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Multimodal emotion recognition is a developing field that analyzes emotions through various channels, mainly audio, video, and text. However, existing state-of-the-art systems focus on two to three modalities at the most, utilize traditional techniques, fail to consider emotional interplay, lack the scope to add more modalities, and aren’t efficient in predicting emotions accurately. This research proposes a novel approach using rule-based systems to convert non-verbal cues to text, inspired by a limited prior attempt that lacked proper benchmarking. It achieves efficient multimodal emotion recognition by utilizing distilRoBERTa, a large language model fine-tuned with a combined textual representation of audio (such as loudness, spectral flux, MFCCs, pitch stability, and emphasis) and visual features (action units) extracted from videos. This approach is evaluated using the datasets RAVDESS and BAUM-1. It achieves high accuracy (93.18% in RAVDESS and 93.69% in BAUM-1) on both datasets, performing on par with the SOTA (state-of-the-art) systems, if not slightly better. Furthermore, the research highlights the potential for incorporating additional modalities by transforming them into text using rule-based systems and utilizing them to refine further pre-trained large language models, giving rise to a more comprehensive approach to emotion recognition.

Adverse Drug Reactions(ADRs) due to drug-drug interactions present a public health problem worldwide that deserves attention due to its impact on mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs. There have been major challenges in healthcare with the ever-increasing complexity of therapeutics and an aging population in many regions. At present, no standard method to detect such adverse drug reactions exists until otherwise reported by patients after the drug is released to the market. Further, several studies show that it is extremely challenging to detect these rare cases during clinical trials held before the drug is released. Therefore, a reliable and efficient technique to predict such side effects before the release of the drug to the market is the need of the hour. Through the power of Graph Neural Networks and the knowledge representation abilities of self-supervised learning, we designed an effective framework to model drug-drug interactions by leveraging the spatial and physical properties of drugs by representing them as molecular graphs. Through this approach, we developed a technique that resembles the dynamics of a chemical interaction. On training and testing this approach on the TwoSIDES Polypharmacy Dataset by Therapeutic Data Commons(TDC), we achieve a state of the art results by obtaining a precision of 75% and an accuracy of 90% on the test dataset. Further, we also perform a case study on the DrugBank dataset and compare our results on the interaction type prediction task to validate our approach on the drug-drug interaction domain and achieve excellent results with precision, F1, and accuracy of 99%. Our study and experimental approaches lay the groundwork for further research on side-effect prediction through drug-drug interaction and the use of Graph Neural Networks in the field of Molecular Biology.

In this paper, a novel Elliptic Crypt with Secured Blockchain-backed Federated Q-Learning Framework is proposed to offer an intelligent healthcare system that mitigates the attacks and data misused by malicious intruders. Initially, the entered IoMT data is collected from publicly available datasets and encrypted using the Extended Elliptic Curve Cryptography (E_ECurCrypt) technique for ensuring the security. This encrypted data is fed as an input to the blockchain-powered collaborative learning model. Here, the federated Q-learning model trains the inputs and analyzes the presented attacks to ensure better privacy protection. Afterwards, the data is securely stored in decentralized blockchain technology. Subsequently, an effective Delegated Proof of Stake (Del_PoS) consensus algorithm is used to validate the proposed framework. The experiment is conducted using the WUSTL-EHMS-2020 dataset and the performances are analyzed by evaluating multiple matrices and compared to other existing methods. The performance of the proposed framework can be assessed using multiple matrices and the results will be compared to other existing methods. As a result, the proposed method has achieved 99.23% accuracy, 98.42% precision, 98.12% recall, 98.27% F1 score, 59080.506 average throughput, 59080.506 average decryption time 1.94 seconds and an average encryption time of 1.84 seconds and are superior to conventional methods.

