Journals
2026 EN
Xu Jiajing · Zhou Jinlong · Liu Yihan
+5 more
ABSTRACT Polybenzoxazine (PBz) aerogels, as a new class of high‐performance polymer aerogels, have attracted extensive attention from the scientific and industrial communities. However, the use of toxic solvents in the process of monomer synthesis and ring‐opening polymerization to form polybenzoxazine and relatively large thermal conductivity hinder their further development and practical application. Herein, a novel poly(resol‐co‐benzoxazine) (P‐ReBz) aerogel was constructed by using a mixed solvent of water and ethanol as a green medium and a sodium base catalyst to catalyze the induction of 3‐aminophenol and formaldehyde, which provided a feasible method to overcome the above situation. The prepared aerogels with alkaline aqueous solution as a catalyst have a density range of 0.106–0.225 g·cm −3 , low thermal conductivity of 0.0263 W·m −1 ·K −1 , and excellent flame retardancy (butane lance at 1200°C three times, maintaining structural integrity with a self‐extinguishing time of 1–3 s). The P‐ReBz aerogels with lightweight, low thermal conductivity combined with environmentally friendly preparation strategies are expected to be used for thermal management and fire protection applications in energy‐saving buildings, industry, and other thermal insulation fields.
Journals
2026 EN
Chauntrakul Kinnapat · Photichark Pimpakran · Somnuake Pattara
+4 more
ABSTRACT Biodegradable food packaging has attracted vast interest in this century, though achieving microwave resistance has remained challenging due to degradation and heating issues. Due to these limitations, poly(lactic acid) or PLA, the most widely recognized biodegradable plastic, has also proven unsuitable for such applications. Thus, stereocomplexation (Sc) between PLA and its enantiomer, poly( d ‐lactic acid) (PDLA), was employed to enhance crystal formation, improving crystallinity as well as mechanical and thermal properties. For the microwave irradiation impediment, cellulose synthesized from hemp biomass (CHB), a by‐product from an industrial process, was added to the polymer matrix at loadings of 1, 3, 5, and 7 phr to mitigate the material's limitations. The chemical structure of CHB was characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Sc‐PLA/CHB composites were prepared using the solvent casting method. The films improved the mechanical strength and Young's modulus. Finally, microwave heating tests were conducted to evaluate their practical application performance. The results demonstrated that CHB exhibits a smaller particle size, higher purity, and enhanced crystallinity. Sc‐PLA/PDLA/CHB composites significantly improved mechanical strength, heat resistance, light‐blocking capability, and microwave resistance. These findings highlight the potential of this high‐performance degradable polymer for sustainable microwave food packaging applications.
Journals
2026 EN
Wu Shanshan · Shan Chao · Mo Junhao
+3 more
ABSTRACT In this work, a novel fluorinated diamine monomer, 3‐methoxy‐4‐fluoro‐4,4′‐diaminotriphenylamine (FMBDA), was synthesized through molecular design. And then copolymerized with 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride (6FDA) and 4,4′‐oxydianiline (ODA) to prepare fluorinated polyimide (FPI). Subsequently, the covalent organic framework (TpDT) was modified with the imidazolium ionic liquid [Emim][Tf 2 N] (IL) via solution impregnation, and the resulting IL@TpDT was doped into FPI to prepare IL@TpDT/FPI mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) with varying mass fractions. The obtained MMMs exhibited excellent thermal properties ( T g > 295°C, T 10% > 528°C), commendable mechanical properties (tensile strength > 81.08 MPa), and outstanding hydrophobic properties (contact angle > 86.90°). IL modification endows TpDT with improved CO 2 affinity and a smaller pore size, thereby enhancing the membrane material CO 2 adsorption selectivity. Simultaneously, the porous structure of the nanocomposite boosts gas adsorption and diffusion, further improving gas separation performance. At an IL@TpDT loading of 3 wt%, CO 2 and O 2 permeability increased by 222% and 123%, respectively, compared to the FPI matrix membrane. The CO 2 /N 2 and O 2 /N 2 separation factors rose to 27.27 and 4.81, respectively.
Journals
2026 EN
Yilmazoglu Unal C. · Robertson Christopher G.
ABSTRACT We studied the rheological and mechanical property effects of replacing N650 carbon black (CB) with recovered carbon (rC) filler in styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) compounds, using a type of rC produced from end‐of‐life tires by a chloramine devulcanization process. When compared at the same filler loading, rC gave a smaller Payne effect than CB in the uncured and cured states; this is consistent with the larger particle size for rC (lower surface area) and associated less tendency for filler networking. In Fourier transform rheology (FT‐rheology), the strain amplitude ( γ 0 ) dependence of the ratio of the third harmonic to the first harmonic for the dynamic torque ( I 3/1 ) showed clear differences for compounds with rC versus CB. We proposed and utilized a new empirical Double Sigmoidal Nonlinearity Model (DSNM) to fit the γ 0 ‐dependent I 3/1 . This modeling approach captured well the data for all compounds and allowed the nonlinear rheological differences between rC and CB fillers to be effectively quantified. The cure curves, along with temperature‐dependent viscoelastic measurements of the cured materials, indicated a reduction in crosslink density from substituting rC for CB. This under‐cure effect, in addition to less filler reinforcement, resulted in deterioration of tensile mechanical properties from substituting rC for CB.
