Jamal Houssaini

Microcrystalline cellulose (CL) extracted from biomass was combined with Mg–Al layered double hydroxides (LDH) to develop sustainable hybrid biocomposites using different synthesis routes. The influence of the preparation method and calcination temperature on the structural evolution and thermal properties of the resulting CL/LDH materials was systematically investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The comparative evaluation of the synthesis strategies revealed their significant impact on phase transformations and structure–property relationships. Among the prepared materials, the CL/LDH-SDS biocomposite exhibited the highest thermal stability, owing to the synergistic effect of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) intercalation and the layered LDH architecture. These findings demonstrate that optimizing the synthesis route and thermal treatment is an effective strategy for tailoring the structural integrity and thermal performance of cellulose/LDH biocomposites, highlighting their potential as sustainable functional materials.

We report the presence of multiple brown dog ticks (Rhicephalus linnaei) from the Indian vulture Gyps indicus. This paper constitutes the first report of this tick species from the vulture, and also the first documentation of ectoparasites from vultures in Malaysia. Additionally, we have conducted a literature review on ticks from vultures worldwide, resulting in 21 tick species consisted of six genera (Argas, Ornithodoros, Amblyomma, Hyalomma, Ixodes and Rhipicephalus) recorded from eight Old World vultures and two New World vultures. The lists of ticks infesting both vulture groups, along with pathogens detected from some of these ticks, are provided in this paper.

Literature records of chewing lice (Phthiraptera) from mammals in Malaysia were checked and reviewed, resulting in a list of 13 confirmed species belonging to eight genera (Bovicola, Felicola, Gliricola, Gyropus, Haematomyzus, Heterodoxus, Lorisicola, Trichodectes) from four families (Boopiidae, Gyropidae, Haematomyzidae, Trichodectidae) in three suborders (Amblycera, Ischnocera, Rhynchophthirina). We present a checklist of those 13 chewing lice recorded from Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo, including hosts, localities, and literature references. An additional 12 species are listed and discussed as possibly occurring in this country. A host-louse list is also given.

Literature records of sucking lice (Phthiraptera: Anoplura) from Malaysia were checked and reviewed, resulting in a list of 34 established species belonging to 11 genera (Ancistroplax, Atopophthirus, Enderleinellus, Haematopinus, Hamophthirius, Hoplopleura, Linognathus, Neohaematopinus, Pedicinus, Polyplax and Sathrax). Furthermore, three local and six cosmopolitan louse species are regarded as dubious in Malaysia, due to misidentifications or lack of locality records. Also, pathogens known to be associated with the sucking lice are listed. The alarming conservation status of some Malaysian mammalian host species and their sucking lice warrant more research and imminent action to preserve the biodiversity of the country. This paper presents the first complete checklist of anopluran lice from both Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo, including localities, literature references and a host-louse list.

The self-condensation reaction of acetone, producing diacetone alcohol (DAA), is of great industrial importance. It was used to study the catalytic activity of Mg-Al catalysts synthesized by the coprecipitation method. For this purpose, we synthesized Mg-Al based hydrotalcite with a molar ratio of 3, obtained either after conventional heating or after microwave irradiation with of 100W for three minutes. Structural and chemical properties of the obtained catalysts were characterized, using different techniques: X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), equipped with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and specific surface area of the catalysts were determined by the methylene blue (MB) adsorption method. Also, these catalysts were tested in the self-condensation reaction of acetone at 273K in the liquid phase without solvent, a reaction which requires very high catalytic activity. The microwave treatment improves the catalyst activity, and the conversion of acetone to diacetone alcohol increases from 13.2 to 18.3 after 8h of reaction. Moreover, the microwave-treated hydrotalcite catalyst, calcined at 723K and rehydrated under a flow of N₂, is the most active and gives conversion of acetone of 52 under the same reaction conditions.