IoT Solutions and AI-Based Frameworks for Masked-Face and Face Recognition to Fight the COVID-19 Pandemic.

A global health emergency resulted from the COVID-19 epidemic. Image recognition techniques are a useful tool for limiting the spread of the pandemic; indeed, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of face masks in public places as a form of protection against contagion. Hence, innovative systems and algorithms were deployed to rapidly screen a large number of people with faces covered by masks. In this article, we analyze the current state of research and future directions in algorithms and systems for masked-face recognition. First, the paper discusses the importance and applications of facial and face mask recognition, introducing the main approaches. Afterward, we review the recent facial recognition frameworks and systems based on Convolution Neural Networks, deep learning, machine learning, and MobilNet techniques. In detail, we analyze and critically discuss recent scientific works and systems which employ machine learning (ML) and deep learning tools for promptly recognizing masked faces. Also, Internet of Things (IoT)-based sensors, implementing ML and DL algorithms, were described to keep track of the number of persons donning face masks and notify the proper authorities. Afterward, the main challenges and open issues that should be solved in future studies and systems are discussed. Finally, comparative analysis and discussion are reported, providing useful insights for outlining the next generation of face recognition systems.

Advancement of Nanofibrous Mats and Common Useful Drug Delivery Applications.

Electrospinning enables simple and cost-effective production of polymer nanofibers from different polymer materials. Drug delivery systems are capable of achieving maximum drug treatment benefits by significantly reducing adverse complications. Electrospun nanofibers have recently attracted considerable attention owing to their distinctive properties, including flexibility and biocompatibility. The implementation of functional constituents within nanostructure fibers blends is an effective technique for the administration of a variety of drugs in animal research, broadening the nanofiber capability and reliability. The nanofibrous mesh and its various application purposes are discussed in terms of a summary of recent research, emphasizing the ease of streaming and a large number of combinations of this approach, which could lead to a breakthrough in targeted therapy.

Recent Applications of Electrospun Nanofibrous Scaffold in Tissue Engineering.

Tissue engineering is a relatively new area of research that combines medical, biological, and engineering fundamentals to create tissue-engineered constructs that regenerate, preserve, or slightly increase the functions of tissues. To create mature tissue, the extracellular matrix should be imitated by engineered structures, allow for oxygen and nutrient transmission, and release toxins during tissue repair. Numerous recent studies have been devoted to developing three-dimensional nanostructures for tissue engineering. One of the most effective of these methods is electrospinning. Numerous nanofibrous scaffolds have been constructed over the last few decades for tissue repair and restoration. The current review gives an overview of attempts to construct nanofibrous meshes as tissue-engineered scaffolds for various tissues such as bone, cartilage, cardiovascular, and skin tissues. Also, the current article addresses the recent improvements and difficulties in tissue regeneration using electrospinning.

Autocharging Techniques for Implantable Medical Applications.

Implantable devices have successfully proven their reliability and efficiency in the medical field due to their immense support in a variety of aspects concerning the monitoring of patients and treatment in many ways. Moreover, they assist the medical field in disease diagnosis and prevention. However, the devices' power sources rely on batteries, and with this reliance, comes certain complications. For example, their depletion may lead to surgical interference or leakage into the human body. Implicit studies have found ways to reduce the battery size or in some cases to eliminate its use entirely; these studies suggest the use of biocompatible harvesters that can support the device consumption by generating power. Harvesting mechanisms can be executed using a variety of biocompatible materials, namely, piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators, biofuel cells, and environmental sources. As with all methods for implementing biocompatible harvesters, some of them are low in terms of power consumption and some are dependent on the device and the place of implantation. In this review, we discuss the application of harvesters into implantable devices and evaluate the different materials and methods and examine how new and improved circuits will help in assisting the generators to sustain the function of medical devices.