Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shenglong Tian, Huihui Xie, Hui Zhang, Shiyu Fu
Summary: The article presents a simplified and green strategy for the synthesis of cellulose acetate, with greatly improved conversion rate and yield of the acetylated product achieved through hydrothermal treatment, resulting in significant enhancements in mechanical properties.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qiming Wang, Xinyi Chen, Shaohua Zeng, Pengpeng Chen, Ying Xu, Wangyan Nie, Ru Xia, Yifeng Zhou
Summary: A polycondensate-coated cellulose nanofiber (CNF) hybrid was designed and used as a nanofiller for fabricating CNF-reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) composites. The polycondensate coatings effectively promoted the dispersion of CNFs and enhanced the interfacial compatibility between CNFs and PLA. The resulting composites exhibited significant improvements in processing, mechanical, and thermal properties.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Shujie Zhang, Ziwei Zhang, Lisong Fu, Rui Wang
Summary: In this study, spunlaced mask base cloth was prepared using CA and PLA, and through the optimization of blending ratio and material parameters, it was possible to achieve the best air permeability while minimizing flexural rigidity.
JOURNAL OF THE TEXTILE INSTITUTE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Zhongsen Zhang, Wenzhao Wang, Yan Li, Kunkun Fu, Xingrui Tong, Bingyan Cao, Biqiong Chen
Summary: A green and efficient dispersion method was developed to prepare cellulose nanofiber (CNF) reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) composites for fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing. The addition of surface-modified CNFs enhanced the flowability and mechanical performance of the composites. The study has significant implications for improving the performance of 3D printing materials.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mahesh Ganesapillai, Bidisha Mondal, Ishita Sarkar, Aritro Sinha, Saikat Sinha Ray, Young-Nam Kwon, Kazuho Nakamura, K. Govardhan
Summary: The threat of epidemic outbreaks is increasing due to the exponential growth of the global population and human mobility. Personal protective equipment, such as face masks, are crucial in protecting against viral infections. However, the uncontrolled manufacture and disposal techniques of face masks pose potential threats. Improper solid waste management contributes to viral propagation and increases biomedical waste. The chemical constituents in single-use face masks, including plasticisers and flame retardants, can lead to health issues. Despite extensive research, the efficacy and post-disposal impact of personal protective equipment are yet to be adequately explored. This review provides an overview of different forms of personal protective equipment, discusses proper waste management techniques, and examines the innovations and impact of face masks on human health and the environment. Strategies for safe and proper solid waste disposal are also discussed, along with the development of a 3D model of a face mask using computational fluid dynamics. The review concludes with possibilities for future advancements and promising research avenues in personal protective equipment.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Elyssa M. Barrick, Mark A. Thornton, Diana Tamir
Summary: Research shows that in the presence of masks, people tend to rely more on visual cues from the eye area to judge others' emotional similarity, indicating a shift in how people process facial information.
Article
Polymer Science
Siti Shazra Shazleen, Lawrence Yee Foong Ng, Nor Azowa Ibrahim, Mohd Ali Hassan, Hidayah Ariffin
Summary: The study investigated the combined effects of CNF nucleation and PLA-g-MA compatibilization on the crystallization kinetics and mechanical properties of polylactic acid (PLA). While PLA-g-MA improved nucleation in PLA/PLA-g-MA, it did not enhance crystallization rate in PLA/PLA-g-MA/CNF3 compared to uncompatibilized PLA/CNF3. Tensile strength decreased with more PLA-g-MA, but Young's modulus significantly increased, contributing to the rigidity of the PLA nanocomposites.
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Trong Hieu Luu, Phan Nguyen Ky Phuc, Zhiqiu Yu, Duy Dung Pham, Huu Trong Cao
Summary: This article discusses the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social life and emphasizes the importance of wearing face masks in preventing virus transmission. To enhance the effectiveness of mask usage, a method for detecting and warning individuals who do not wear or misuse face masks is proposed using deep learning techniques. The approach achieves an accuracy of over 95%.
