Effects of different particle sizes of recycled nitrile glove (rNBRg) on curing characteristics and physical properties of natural rubber/styrene butadiene rubber/recycled nitrile glove (NR/SBR/rNBRg) blends were studied. The particle sizes of rNBRg were differentiated by the method of producing. S1 was obtained by cutting the rNBRg (whole glove) into smaller sheet; S2 was obtained by passing rNBRg through 2 rolls mill for 10 times; S3 was obtained by passing rNBRg through 2 rolls mill for 10 times and then mechanically grinded. NR/SBR/rNBRg blends were prepared at 50/30/20 composition using two roll mill at room temperature, with different particle sizes, rNBRg (S1), rNBRg (S2) and rNBRg (S3). Scorch time, cure time, minimum torque, maximum torque, crosslink density and hardness of the blends were examined. Results indicated that scorch time, cure time and minimum torque decreased as the rNBRg particle size decreased, while maximum torque and crosslink density increased. The rigidity of NR/SBR/rNBRg blends increased when smaller rNBRg particles were used, which explained the increased in hardness and decreased in resilience of the blends.

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Coved-19 pandemic is spreading fear among the world in several aspects such as health, economic, international relations, political stability, and social stability. It emerged suddenly and attacked the world in a short period without warning. Details about the virus such as the source, symptoms, transmission, diagnosis and treatment are still incomplete.  Subsequently, more than one million people have died and huge economic losses. In order to avoid this issue in future, this paper aims to focus on artificial intelligence in predicting and tracking viral pandemic Disease and to control similar future risks using artificial intelligence, algorithms and cognitive fission theory.

This study aimed to develop novel Polylactic acid/ Halloysite (PLA/ HNTs) films which showed better properties when they were used for food packaging. They also displayed better mechanical, barrier, morphological and structural properties when the researchers analysed the impact of the electron beam irradiation on the nanomaterials. They prepared PLA-based nanocomposites containing 5 % w/w of HNTs using the solution casting process. These nanocomposites were further exposed to different ebeam doses (i.e., 0, 20, 40 and 60 kGy). The researchers assessed the effect of the electron beam irradiation on the various properties of the PLA. All the composites showed a homogenous dispersion and distribution of the HNTs in this PLA matrix. Results indicated that the nanocomposites showed better barrier properties in comparison to the neat PLA. Furthermore, the ebeam irradiation could increase the glass-transition temperature and lead to the development of more crosslinks, which increased the degradation temperature and hydrophilicity of the nanocomposites. In this study, the researchers showed that the PLA/HNTs films were effective materials that could be used for the electron beam processing of the pre-packed foods. The best effect was noted for the 20 kGy dosage which was used in the study.

Dedicated energy crop (DEC) serves as a highly promising feedstock for heat and power apart from wastes. Established DEC plant species which include poplar, willow and eucalyptus possess special criteria such as fast growing, high biomass production per unit land area and can be planned in production. Locally available plants such as Leucaena leucocephala and Khaya senegalensis are identified among potential species which can be developed as our own DEC. Therefore, this research was conducted to assess the potential of Khaya senegalensis and Leucaena leucocephala as energy crop. Proximate analysis was executed to establish some important quality of the biomass sample which were moisture content, volatile matters, ash content, and carbon content. Biomass sample was then pelletized and subjected to density and durability testing to evaluate the pellet quality produced. Interestingly, it was found that Khaya senegalensis and Leucaena leucocephala biomass have strong potential to be industrialised as our own dedicated energy crops. The calorific value of both biomass are as good as other established energy crops thereby enlisting these two plant species as Malaysian energy crop.