Abstract Neurological and psychiatric disorders contribute significantly to the global disease burden, adversely affecting the quality of life for both patients and their families. Impaired glutamatergic signaling is considered to be a major cause for most of the neurological and psychiatric disorders. Glutamate receptors are over activated in excitotoxic conditions, leading to dysregulation of Ca2+ homeostasis, triggering the production of free radicals and oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and eventually cell death. Excitotoxicity primarily results from the overactivity of NMDARs, a subtype of ionotropic glutamate receptors, due to their pronounced Ca2+ permeability and conductance characteristics. NMDAR antagonists are suggested to have therapeutic use as they can prevent excitotoxicity. Our previous studies demonstrated lobeline, an alkaloid, exerts neuroprotective action in excitotoxic conditions by blocking NMDAR. However, the atomic level interactions of lobeline with NMDAR was not characterized yet. Structural comparison of lobeline with a known NMDAR antagonist ifenprodil, followed by molecular docking and dynamics simulations revealed that lobeline could bind to the ifenprodil binding site i.e., in the heterodimer interface of GluN1-GluN2B subunits and exert ifenprodil like activities. By in silico structure guided modifications on lobeline and subsequent free energy calculations, we propose putative NMDAR antagonists derived from lobeline.

Abstract In recent years, the application of natural fiber reinforced polymer composite is rapidly increasing in different parts of the world due to its light weight, low cost, availability and feasibility of easy fabrication. This article focuses on the investigation of the physical and mechanical properties of natural fibers such as human hair, Sterculia foetida, delonix regia and caryotta obtusa fibers in terms of the analysis of the suitability of reinforcement material in composites. Untreated fibers were compared with NaOH treated fibers. Compositional analysis from Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy, tensile properties such as tensile strength, tensile modulus and percentage elongation of both untreated and treated fibers are discussed in detail. The properties of these natural fibers were compared with those of other natural fibers. The scope of addition of human hair, sterculia foetida, and delonix regia and caryotta obtusa fibers as reinforcement material in polymer composites were reported.

The objective of this work is to develop a natural fiber-reinforced epoxy composite with enhanced compatibility between resin and the fiber, achieved by amino silane treatment of Luffa fiber. Amine modification on the surface of the Luffa fiber is confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Composites with different volume fractions (2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%) of amine functionalized/un-functionalized Luffa fiber and epoxy resin are fabricated. The functionalized/un-functionalized Luffa epoxy composites are subjected to various studies such as tensile, flexural, and impact in the area of the effect of amine functionalization of fiber/epoxy composites. Dynamic mechanical analysis and fatigue analysis are carried out to enable a study on the effect of amine functionalization. Variations in thermal stability of the composites are studied using TGA analysis. A maximum tensile strength value of 18.3 MPa is reached for the 6% amine functionalized composite compared to the plain epoxy of 9.4 MPa. The amine functionalized fiber-reinforced composites show improved thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties as a result of improved interaction between the fiber and matrix.

Summary: MicroRNAs fine-tune gene regulation and can be targeted for therapeutic purposes. We investigated the physiological roles of miR-146a and miR-200b that are differentially expressed in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia, particularly in learning and memory mechanisms. Using bioinformatics tools and luciferase assay, we show interaction of these miRNAs with transcripts of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunits Grin2A and Grin2B. Overexpression of these miRNAs in primary hippocampal neurons caused downregulation of GluN2B and GluN2A proteins. Stereotactic injections of these miRNAs into rat hippocampus caused cognitive deficits in multiple behavioral tests with decreased protein levels of GluN1, GluN2A, GluN2B, AMPAR subunit GluR1, and Neuregulin 1. In pharmacologically treated rat models [MK-801 treated and methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM) treated], we found upregulated levels of these miRNAs, implying their involvement in downregulating NMDAR subunits in these models. These results suggest the importance of miR-146a-5p and miR-200b-3p in hippocampus-dependent learning and memory.

