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A NEW FRONTIER: HOW THE NFC STUDENTS CARD SYSTEM INTEGRATE IN EDUCATION LEARNING
No full textThe NFC students card system guides the development of a learner-centered platform that promotes engagement and flexibility. This project aims to design and develop an innovative educational technology platform based on a comprehensive, NFC-enabled Smart Card system designed to serve as a singular, secure, and portable digital identity for students in environments that restrict the use of personal electronic devices. The increase of mobile
technology presents both opportunities and challenges in educational settings, often necessitating the need for secure, distraction- free learning environments. This proposed framework addresses this need by leveraging Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology to create a self-contained, physical interface for critical student information and services, streamlining administrative processes and empowering students and staff. Ultimately, this project addresses the growing demand for flexible and tech-integrated education that prepares learners for personalized learning at their own progress, anytime and anywhere. Crucially, this system is designed to promote equitable and accessible learning by providing all students with uniform access to essential resources, regardless of their personal technological capacity or socioeconomic background. Its integrated design ensures flexible, scalable integration with existing school information systems and can be expanded to accommodate future technological
advancements. The NFC Student Smart Card acts as a centralized repository for a wide array of student data, including academic performance records, personalized learning on subject playlists, registration history, entry qualifications, and class attendance logs. Beyond academic
tracking, the card will also securely house records of disciplinary actions and welfare information, ensuring a holistic view of each student's journey. A key feature of the system is a restricted, school-only chat function that facilitates secure communication without requiring
external devices. Interactions with the system are facilitated via NFC readers strategically placed
throughout the school, such as at classroom entrances, library check-in points, and administrative offices. This allows for real-time data updates and secure information retrieval, creating a dynamic, yet private, educational ecosystem. This framework represents a significant
step toward developing a robust and secure digital infrastructure that supports a focused, distraction-free learning environment while providing essential tools for modern academic management and student support. By ensuring universal access and simplifying the learning process for all, the Smart Card system helps to create a more inclusive and equitable educational experience
PATHWAY TOWARDS CARBON NEUTRALITY FOR THE PUBLIC UNIVERSITY IN SARAWAK, BORNEO
No full textThe push for sustainability in higher education institutions increasingly focuse on net-zero carbon emission buildings (NZEBs) as a key strategy for reducing carbon footprints. This study evaluates the feasibility of achieving net-zero
carbon emissions within the Engineering Faculty at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). A digital energy model of the faculty was created using IES-ICD software to simulate baseline performance and assess various retrofit and renewable energy options. The method involved detailed energy modelling, analysis of local climate data, estimation of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) generation potential, and projection of grid decarbonization trends through 2050. Energy efficiency measures - such as building envelope insulation, lighting upgrades, and HVAC optimization - were implemented alongside phased solar PV installations under the Net Energy Metering (NEM) scheme. These measures are expected to reduce Building Energy Intensity (BEI) from 146 to 107 kWh/m²/year and lower site carbon emissions from 1,637 to 711 tons CO₂e annually by 2050. The study alsoexplores the use of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to overcome regulatory and technical barriers to self-consumption systems. The results suggest that a combined approach of targeted retrofits, on-site renewable energy, and carbon offsetting offers a technically and financially feasible pathway to net zero emissions, serving as a replicable model for institutional buildings across Malaysia’s tropical regions
Virtual Reality Technology: An Essential Way of Remediation for Luoshan Shadow Puppet
No full textVirtual reality (VR) technology offers a promising avenue for enhancing the remediation of Luoshan shadow puppets, providing a richer and more immersive viewing experience, that supports the preservation of traditional cultural heritage and expands educational and promotional opportunities. This paper analyzes the remediation process of Luoshan shadow puppets through the lens of modern communication and innovative proposes a remediation strategy based on virtual reality technology (VR). This strategy leverages fundamental principles of computer image processing, using a simulation platform to simulate, digitize, visualize, and interpret this traditional shadow art form. The study explores a VR-driven approach to remediating Luoshan shadow puppets, assessing current communication, practices, analyzing remediation characteristics, and roposing a specific VR-based methods. The findings highlight significant challenges in the remediation process, noting the rarity of VR applications for Luoshan shadow puppets and facing obstacles such as technical complexity, cost considerations, cultural adaptation, and user acceptance. Despite these challenges, the study underscores the crucial role of VR technology in the remediation of Luoshan shadow puppets, facilitating innovative performance forms, enhancing interactivity, and enabling digital preservation and communication efforts. Ultimately, the research demonstrates that VR-based remediation methods can introduce new creative possibilities and innovative elements for folklore artists as well as designers who preserve and revitalise cultural heritage