CMC-COMPUTERS MATERIALS & CONTINUA
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Akihiro Suzuki, Yoshitoshi Nakamura, Chikako Asada
Summary: Cellulose nanofiber-blended polylactic acid composites were prepared using cellulose fibers extracted from bamboo through high-temperature and high-pressure steam treatment. The optimal conditions for steam pressure and extraction process grinding time were investigated, as well as the mixing ratio of cellulose nanofibers and polylactic acid. The composites exhibited significantly improved strength compared to pure polylactic acid, making them promising reinforcing materials for biodegradable polymers.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2023)
Review
Computer Science, Information Systems
Vibhuti, Neeru Jindal, Harpreet Singh, Prashant Singh Rana
Summary: This paper reviews the essential requirements for an automatic system to monitor people wearing face masks and conducts a comprehensive study of available techniques and their performance analysis. The pros and cons of each method are discussed, along with the sources of datasets and required software. The paper also discusses the use cases, limitations, and observations for the system, and concludes with several directions for future research.
MULTIMEDIA TOOLS AND APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Lijie Jiang, Xingyu Huang, Chaochao Tian, Yidan Zhong, Ming Yan, Chen Miao, Ting Wu, Xiaofan Zhou
Summary: This research proposes a facile method to prepare cellulose acetate hydrogels with porous structures. Water was added to the cellulose acetate-acetone solution to induce the phase separation and obtain a physical gel with a network structure. The SEM and BET test results showed that the hydrogels are relatively porous, with a maximum pore size of 380 nm and a specific surface area of 62 m(2)/g.
Article
Polymer Science
Xiaosong Wang, Xu Zhang, Xiaozhao Han, Kun Liu, Chao Xu, Xianguo Hu, Zhenghui Jin
Summary: The study found that adding cellulose acetate can enhance the membrane's permeability, while porogens can increase the membrane's hydrophilicity, dialysis coefficient, and nutrient release rate. There was not a significant difference in membrane performance with different porogens, but urea coated with membranes containing nano-SiO(2) and PEG showed higher nutrient release rates.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Yansong Huang, Yujuan Jin, Bo Wang, Huafeng Tian, Yunxuan Weng, Kangdi Sun, Shuang Men
Summary: The addition of long-chain hyperbranched polymers (LCHBPs) improved the compatibility between PLA and CA, promoted the crystallization of PLA, and enhanced the mechanical and thermal properties of the blend materials.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Siti Shazra Shazleen, Tengku Arisyah Tengku Yasim-Anuar, Nor Azowa Ibrahim, Mohd Ali Hassan, Hidayah Ariffin
Summary: The study investigated the nucleation effect of incorporating cellulose nanofibers (CNF) into polylactic acid (PLA), showing that CNF at 3 wt.% significantly improved both the crystallization rate and mechanical properties of PLA. However, at CNF content higher than 3 wt.%, the crystallization rate decreased, indicating possible agglomeration. CNF at 3 wt.% plays a crucial role in enhancing the performance of PLA.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sohee Kwon, Amit D. Joshi, Chun-Han Lo, David A. Drew, Long H. Nguyen, Chuan-Guo Guo, Wenjie Ma, Raaj S. Mehta, Fatma Mohamed Shebl, Erica T. Warner, Christina M. Astley, Jordi Merino, Benjamin Murray, Jonathan Wolf, Sebastien Ourselin, Claire J. Steves, Tim D. Spector, Jaime E. Hart, Mingyang Song, Trang VoPham, Andrew T. Chan
Summary: The study revealed that community-level social distancing measures and individual face mask use can effectively reduce the risk of COVID-19, and wearing masks remains crucial in protecting individuals, even in settings of poor social distancing.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Abdulrahman Ghasemlou, Vuk Uskokovic, Yahya Sefidbakht
Summary: The impact of 10 mutations and 5 proximity-related mutations on the main protease of SARS-COV-2 was investigated, providing a new target for drug design against COVID-19. Multiple new compounds were obtained through docking and structure-based design, and the best compounds were selected through screening and prediction. Among them, NE1 compound, modified from Nelfinavir, showed the highest affinity and is the best candidate for further Mpro inhibition and drug development studies.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Vuk Uskokovic
Summary: G.V. Samsonov, a Russian-Ukrainian scientist, made significant contributions to materials science, although much of his work remained hidden due to political reasons. One of his important theoretical contributions is the configurational model of the solid state based on the statistical weight of atoms with stable configuration. This model was tested to explain the effects of divalent transition elements on the solubility of hydroxyapatite when they act as dopants.
