University College of Technology

ABSTRACT Novel coumarin derivatives exhibit strong antibacterial activity against MRSA, offering promise in combating antibiotic resistance. They also function as selective PET tracers, interacting with monoamine oxidase B (MAO‐B) to advance neurological research. Here, we examine 3‐(phenylsulfinyl)‐2 H ‐chromen‐2‐one, a compound featuring an asymmetric sulfur atom. This structural element restricts conjugation between coumarin and phenyl rings, producing a flexible molecule with rotatable parts. Such flexibility increases electrophilicity in solution relative to the crystalline form, enhancing protein interactions. Binding studies with human serum albumin (HSA), a key drug‐transport protein, revealed a strong affinity 1.80 ± 0.03 × 10 4 M −1 , supported by warfarin, ibuprofen, and ANS assays. Computational solid‐state DFT, analyses from quantum chemistry, electron localization descriptors (such as ELF, LOL, EDDB), and docking simulations with HSA showcase a wide range of methodologies and rigorous approaches. The compound's invertomeric chiral sulfur atom enables interconvertible R‐ and S‐enantiomers, which show distinct free energy changes upon binding. Results indicate the R‐enantiomer binds more favorably to HSA, underscoring the importance of chirality in protein–ligand interactions.

Abstract Including renewable energy sources into contemporary power systems has greatly added unpredictability and presented problems including harmonic distortion, voltage instability, and degraded power quality. In response, we provide a new deep learning-enabled framework for the real-time adaptive control and optimal allocation of hybrid Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS), specifically the Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC) and Static VAR Compensator (SVC), in renewable-rich transmission networks. For multi-objective planning, the suggested method combines a Two-Point Estimation Method (2PEM)-based probabilistic load flow model with a hybrid Grey Wolf Optimization–Particle Swarm Optimization (GWO–PSO) algorithm. Trained offline on a scenario-rich dataset, a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural controller inferences control set-points in real time with sub-15 ms latency. Under operational contingency and changeable photovoltaic (PV) generation, this integration of offline probabilistic optimization with online artificial intelligence-driven control enables dynamic stabilization of voltage, harmonic mitigation, and power loss minimization. Application to the Southern Interconnected Grid of Cameroon shows compliance with IEEE-519 harmonic thresholds, a 47% increase in voltage stability index, and a 30.9% reduction in active power loss. These findings support the scalability and efficiency of the framework in improving power system resilience and quality by means of intelligent control, so fitting for both advanced and developing energy infrastructures. Graphical abstract

Mozambique’s rapidly urbanizing landscape presents both opportunities and challenges for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 and 11, which aim to ensure access to clean energy and sustainable cities. This study employs the HESPECT analytical framework—emphasizing Historical, Economic, Social, Political, Ecological, Cultural, and Technological dimensions of the energy context—to examine the factors shaping renewable energy transitions in Mozambican cities. The analysis reveals a dual dynamic: facilitating factors such as abundant solar and wind potential, expanding urban energy demand, and growing policy support; and inhibiting factors including deforestation-driven ecological stress, poverty, infrastructural deficits, and uneven access to technology and education. By linking renewable energy development to urban planning, service delivery, and social inclusion, the study underscores how energy systems shape the sustainability and livability of Mozambique’s cities. The paper concludes that advancing Mozambique’s renewable energy agenda requires targeted interventions to mitigate constraints while leveraging enabling factors to strengthen institutional capacity, enhance social inclusion, and accelerate progress toward guaranteeing clean and affordable energy to all (SDG 7) and livable, sustainable cities (SDG 11).

This chapter explores the dynamic financial technology environment and its social context, which explicitly highlights the transformative potential as well as issues concerning buy now, pay later (BNPL) services in the financial technology ecosystem. This chapter discusses the advantages of BNPL, such as improved financial accessibility and its distinctive features, by considering the potential drawbacks, such as long-term debt that potentially leads to financial stress for the individual, affects emotion and social relationships, and burdens society, businesses, and the government. Models for leveraging BNPL for social impact are discussed, which feature partnership models among Fintech companies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and social enterprises, and innovative use of data and technology to achieve positive community development outcomes. The chapter also addresses the dilemma of managing the accelerated growth of BNPL with ethical practice and predicts the evolving regulatory and ethical landscape that will shape the future of BNPL. This chapter concludes with actionable recommendations, which encourage the development of cooperation, promote financial literacy, and guarantee environmentally sustainable practices to maximize the social benefits of BNPL services in the Fintech sector.