Microbial fuel cells as a sustainable nexus of wastewater treatment and bioelectricity generation: Advances, challenges, and future directions in a circular bioeconomy
No full textMicrobial Fuel Cells (MFCs) have emerged as a promising technology for wastewater treatment and bioelectricity generation, offering a sustainable solution to energy and environmental challenges. Recent advancements in MFC systems, particularly in material design and microbial optimization, have significantly improved power densities and efficiency. MFCs have demonstrated chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiencies of up to 97%, with power densities ranging from 0.1 W/m2 to 23 W/m2, depending on substrate type and system configuration. Despite these advances, challenges such as high capital costs and limited energy recovery efficiency hinder large-scale adoption. The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning for system optimization, alongside hybrid MFC systems combining solar and wind energy, has enhanced operational efficiency by up to 20% in some cases. This review presents a comprehensive overview of these breakthroughs, highlighting the environmental, economic, and policy considerations crucial for scaling MFC technology. It also identifies key areas for future research, including improvements in electrode material durability and microbial community stability, which are vital for achieving long-term operational reliability and economic viability in real-world applications
Trust management in the internet of vehicles: a survey of learning-based mechanisms
No full textThe rapid advancements in information and communication technologies have resulted in the emergence of the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) as an indispensable constituent of intelligent transportation systems, enabling vehicles to exchange real-time data for improving road safety, traffic efficacy, and users’ convenience. However, as vehicles increasingly rely on this interconnected network, robust trust management mechanisms are essential to defend against threats that could undermine network integrity and consequently compromise road safety. While conventional mechanisms provide foundational security measures, they have limitations in detecting insider threats, particularly, as IoV environments scale and diversify. Therefore, intelligent learning-based mechanisms, i.e., machine learning, deep learning, and reinforcement learning, have become crucial for addressing these limitations since they are able to continuously adapt to complex dynamic threats within IoV networks. Their ability to autonomously learn behavioral features, generalize across diverse driving scenarios, and continuously refine trust decisions allows them to address the shortcomings of conventional mechanisms. This survey, therefore, offers a comprehensive review of the said learning-based mechanisms in the context of IoV-based trust management so as to assess their respective efficaciousness in mitigating trust-related attacks. It also discusses the adaptability, scalability, and robustness of such learning-based mechanisms thus highlighting their potential to meet the evolving challenges of IoV ecosystems. It furthermore delineates open research directions for developing more adept and scalable IoV-based trust management mechanisms
Electrochemical nitrate sensing based on reduced graphene oxide/conducting polyaniline nanocomposite in environmental water sources
No full textIn this study, a novel non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor based on a nanocomposite of reduced graphene oxide and
conducting polyaniline, denoted as reduced graphene oxide/polyaniline/glassy carbon electrode (rGO/PANI/GCE), was developed for detecting nitrate ions in environmental water sources. The reduced graphene oxide/polyaniline nanocomposite was synthesised by dispersing graphene oxide in water to form a homogeneous suspension, preparing polyaniline separately through chemical oxidative polymerisation, and subsequently combining them while reducing graphene oxide to reduced graphene oxide to produce a uniform composite material. The reduced graphene oxide/polyaniline nanocomposites were deposited on a glassy carbon electrode and applied as the working electrode. The nanocomposite was characterised using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and square wave voltammetry were employed to evaluate the electrochemical behaviour of the sensor. The reduced graphene oxide/polyaniline/glassy carbon electrode exhibited electrocatalytic oxidation performance that surpassed those of the polyaniline/glassy carbon electrode, the graphene oxide/glassy carbon electrode, and the bare glassy carbon electrode. Under optimal conditions, the recorded current showed a linear correlation with nitrate ion concentration in the range of 7 to 45 μM.
The regression equation was I = 22.943 + 0.863 C (R2 = 0.982). The sensor demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.863 μA μM−1 with a detection limit of 1.74 μM. It also exhibited reproducibility with a relative standard deviation of 2.99% for nitrate ion detection. Recovery studies were conducted to assess the practical applicability of the sensor, yielding recovery rates between 95% and 105% for spiked samples. The sensor performed effectively with real water samples, demonstrating its suitability for reliable water quality monitoring
Does Workplace Bullying Influence Employee Performance Through Psychological Well-Being in Sarawak's Banking Sector?