This study investigates ultrasonic plastic welding to join the carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastics and 6061Al alloy in a lap-type joint configuration. An interfacial polymer coating through a fluidized bed on aluminum alloy was considered an energy director, as it was essential for concentrating heat at the interface during welding. The significant ultrasonic process setting (weld pressure: 0.5 MPa, weld time: 600 ms, hold time: 1000 ms) was statistically realized for a maximum lap shear strength of the joint that showed the interlaminar shear (first-layer ply) failure of the composite, while the welding interface morphology revealed interdiffusion of thermoplastics with the load-bearing carbon fibers attached to the composite-coating resin mixtures, whereas the coating interface offered a strong adhesion of polymer on the aluminum surface asperities through mechanical interlocking. An efficient multi-material joint was obtained within 1.6 s in comparison to the adhesive bonding technology that required at least 20 min. Additionally, the interfacial coating serves as an insulator, avoiding galvanic corrosion in joints as well as fretting damage. The encouraging findings of this research provide deeper insight into joining thermoplastic composites to metals by ultrasonic plastic welding without the use of a separate energy director, which simplifies the process of industrialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Przegląd Elektrotechniczny is the property of Przeglad Elektrotechniczny and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The complex and multifactorial nature of neuropsychiatric diseases demands multi-target drugs that can intervene with various sub-pathologies underlying disease progression. Targeting the impairments in cholinergic and glutamatergic neurotransmissions with small molecules has been suggested as one of the potential disease-modifying approaches for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Tacrine, a potent inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is the first FDA approved drug for the treatment of AD. Tacrine is also a low affinity antagonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR). However, tacrine was withdrawn from its clinical use later due to its hepatotoxicity. With an aim to develop novel high affinity multi-target directed ligands (MTDLs) against AChE and NMDAR, with reduced hepatotoxicity, we performed in silico structure-based modifications on tacrine, chemical synthesis of the derivatives and in vitro validation of their activities. Nineteen such derivatives showed inhibition with IC50 values in the range of 18.53 ± 2.09 – 184.09 ± 19.23 nM against AChE and 0.27 ± 0.05 – 38.84 ± 9.64 μM against NMDAR. Some of the selected compounds also protected rat primary cortical neurons from glutamate induced excitotoxicity. Two of the tacrine derived MTDLs, 201 and 208 exhibited in vivo efficacy in rats by protecting against behavioral impairment induced by administration of the excitotoxic agent, monosodium glutamate. Additionally, several of these synthesized compounds also exhibited promising inhibitory activitiy against butyrylcholinesterase. MTDL-201 was also devoid of hepatotoxicity in vivo. Given the therapeutic potential of MTDLs in disease-modifying therapy, our studies revealed several promising MTDLs among which 201 appears to be a potential candidate for immediate preclinical evaluations.

Glutamatergic synapses harbor abundant amounts of the multifunctional Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type II (CaMKII). Both in the postsynaptic density as well as in the cytosolic compartment of postsynaptic terminals, CaMKII plays major roles. In addition to its Ca2+-stimulated kinase activity, it can also bind to a variety of membrane proteins at the synapse and thus exert spatially restricted activity. The abundance of CaMKII in glutamatergic synapse is akin to scaffolding proteins although its prominent function still appears to be that of a kinase. The multimeric structure of CaMKII also confers several functional capabilities on the enzyme. The versatility of the enzyme has prompted hypotheses proposing several roles for the enzyme such as Ca2+ signal transduction, memory molecule function and scaffolding. The article will review the multiple roles played by CaMKII in glutamatergic synapses and how they are affected in disease conditions.

Introduction: Drug-Induced Gingival Overgrowth (DIGO) is caused due to prolonged use of anti convulsants, immunosuppressant, and calcium channel blockers given for non dental purpose. It affects the maintenance of oral hygiene and may cause speech, mastication, tooth eruption and aesthetic problems. General physicians can play a key role as they can inform the patient about gingival overgrowth as an adverse effect of these drugs. Aim: To evaluate the awareness regarding drug-induced gingival overgrowth and to know the impact of educational qualification on their awareness among physicians. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted from January 2019 to June 2019 in Latur district of Maharashtra, India. A total of 196 practicing physicians were approached with self-structured questionnaire and answers were collected in the presence of the investigator. Survey responses were divided into two groups based on educational qualification as group A: physicians educationally qualified to practice Allopathy, group B: physicians educationally qualified to practice alternative medicine (Ayurveda, Homeopathy etc.,). Comparison of responses for qualitative variables was carried among groups using Chi-square test with p-value set as p