COMMENTS ON INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
S. F. Mansour, N. S. Al-Bassami, M. Afifi, M. A. Abdo
Summary: Upgrading mechanical and dielectric properties of ferrites through rare-earth yttrium (Y3+) doping offers new opportunities for high-frequency electronic devices.
JOURNAL OF RARE EARTHS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Hanan M. Eyssa, Mohamed Afifi, Hesham Moustafa
Summary: In this study, EPDM nanocomposites based on f-MWCNTs and AZD were successfully fabricated as potential acoustic-absorbing foams. The irradiated foam nanocomposites showed satisfactory enhancement in sound absorption coefficient and improved physical and mechanical properties, indicating a high potential for applications.
POLYMER INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fatemeh Bayani, Negin Safaei Hashkavaei, Mohammad Reza Karamian, Vuk Uskokovic, Yahya Sefidbakht
Summary: Computational studies are effective in treating and preventing viral infections. Researchers designed a multi-epitope vaccine against the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 and found stable interaction with TLR-4. The vaccine showed significant immune response in simulations. In-vivo and in-vitro research are needed for confirmation.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vuk Uskokovic
Summary: Type 1 diabetes is caused by inadequate insulin production, which can be treated with insulin injections but may not accurately respond to glucose concentrations. This study proposed a novel approach by using polymeric reservoirs containing insulin and glucose-responsive metallic nanoparticle precursors to release insulin based on the glucose concentration. The release of insulin was directly proportional to the glucose concentration, suggesting the potential for a glucose-controlled insulin delivery system to mitigate hyperglycemia symptoms in diabetes patients.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nurul Hakimah Mohd Salim, Ali Mussa, Naveed Ahmed, Suhana Ahmad, Chan Yean Yean, Rosline Hassan, Vuk Uskokovic, Rohimah Mohamud, Nur Asyilla Che Jalil
Summary: Colorectal cancer is a common cause of cancer-related deaths globally, with increasing incidence among young individuals. The tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer is highly heterogeneous and immunosuppressive. Tumor necrosis factors (TNFs) and TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2) play critical roles in the development of colorectal cancer by enhancing the immunosuppressive activity of cancer cells. However, the exact mechanism of TNFR2 in regulating colorectal cancer prognosis is still unclear. Further studies on TNFR2 downstream signaling are needed to unlock its potential as a therapeutic agent and cancer biomarker.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vuk Uskokovic
Summary: The respiratory tract is highly accessible to exogenous nanoparticles, but drug delivery through this route faces numerous challenges due to aerodynamic, hemodynamic, and biomolecular factors. This article reviews the use of inorganic nanoparticles (INPs) for inhalable diagnostics and therapies of the lung, highlighting the progress made in understanding the interaction between INPs and the respiratory tract. The review discusses various innovative studies, such as surface functionalization, cell targeting, and magnetic guidance, as well as the limitations and future directions in this field.
ADVANCES IN COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vuk Uskokovic
Summary: The recipe for making Turkish coffee in some parts of former Yugoslavia includes diluting the liquid with lukewarm water before it reaches the boiling point. This dilution step was used as inspiration for a stabilization step in the synthesis of fine particle colloids. Implementing this step improved the stability of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles during precipitation. The unconventional protocol resulted in an increase in crystallinity and stability, likely due to complex recrystallization mechanisms and changes in surface order and charge screening.
JOURNAL OF DISPERSION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fatemeh Bayani, Negin Safaei Hashkavaei, Sareh Arjmand, Shokouh Rezaei, Vuk Uskokovic, Mahdi Alijanianzadeh, Vladimir N. Uversky, Seyed Omid Ranaei Siadat, Sina Mozaffari-Jovin, Yahya Sefidbakht
Summary: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the current approved vaccines have shown considerable efficacy. However, the ongoing pandemic and the potential emergence of new strains highlight the need for further vaccine development and improvement. Subunit vaccines, based on synthetic peptides or recombinant proteins, have advantages such as safety and precise immune targeting, making them a promising option for widespread global use. This review article summarizes the current knowledge on different vaccine platforms, with a focus on subunit vaccines and their advancements in clinical trials against COVID-19.
PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Vuk Uskokovic
Summary: This essay argues that chess should be included in both K-12 and higher education curricula as it can enhance artistic skills among scientists and analytical skills among artists. It can also bridge the gap between science and art in STEAM curricula. The discussion of analogies from chess, supported by a literature review of studies conducted over the past 80 years, highlights the benefits of integrating chess into science education.
