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The utilization of sustainable natural fibers as green filler/reinforcement material for producing polymeric composites is substantially improved due to increase in the perception of ecological safety and usage of biodegradable and renewable materials toward a green environment. These natural fibers are obtained from various sources and are reinforced in the polymer matrices to produce polymer matrix composites. However, the overall properties of these composites are low when compared to that of the synthetic fiber‐based composites due to poor interfacial bonding between the hydrophilic natural fiber and hydrophobic polymers. This deficiency can be addressed by incorporating the nano‐clay in the natural fiber composites. The nano‐clay added composites offer improved properties because of enrichment in the interfacial bonding between the matrix and reinforcement materials. Furthermore, the nano‐clay has the ability to increase both flexibility and rigidity of the natural fiber in a single step. This review article presents the information about different varieties and properties of natural fibers, polymers, nano‐clays, and nano‐clay added natural fiber composites with specific concern to their mechanical properties. This article also focuses on possible future paths for this emerging area of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crafting ecological materials from green resources is posing a significant challenge for the researchers and scientists around the globe and has resulted in the development of nanocellulose materials, which has paved the way for enriching the basic knowledge and many opportunities on developing bio‐based materials. This has augmented the utilization of carbohydrate‐based organic materials and successfully replacing conventional nonrenewable materials. Cellulose nanomaterials (CNMs) belonging to the newer emerging field of nanomaterials are finding increasing interest among the investigators owing to their environmentally sustainable characteristics like biodegradability, biocompatibility, and potential availability in abundance at a cheaper price. The present review article intends to provide a detailed insight about the advancements and various challenges postured in the field of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs). The article further discusses about different cellulose fiber extraction sources and their methods, purification processes employed, various sample preparation and drying techniques used for CNCs and CNFs. The article also outlines the various characterization methods practiced for scrutinizing CNCs and CNFs when used in polymer matrix composites. Finally, the benefits of using the CNMs in several potential applications such as paper, oil and gas industries, food packaging and structural sectors, conductive ink and water purification areas, medical and printed electronic fields are highlighted in this extensively reviewed article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurodegenerative disorders are commonly erratic influenced by various factors including lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors. In recent observations, it has been hypothesized that exposure to various environmental factors enhances the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The exact etiology of Alzheimer's disease is still unclear; however, the contribution of environmental factors in the pathology of AD is widely acknowledged. Based on the available literature, the review aims to culminate in the prospective correlation between the various environmental factors and AD. The prolonged exposure to the various well-known environmental factors including heavy metals, air pollutants (particulate matter), pesticides, nanoparticles containing metals, industrial chemicals results in accelerating the progression of AD. Common mechanisms have been documented in the field of environmental contaminants for enhancing amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide along with tau phosphorylation, resulting in the initiation of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, which results in the death of neurons. This review offers a compilation of available data to support the long-suspected correlation between environmental risk factors and AD pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reviews the book "The Knowledge Economy in India," edited by Frank-Jürgen Richter and Parthasarathi Banerjee.

Reviews the book "Numerical and Physical Aspects of Aerodynamic Flows III," edited by Tuncer Cebeci.