Copyright of Przegląd Elektrotechniczny is the property of Przeglad Elektrotechniczny and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) has added another step to the reconstructive ladder, leading to a paradigm shift in the approach toward management of cases of upper limb amputations. In this article, we discuss in detail the technical aspects of proximal forearm level transplantation, as well as the immediate posttransplant monitoring and immunosuppression protocols. Materials and Methods A 24-year-old male victim of an electric injury presented with a bilateral proximal forearm level amputation. After the mandatory preoperative psychiatric and immunological evaluation, the patient underwent a proximal forearm level double upper extremity transplantation. He was then put on a stringent immunosuppression and physical rehabilitative regime. Discussion Conceptually, the proximal forearm level transplantation is significantly different from distal forearm level transplant. This transplant “reestablishes” the “donor extremity length,” maintains the normal functional length of the donor muscles, and the functional return happens only after the newly transplanted donor muscles are reinnervated over a period of time. Conclusion As the sequence of surgical repair and associated decision making could be quite confusing for this level of transplantation, it is highly advisable to do mock cadaver surgical dissections in order to standardize the procedure and make the team familiar with it.

Introduction This is the first case of supracondylar level transplant from the Indian subcontinent, performed for a bilateral below elbow amputee. It has a completely different set of challenges for the transplant team, with a relatively shorter ischemia time window. The technical considerations for the same have been discussed in detail in this article. Materials and Methods The patient was a 19-year-old female who lost her both upper limbs at proximal forearm level due to severe crush injury following a road traffic accident. Insufficient bone length on either side necessitated a supracondylar level transplant. The preoperative workup included detailed clinical evaluation, biochemical, and psychological evaluation. The donor was a young brain-dead, male patient from a hospital, 30 minutes away. The donor and recipient preparations in this case were unique. The recipient’s own elbow flexors and extensors were used while the elbow joint was from the donor. The specific challenges we faced during this procedure have been described in detail. Results The transplantation has been a complete technical success, with the patient rehabilitated back to her independent life style. This article describes only the technical considerations. The functional recovery aspect is part of an another soon to be published manuscript. Conclusion Supracondylar level arm-transplant requires a highly coordinated team effort with precise preoperative planning, along with meticulous attention to detail to achieve a successful outcome. In properly selected patients, it could be a life-changing procedure, worth all the effort.

Introduction: Vascularized composite tissue allotransplantation is a relatively new concept, which was unavailable in the Indian subcontinent till a bilateral hand transplant was carried out successfully in January 2015. Materials and Methods: The setting up of the transplant programme involved obtaining legal clearances, creating public awareness, harnessing the institutional facilities, drawing up protocols, assembling the surgical team, managing immunological issues, rehabilitation and preparing the ancillary services. Results: Both, the first and second bilateral hand transplants were resounding successes with both the recipients getting back to their original daily routines. Conclusions: The organisation of the hand transplant programme was a large task, which necessitated intensive planning, and cooperation from various teams within and outside the institution. Exemplary team-work was the key to the phenomenal success of these path breaking endeavors in the subcontinent.

Introduction: This report covers the strategies adopted for rehabilitation for the first and second dual hand transplants performed in India. Materials and Methods: The team, under a trained physiatrist, including physiotherapy and occupational therapy personnel, was involved in the management of both these patients. The management protocol was developed considering previous reports as well as our management strategies in the rehabilitation of the replanted hands. The involvement of the team with the patients started in the 1st week itself and continued on a daily basis for the entire year. Results: Outcome analysis was performed at 6 months and 1 year using the disability of shoulder and hand evaluation and hand transplant scoring system. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was done at the end of 1 year to assess the cortical integration of the transplanted hand. Conclusion: Despite more than 110 hands being transplanted worldwide, hand transplant remains an experimental procedure. It is still not considered the “standard of care” for hand amputees. Outcome analyses performed worldwide do indicate that the procedure can provide a substantial improvement in the quality of life for the hand amputee, especially the bilateral amputees.

