Biosynthesis of silver-based nanoparticles on polypropylene non-woven material for efficient antimicrobial activity

The outbreak of the COVID 19 pandemic confirmed the importance of personal protective equipment including the respiratory face masks as barriers to pathogens. Taking into account that face masks are mainly composed of polypropylene (PP) non-woven materials this study explores the possibility of in situ biosynthesis of silver-based nanoparticles as an antimicrobial agent on PP material. A pomegranate peel extract was used as a "green" agent for synthesis and stabilization of nanoparticles. Hydrophobicity of PP fibers was overcome by modification with corona discharge at atmospheric pressure. In order to improve the binding of silver ions, corona modified PP material was impregnated with biopolymer chitosan in the presence of crosslinker 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid. SEM analysis revealed the presence of spherical Ag-based nanoparticles on the fiber surface with an average size of approximately 69 nm. The higher the concentration of the precursor salt, the higher the silver content after the reduction. Larger amounts of Ag-based nanoparticles provided stronger antimicrobial activity against bacteria Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and yeast Candida albicans.

Ongoing Impact of COVID-19 on Breast Radiologists' Wellness

Objective Assess the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on mental well-being of breast radiologists nationwide two years after the start of the pandemic and compared to early in the pandemic. Methods A 27-question survey was distributed from December 2021 to January 2022 to physician members of the Society of Breast Imaging. Psychological distress and anxiety scores were calculated, and factors associated with them were identified with a multivariate logistic model. Results A total of 550 surveys were completed (23% response rate);the mean respondent age was 50 +/- 10 years. Fifty percent (265/526) of respondents reported two or more psychological distress symptoms, down from 58% in 2020 (P = 0.002), whereas 70% (362/526) of respondents reported increased anxiety, down from 82% in 2020 (P < 0.001). As in 2020, reporting financial strain and childcare adversely affecting job ability were associated with worse psychological distress scores (OR 3.6, 95% CI: 1.6-8.3, P = 0.02 and OR 6.0, 95% CI: 2.5-14.4, P = 0.002, respectively). Less time spent consulting, educating, and discussing results with patients was associated with higher psychological distress (OR 5.3, 95% CI: 2.1-13.2, P = 0.036) and anxiety (OR 6.4, 95% CI: 2.3-17.5, P < 0.001). Diminished research collaboration was associated with higher anxiety (OR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1-2.9, P = 0.019). Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause mental health symptoms in breast radiologists, especially for those with pandemic-specific childcare needs and financial distress. Pandemic-related decreased opportunities to connect with patients and colleagues negatively impacts radiologists' mental health.

Communicating With Breast Imaging Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Impact on Patient Care and Physician Wellness

Objective Assess the impact of COVID-19 on patient-breast radiologist interactions and evaluate the relationship between safety measure-constrained communication and physician wellbeing. Methods A 41-question survey on the perceived effect of COVID-19 on patient care was distributed from June 2020 to September 2020 to members of the Society of Breast Imaging and the National Consortium of Breast Centers. Non-radiologists and international members were excluded. Anxiety and psychological distress scores were calculated. A multivariable logistic model was used to identify demographic and mental health factors associated with responses. Results Five hundred twenty-five surveys met inclusion criteria (23% response rate). Diminished ability to fulfill patients' emotional needs was reported by 46% (221/479), a response associated with younger age (OR, 0.8 per decade;P < 0.01), higher anxiety (OR, 2.3;P < 0.01), and higher psychological distress (OR, 2.2;P = 0.04). Personal protective equipment made patient communication more difficult for 88% (422/478), a response associated with younger age (OR, 0.8 per decade;P = 0.008), female gender (OR, 1.9;P < 0.01), and greater anxiety (OR, 2.6;P = 0.001). The inability to provide the same level of care as prior to COVID-19 was reported by 37% (177/481) and was associated with greater anxiety (OR, 3.4;P < 0.001) and psychological distress (OR, 1.7;P = 0.03). Conclusion The majority of breast radiologists reported that COVID-19 has had a negative impact on patient care. This perception was more likely among younger radiologists and those with higher levels of anxiety and psychological distress.

Entrepreneurship and work in the gig economy: The case of the western balkans

The crisis caused by COVID-19 poses a major challenge for the global economy and business. It has been a test for economic resilience, and how this crisis will affect business activities will be determined by their competitiveness. Only firms that have succeeded in reorienting and quickly adapting to the emerging crisis have continued without interruption in their operations, thus demonstrating their flexibility and high level of resilience. Research shows that companies driving the gig economy celebrate the benefits: flexibility, additional income, freedom and other various opportunities for workers. They require entrepreneurial digital skills that improve their competitiveness and benefit not only themselves but the economy as well. Therefore, digital competencies are becoming a significant resource and precondition for employment, and it is essential to promote digital entrepreneurial skills, introducing them into education programs through different forms of education. This book stresses and explores the importance of synergy between industry and virtual universities. Considering the importance of these issues, this book draws together literature on globalization and small and medium enterprise development and internationalization from disparate sources into a cohesive body of work, which traces the evolution of entrepreneurship and our understanding of the topic. It investigates the impact of digitalization on creating job opportunities in the labor market. Covering social, economic and psychological approaches to the most current topics, this book will be a useful framework to new theories and practices that are emerging to challenge conventional wisdom. It will be of interest to scholars, upper-level students, and researchers involved in the field of entrepreneurship. © 2021 Mirjana Radović-Marković, Borislav Đukanović, Dušan Marković and Arsen Dragojević.