number of participants were not seeking medical treatment for their skin problems. The findings suggest a need for increased access to dermatological care in rural and peri-urban areas. [Extracted from the article]