No full textEmployee performance is a core driver for organizational success, especially in service focused sectors like banking. This study draws on Affective Events Theory (AET) to examine how workplace bullying influences employee performance in the Malaysian banking sector (based in Sarawak) with psychological well-being as the mediating variable. A quantitative approach was used by means of a structured questionnaire, which was filled in by 266 employees in the top five commercial banks (selected by means of stratified random sampling). Data analysis SPSS and SmartPLS-SEM were used for descriptive, correlation and mediation analyses. The results indicate that with the mediation of psychological well-being, workplace bullying is negatively related to employee performance. In this light, it is noted that the extent of bullying found in Sarawak banks is limited yet detrimental in terms of psychological well-being with associated employee performance. The study results underscored the pragmatic immediacy with which mental health should be addressed in an industry such as finance where performance is crucial for economic stability. This study highlights the need to tackle workplace bullying in the Malaysian banking sector as a part of the overall sustainable and decent work agenda of SDG 8. Subsequent studies should extend the model to longitudinal, cross-industry, and cyber-bullying contexts to capture changing work dynamics.
Keywords: Affective Events Theory, Banking Industry, Employee Performance, Psychological Well-Being, Workplace Bullyin
A field guide to the reptiles of Borneo
Full text linkThis book covers all currently valid species of reptile known in Borneo, described under their respective orders. Each description is provided under families, and within them under genera. The cut-off date for inclusion was 31 December 2024. A majority of species have been illustrated. Dichotomous identification keys to species are provided to facilitate identification of specimens, live as well as preserved ones. Typically, these keys present diagnostic (unique to the species) morphological features in a series of alternative choices. A total of 321 species of crocodiles, turtles and tortoises, lizards and snakes are covered. For each species, the text describes the identifying features, maximum size, common, scientific, and when available, vernacular names, habitat and conservation status. Distributional maps of all species are provided. An overview of snake-bite and the nature of venom, and when relevant, sources of antivenom serum, are included. Finally, a contemporary checklist and a reading list round up this work
Purpurin as a promising anticancer agent: A review of preclinical evidence
No full textPurpurin, a naturally occurring anthraquinone pigment, has gained attention for its promising anticancer properties. This systematic-narrative hybrid review summarises current preclinical evidence on its mechanisms of action, pharmacology, and translational potential. Literature searches were conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar up to June 2025. Purpurin demonstrates selective cytotoxicity across multiple cancer models through redox imbalance, mitochondrial dysfunction, inhibition of PI3K/AKT signalling, and upregulation of the tumour suppressor LHPP. It also interferes with amino acid and glutamine metabolism and suppresses oncogenic protein aggregation. As a photosensitiser, purpurin enhances photodynamic therapy through light-activated ROS generation. Despite these promising mechanistic insights, its clinical applicability remains limited by poor aqueous solubility, rapid metabolism, and insufficient pharmacokinetic and toxicological data. Early in vivo studies indicate favourable safety, and emerging nanoparticle-based delivery systems show potential to improve bioavailability and tumour targeting. Collectively, current findings highlight purpurin as a compelling candidate for further development in oncology, particularly as part of combination or photo-enhanced therapeutic approaches. Continued research is required to address existing pharmacological gaps and to evaluate purpurin in clinically relevant models
Isolation of Phytochemicals from Calophyllum nodosum and In Silico Evaluation of Their Drug-Likeness and DNA Gyrase Inhibition Potential
No full textThe Calophyllum species have gained a lot of attention for their structurally diverse secondary metabolites with potential biological activities, including antibacterial scaffolds. A detailed study done on the phytochemical profile of the Calophyllum nodosum stem bark has led to the isolation of three xanthones, trapezifolixanthone (1), caloxanthone C (2), 1-hydroxy-7-methoxyxanthone (3), and a cyclic ester, canumolactone (4). Their structures were characterised using spectroscopic techniques like NMR, MS, and IR, and the spectra were confirmed with the previous literature. The pharmacokinetic properties of the compounds were predicted using SwissADME and cross-validated using pkCSM, while molecular docking simulation against bacterial DNA gyrase was performed using Autodock Vina. All isolated compounds met the drug-likeness requirements under Lipinski’s rule, according to the ADMET predictions, showing favourable oral and gastrointestinal bioavailability and absorption. Canumolactone (4), in particular, showed the best combination of solubility, clearance, and the least amount of CYP liabilities. The molecular docking simulation revealed that trapezifolixanthone (1) gave the strongest binding affinity to DNA gyrase among all isolated compounds, surpassing the binding affinity of the standard inhibitor, BDBM50198240. The current study presents the first combined ADMET predictions and molecular docking analysis for compounds isolated from C. nodosum. The findings provide preliminary evidence of their potential as drug-like scaffolds for future pharmacological development