Article
Economics
Vuk Uskokovic
Summary: Despite global advancements in science and technology, the disparity in access to cutting-edge medical technologies continues to increase, exacerbating global economic inequalities. This study proposes a method to quantify technology transferability and tests it on twelve state-of-the-art medical technologies and three comparatively impoverished regions. The analysis reveals that the transferability of technologies is determined by a complex network of factors encompassing science, technology, infrastructure, socioeconomics, and culture. The study highlights the importance of incorporating socioeconomic and humanistic factors into models assessing the social value of technologies.
JOURNAL OF THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Mohammad A. I. Al-Hatamleh, Mai A. Abusalah, Ma'mon M. Hatmal, Walhan Alshaer, Suhana Ahmad, Manali H. Mohd-Zahid, Engku Nur Syafirah E. A. Rahman, Chan Y. Yean, Iskandar Z. Alias, Vuk Uskokovic, Rohimah Mohamud
Summary: Unlike previous pandemics, the outbreak of COVID-19 spread rapidly worldwide and was met with different control measures. The lack of understanding of the fundamental nature of the outbreak continues to challenge healthcare practitioners and scientists. This review discusses the challenges in managing COVID-19 and emphasizes the need for better understanding of this pandemic.
JOURNAL OF TAIBAH UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mohamed Ahmed, M. Afifi, Sherif Ashraf, Sahar A. Abdelbadie, Jonas Baltrusaitis
Summary: Metal oxide nanoparticles have broad applications in biomedicine due to their diverse functionality. In this study, cobalt oxide or cerium oxide was combined with hydroxyapatite and graphene oxide to form a ternary nanocomposite for potential use in bone replacement materials. The composite exhibited improved porosity, cell viability, and biodegradability.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Dina Yamin, Vuk Uskokovic, Abubakar Muhammad Wakil, Mohammed Dauda Goni, Shazana Hilda Shamsuddin, Fatin Hamimi Mustafa, Wadha A. Alfouzan, Mohammed Alissa, Amer Alshengeti, Rana H. Almaghrabi, Mona A. Al Fares, Mohammed Garout, Nawal A. Al Kaabi, Ahmad A. Alshehri, Hamza M. Ali, Ali A. Rabaan, Fatimah Abdullah Aldubisi, Chan Yean Yean, Nik Yusnoraini Yusof
Summary: Antibiotic resistance is a global public health concern, and accurate detection of resistant bacteria is crucial for effective treatment and prevention. This manuscript provides an overview of current and emerging technologies, including traditional methods, molecular techniques, and innovative approaches, highlighting their advantages, limitations, and potential future applications.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Rodrigo C. Menezes, Isabella B. B. Ferreira, Luciana Sobral, Stefania L. Garcia, Hugo N. Pustilnik, Mariana Araujo-Pereira, Bruno B. Andrade
Summary: This study aimed to identify the clinical features associated with viral pathogens responsible for severe lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in children. The study found that different viral agents have distinct associations with clinical features in children.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ambrina Khatoon, Syed F. Hussain, Syed M. Shahid, Santosh Kumar Sidhwani, Salman Ahmed Khan, Omer Ahmed Shaikh, Abdulqadir J. Nashwan
Summary: Despite the increasing incidence of Staphylococcus aureus infection and dissemination in Pakistan, research on the epidemiology of different Staphylococcus aureus clones has been limited. This study used multilocus sequence typing (MLST) to analyze the epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus in the area, finding high diversity of locally circulating clones defined by their geographic epidemiology.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2024)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Amir Khorram-Manesh, Krzysztof Goniewicz, Frederick M. Burkle Jr
Summary: This article discusses the management approach for globalized diseases in a globalized world. Through literature review and analysis, key focuses including data-driven decision-making, robust technology infrastructure, global cooperation, and ongoing public health education are identified. The weaknesses of current pandemic management systems are revealed, and recommendations for strengthening future pandemic management are provided.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mst S. Munira, Yuta Okada, Hiroshi Nishiura
Summary: This study estimates the life expectancy at birth in Japan at the end of 2022 using death datasets from Aichi and Fukui prefectures. The results suggest that the impact of the pandemic on life expectancy was relatively small by the end of 2022.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2024)