Journals
2026 EN
Malik Nurzatul Iffah Abdul · Daud Mohd Yusof Md · Hasan Rozaimi Che
+1 more
ABSTRACT This paper aims to conduct a systematic literature review (SLR) on geospatial data governance in ASEAN with a focus on policy, security and compliance challenges. The SLR method was based on the PRISMA protocol, which involves a systematic search strategy in the Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar databases for the period 2020–2025. A total of 25 valid articles were selected after going through a screening process. The results of the study showed four main themes, namely the existing policy of geospatial data governance in ASEAN, followed by challenges to security and sovereignty of the data, next is the weak enforcement leads to poor compliance and finally limitations in technology and organisational capacity in implementing policies. The finding highlights that despite various efforts at the national level for geospatial data sharing such as MyGeoportal in Malaysia, Land Administration Domain Model (LADM) in the Philippines, One Map Policy in Indonesia and OneMap in Singapore, the absence of a regional governance framework makes the issue of data integration, compliance and security increasingly critical. This article contributes to the existing literature by addressing gaps in the ASEAN context, strengthening the theoretical understanding of geospatial data governance and offering practical insights for policymakers, communities and industry stakeholders. Accordingly, this review paper not only synthesises existing evidence but also proposes directions for the development of a future framework aimed at enhancing and reinforcing ASEAN compliance and risk management practices related to geospatial data governance.
Journals
2026 EN
Kasim Nurul Farhana Abu · Halim Norhana Abdul · Khim Ong Keat
+5 more
ABSTRACT Advancements in graphene processing have intensified interest in developing efficient plasmonic sensors that exploit the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) phenomena in metallic nanostructures. A streamlined one‐pot synthesis was employed to produce gold nanoparticle‐decorated reduced graphene oxide (RGO/AuNP), eliminating complex multi‐step procedures to achieve an optimized LSPR signal in a tapered multimode fiber optic (TMMF) sensor. Ascorbic acid (AA) of 50 mg, 150 mg, and 250 mg were chosen to avoid further material waste during fabrication. UV‐Vis analysis was shown to determine AuNP spherical size, particle distribution and optical bandgap energy, E g . Increasing mass of AA resulted in smaller average spherical AuNP and was later confirmed by TEM images of RGO/AuNP. The composite reduced with 50 mg AA, which consisted of ~52 nm AuNP size and the lowest E g of 3.36 eV was found to be the most suitable plasmonic coating to be applied on the TMMF sensor because of a stronger plasmonic field and efficient electron transfer. The feasibility of the RGO/AuNP coating was further evaluated based on the quality of LSPR response, optical constants and optical bandgap characteristics. Compared to the layer‐by‐layer composite coating, the one‐pot RGO/AuNP deposited fiber yielded stronger absorbance and narrower FWHM demonstrating its promising potential in fiber optic‐based sensors.
Journals
2026 EN
Dias Eugène Mouta · Thiaw Modou · Diedhiou Idrissa
+1 more
ABSTRACT Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are central to global biodiversity strategies, including Senegal's 30×30 commitment. The Cayar MPA, designated as IUCN Category VI and established over two decades ago, was intended to conserve biodiversity while supporting sustainable small‐scale fisheries. However, its partial protection status, lack of enforced no‐take zones, and weak ecological connectivity pose challenges to achieving these goals. This study assessed the long‐term effectiveness of the Cayar MPA using a mixed‐methods approach that combined analysis of official fisheries catch data (2007–2016) with field surveys of 400 artisanal fishers and in‐depth interviews with 35 stakeholders. The findings revealed limited ecological and socioeconomic outcomes. Fish catches declined by 36.5%, accompanied by the disappearance of several commercial species. Despite existing regulations, destructive fishing practices persisted, and 68% of surveyed fishers reported no improvement in income. Moreover, 85.5% of respondents reported increased conflicts over fishing grounds, mainly between artisanal fishers and industrial processors. Many community members perceived the MPA as a constraint rather than a benefit. Three governance failures explained these outcomes: weak enforcement of regulations, insufficient action against illegal fishing, and limited community participation in decision‐making processes. Consequently, the Cayar MPA has fallen short of its conservation and socioeconomic objectives. To enable MPAs in developing countries to balance biodiversity conservation and livelihoods, reforms are needed. These include greater integration of local communities in co‐management, stronger alignment between fisheries and conservation policies, and the promotion of alternative livelihood programs. Without such changes, MPAs risk exacerbating socioeconomic tensions while failing to achieve ecological recovery.