Introduction: Being able to counter immune-mediated rejection has for decades been the single largest obstacle for the progress of vascular composite allotransplantation (VCA). The human immune system performs the key role of differentiating the ‘self’ from the ‘non-self’. This, although is quintessential to eliminate or resist infections, also resists the acceptance of an allograft which it promptly recognises as ‘non-self’. Materials and Methods: Pre-operative evaluation of the recipient evaluation included immunological assessment in the form of panel reactive antibodies (PRA), human leucocyte antigen (HLA) typing, donor-specific antibody detection assays (DSA) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity assays (CDC). Induction immunosuppression was by thymoglobulin and the maintenance by the standard triple-drug therapy. Results: Both the recipients were managed by the standard triple drug therapy and have had only minor episodes of rejections thus far which have been managed appropriately. Discussion: Induction immunosuppression was by thymoglobulin and the maintenance by the standard triple-drug therapy. Various groups have tried various other formulations and regimes as well. Conclusion: A comprehensive plan has to be drawn up for immunological screening, selection and the post-operative immunosuppressant usage. The ultimate goal of these immunosuppression modalities is to achieve a state of donor-specific tolerance.

Introduction: This article deals with two patients who underwent bilateral hand transplantation following amputation of both upper limbs at the distal third of the foream. Materials and Methods: The first patient had a history of loss of hands in a train accident, with possiblity of a run over element during the injury. The second patient lost his both hands in a mine blast. The preoperative work up included detailed clinical and psychological evaluation. The donor retrieval was similar in both the cases and the donors were housed in our own instittution. The donor preparation, recipient preparation and the transplant procedure was similar except for the need of primary tendon transfers in the left hand of the first patient. Results: The first patient needed a free flap transfer to cover compromised skin flap on the left hand on the second day. The second hand transplant was uneventful. Both the recipients are now back to their normal daily routines. Conclusions: Hand transplantation is a potentially life altering procedure, but to optimise the results, it is imperative that there is a meticulous planning and diligent execution with utmost importance to the detail coupled with a synchronised team effort.

Background: Mineral insufficiencies may have far-reaching consequences both systemically and orally. The exact associations and roles of many of the elements are not unequivocally examined till now as far as chronic periodontitis (CP) is concerned. Aim: The present study was designed to evaluate and compare the serum levels of magnesium and zinc in CP cases as compared to healthy controls. Settings and Design: This study was conducted in the Department of Periodontology in MIDSR Dental College and Hospital, Latur. It was a cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: This study included 60 individuals, 30 in each group, i.e. Group I –healthy controls and Group II – Generalized CP. Serum magnesium and serum zinc levels were analyzed using reagent kits. Statistical Analysis: The results obtained were analyzed by applying unpaired Student's t test. Results: Serum levels of magnesium and zinc were 1.30 + 0.78 mEq/L and 62.10 + 18.76 ug/dl, respectively, in CP cases and 1.89 + 0.48 mEq/L and 92.51 + 15.64 ug/dl, respectively, in healthy controls. Conclusion: The mean serum levels of magnesium and zinc were significantly altered in CP cases as compared to healthy controls.