Journals
2026 EN
Moraes Douglas · Roos Natália C. · Feitosa João L. L.
+2 more
ABSTRACT Herbivorous fish are key components in maintaining functionality in reef environments; however, this group is widely threatened by overfishing and habitat degradation. Investigating the main factors determining the structure of herbivorous fish becomes paramount to defining management strategies amid anthropogenic impacts. This study evaluated the drivers of herbivorous fish functional groups (FG) subjected to different environmental conditions and levels of protection in the Abrolhos Bank, Brazil. Sites inside the no‐take area (farther from the shore and characterized by higher coralline algae cover) sustained higher biomass and larger individuals, especially for the excavator (EXCV) parrotfish Scarus trispinosus . Conversely, unprotected, inshore reefs with greater proportions of macroalgae and zoanthids showed lower abundance, biomass and smaller individuals. These results may be attributed to the combined effects of protection and environmental conditions; still, the no‐take area was the most important factor explaining the biomass of all FG. Protection, however, does not influence all FG equally: the biomass of EXCV was about 30‐fold higher inside the no‐take area, while for the other groups, biomasses were about two‐fold higher. The results highlight that different FG require specific management strategies but demonstrate the importance of no‐take areas for herbivorous fish conservation in Brazil.
Journals
2026 EN
Makhathini Ntandokayise · Burnett Matthew J. · Hanzen Celine
+2 more
ABSTRACT Inland fisheries in South Africa are crucial for the livelihoods of local communities, but they face pressures that threaten the sustainability of small‐scale and recreational fishers livelihoods, the latter making the dominant economic contribution. However, distinctions between small‐scale and recreational fishing rights are unclear. We aimed to address the knowledge gap regarding economically significant fish species, their contribution to fishers, and how they are spatial distributed across the uMngeni and uThukela Catchment Management Areas in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa. Additionally, we addressed the fisher perceptions and use of targetted fish species. A questionnaire‐based interview was conducted with fishers between 2021 and 2023 across rivers and impoundments. Our findings highlight several key challenges for inland fisheries management. We found that there are difficulties in categorising fishers, particularly in distinguishing small‐scale from recreational fishers, an ambiguity reflected in fishers’ self‐identifications and practices, with ‘subsistence’ as a self‐identifier. This complexity was further highlighted by the ecological and economic significance of key species, with the invasive Cyprinus carpio having the greatest market value and being the most economically important species. Fishers largely viewed these invasive species through an economic lens, perceiving them as valuable resources and adapting their practices to target their harvest. Regarding fishing behaviours, subsistence fishers were a significant group, reporting weekly or monthly fish consumption and exhibiting a clear preference for river fishing over other waterbody types. Finally, gender significantly influenced participation, with males exhibiting higher fishing frequencies. We conclude that the definitions of inland fisheries in South Africa do not align with the realities on the ground, and the fuzzy boundary between defined small‐scale, recreational fisheries and undefined subsistence fishers will likely negatively influence policy implementation. In addition, it highlighted the need for integrated management of South African inland fisheries and economics to sustain inland fisheries that support livelihoods and fish conservation.
Journals
2026 EN
NistalGarcía Alejandro · GarcíaGarcía Pedro · Albero Luís
+2 more
ABSTRACT Amphibians are facing large population declines as a result of both natural and anthropogenic threats. Reconstructing and understanding the composition and structure of amphibian communities is essential for developing effective monitoring and conservation strategies. In this study, we compared environmental DNA metabarcoding (eDNA‐MB) data with a comprehensive dataset obtained from acoustic and visual encounter surveys (AVES) in a set of Mediterranean ponds. Additionally, we designed and validated a quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay for the Iberian ribbed newt ( Pleurodeles waltl ) and tested its ability with eDNA‐MB and AVES in assessing the presence and population densities of this species. Our findings provide evidence that eDNA‐MB can be a valuable method for reconstructing the composition and structure of amphibian communities. eDNA‐MB identified all expected amphibian species from the regional species pool, including some that were missed in traditional surveys. Although eDNA‐MB abundance estimations for P. waltl seemed virtually independent of population densities obtained through field surveys, we found a significant association between eDNA concentration (qPCR) and AVES abundance estimates. Our findings suggest that effective strategies for amphibian biomonitoring need the combination of community data obtained from both traditional and eDNA surveys, especially in the Mediterranean region where strong environmental constraints can affect the detection and persistence of eDNA in freshwater ecosystems.