Developing drugs for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an extremely challenging task due to its devastating pathology. Previous studies have indicated that natural compounds play a crucial role as lead molecules in the development of drugs. Even though, there are remarkable technological advancements in the isolation and synthesis of natural compounds, the targets for many of them are still unknown. In the present study, lobeline, a piperidine alkaloid has been identified as a cholinesterase inhibitor through chemical similarity assisted target fishing method. The structural similarities between lobeline and donepezil, a known acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor encouraged us to hypothesize that lobeline may also exhibit AChE inhibitory properties. It was further confirmed by in silico, in vitro and biophysical studies that lobeline could inhibit cholinesterase. The binding profiles indicated that lobeline has a higher affinity for AChE than BChE. Since excitotoxicity is one of the major pathological events associated with AD progression, we also investigated the neuroprotective potential of lobeline against glutamate mediated excitotoxicity in rat primary cortical neurons. The cell based NMDA receptor (NMDAR) assay with lobeline suggested that neuroprotective potential of lobeline is mediated through the blockade of NMDAR activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antenna plays an essential role in the medical industry. The shortrange 5th Generation (5G) communication can be used for seamless transmission, reception, patient monitoring, sensing and measuring various processes at high speeds. A passive Ultra Wide Band (UWB) antenna, used as a sensor in the measurement of Prothrombin Time (PT) i.e., blood clot is being proposed. The investigated micro-strip patch UWB antenna operating in the frequency range of 3.1 to 10.6 GHz consists of a circular patch with a diamond-shaped slot made of jeans substrate material with good sensing properties is accomplished by adjusting the copper thickness of the patch. Due to the turbidity in blood plasma, PT measurement is the repetitive approach to get accurate value. In order to solve this issue, an antenna is designed, fabricated and analysed to obtain the accurate PT measurements from blood plasma. The blood clotting is observed by electromagnetic emitted voltage converted into the frequency range of 5 to 10 GHz and voltage range of 0.66 to 0.87 mV. The circular UWB antenna is constructed employing jean's substrate with a partial ground plane to improve the S-parameter, gain, bandwidth and performance characteristics. The proposed antenna with Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) value within the acceptable range can be used as a wearable device in the human body, leveraging 5G technology. This antenna is well suited for various other applications like wireless sensors, wearable devices and short-range communication applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interaction of CaMKII and the GluN2B subunit of NMDA receptor is essential for synaptic plasticity events such as LTP. Synaptic targeting of CaMKII and regulation of its biochemical functions result from this interaction. GluN2B binding to the T-site of CaMKII leads to changes in substrate binding and catalytic parameters and inhibition of its own dephosphorylation. We find that CaMKIINα, a natural inhibitor that binds to the T-site of CaMKII, also causes inhibition of dephosphorylation of CaMKII similar to GluN2B. Two residues on α-CaMKII, Glu96 and His282, are involved in the inhibition of CaMKII dephosphorylation exerted by binding of GluN2B. E96A-α-CaMKII is known to be defective in GluN2B-induced catalytic modulation. Data presented here show that, in both E96A and H282A mutants of α-CaMKII, GluN2B-induced inhibition of dephosphorylation is impaired.

Polymer nanocomposites have received significant attention in the tribology and mechanical application due to their exceptional wear resistance, which cannot be expected in polymers. This study, involves preparation and fabrication of graphene hybrid (flax/E‐glass/epoxy) fiber‐reinforced polymer (HFRP) composites using compression molding. A study of the effect of graphene on the microhardness and wear behavior of HFRP composites was made using pin‐on‐disk tests at three different loads of 5, 10, and 15 N as per ASTM standards. Compared to HFRP composites, graphene in HFRP composites exhibits a distinguished enhancement in thermal stability, microhardness and tribological performance due to the formation of strong covalent bonds between graphene and epoxy matrix. Surface features were observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The addition of graphene (0.0–1.2 wt%) to the matrix, especially 0.6 wt% of graphene in HFRP composites revealed extraordinary tribological properties, with a 35% decrease in the friction coefficient and wear rate under abrasive wear conditions. The result of the graphene in HFRP composites looks promising in wear‐resistant materials and other high‐performance areas in the automobile and aerospace industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synergetic effect of graphene as a matrix strengthener in hybrid (flax/E-glass/epoxy) fiber-reinforced polymer (HFRP) composites at various compositions was investigated. The physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the HFRP composites were thoroughly evaluated for various wt.% of graphene added to the epoxy resin. The HFRP composites were prepared by adding graphene to epoxy resin was impregnated on the flax/E-glass fabric using the compression molding technique. Significant improvement of tensile strength, flexural strength, shear strength, shore D hardness, impact strength and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of the composites increased by 86%, 85%, 43%, 26%, 50%, and 80% respectively at 0.6 wt.% of graphene. Considerable reduction in the percentage of water absorption was also observed. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to evaluate the thermal degradation of the composites, and the effect of surface treatment on flax fiber was validated using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Fractography revealed that the main failure mechanism was due to matrix fracture and interfacial debonding. The results showed that 0.6 wt.% of graphene with HFRP composite laminates significantly improved the strength of composites and make them highly suitable for automobiles and structural applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]