Islamic urban pilgrimage kampungs in Southeast Asia face increasing pressures from modernization and environmental risk, yet religious spatial values continue to structure social interaction and everyday resilience. Empirical studies highlight the role of mosque- and waqf-based practices in sustaining cohesion, neighborhood and kinship networks in preparedness, and shared alleys and markets as arenas of socio-economic negotiation. However, comparative and longitudinal evidence remains limited, inclusivity across gender and ethnic groups is uneven, and few studies operationalize spatial-religious values into resilience metrics. This article synthesizes theoretical and empirical scholarship on the intersections of social interaction, religious significance, sustainability, and resilience in pilgrimage kampungs, while proposing a replicable agenda for research and practice. A Systematic Literature Review was conducted using query transformation, criteria-based screening, and citation chaining, yielding five thematic clusters. Critical synthesis is organized through the EGAP Matrix (Evidence-Gap-Action-Priority) and an MCDA-inspired, score-free priority map. Findings emphasize socially embedded resilience frameworks and adaptive communal networks, while revealing major gaps in methodological integration and measurement tools. The study advances actionable directions, including multi-site longitudinal designs, gender-sensitive co-production models, and spatial-value indicator toolkits, to inform urban planning and community-based heritage governance in Islamic pilgrimage kampungs.

Continuous power supply is essential for maintaining operational stability of indoor aquaculture farms to protect their mortality. This paper examines the feasibility and performance of a 0.83 kWp stand-alone solar PV system for providing an uninterrupted power supply to a 185.8 m2 indoor tilapia farm located in Sabah, Malaysia (latitude: 6.03º N, longitude: 116.30ºE). Concerning these aspects, the system was designed specifically to operate critical equipment aerators and water pump within about five hours every week during grid power interruptions. The site was evaluated through the Global Solar Atlas showing an average global horizontal irradiation of 4.74 kWh/m2/day. Using on-site load analysis, the demand was found to be 1,750 Wh/week. The system consists of two 415 Wp PV modules connected in series, a 2.4 kWh lithium-ion battery, and a 2.4 kW inverter/charger scaled up to meet the demand while considering system losses. In addition, the virtual simulation of the system confirmed the average daily energy production to be about 2.95 kWh, which exceeds the demand by approximately 69%, hence allowing operation within the scheduled grid power outage. This research work highlights the technical feasibility along operational benefits resulting from small-scale PV deployment at aquaculture in tropical region, offering a scalable framework for improving energy reliability and sustainability in rural environments.

Religious heritage structures are essential to Malaysia's diverse cultural identity, embodying the great nation’s diversity of religions. Preserving these structures needs a comprehensive evaluation to maintain their historical and artistic importance. In Sarawak, the lack of documentation for ancient buildings has impacted local identity and communal cohesion. This study examines Masjid Al-Qadim in Sibu, Sarawak, to assess its conserved elements in accordance with recognised conservation standards. The research revealed distinctive conclusions concerning aspects of the architecture and interior design of the timber mosque case study. The findings indicate that the mosque was well-preserved, employing retrofitting methods guided by concepts of authenticity, community involvement, conservation, and sustainability. The modifications, although intended to modernise the area, often deviate from fundamental conservation principles, eliciting apprehensions about the enduring preservation of its heritage significance. The research employed qualitative approaches, including site observation analysis, interviews with one of the conservation teams, and a literature review evaluating the preservation process against the principles of the Burra Charter. The studies benefit both the researcher and the institution, particularly in the context of Sarawak conservation, which is underrepresented in Malaysian literature. The findings indicate a need for further research on timber mosque building and conservation techniques in Malaysia.

Malaysian youth are more politically aware nowadays compared to the previous years. However, since the 14th general election in 2018, the national political landscape has been continually shifting, and the party-hopping issues have left many young people in Malaysia unsure over the coalition line-ups and the grand directions of the various political parties. Thus, this paper aims to discover awareness of Anti-Party Hopping Law among youths in Sarawak. The emphasis of the literature focuses on the dominant factor that contributes to the lack of awareness and awareness of Anti-Party Hopping law among young people in Sarawak. This study used a quantitative research methodology for collecting and analyzing the numerical data. The results of the study indicate that social media turns out to be the most dominant factor that leads to lack of awareness on Anti-Party Hopping Law among youths in Sarawak when there is rarely news on Anti-Party Hopping Law in Sarawak has been published on any platform of social media such as Facebook, Instagram and others, which eventually give negative impacts towards youths’ awareness. Youth utilize social media sites virtually daily and share their opinions on various social, political, and economic issues, which suggest that they may become more involved in politics in the future. As a result, the more awareness spread through social media on Anti-Party Hopping Law is linked to the higher level of youth’s awareness in Sarawak.

This study examines the impact of financial technology (FinTech) on financial literacy (FinLit) and financial development (FinDev) across 119 countries, using data from the Global Financial Inclusion Database (Findex) for 2014, 2017, and 2021. The findings reveal a positive relationship between FinTech adoption and FinLit, particularly when measured through digital payments made and received. This aligns with G20 High-Level Principle 6, which emphasizes the role of FinTech in enhancing FinLit and accessibility. Furthermore, the study explores the impact of FinTech on FinDev, demonstrating a significant positive effect of digital payment adoption on FinDev across all regions. However, the results indicate that currency exposure negatively moderates the FinTech-FinDev relationship, suggesting that economies with higher exchange rate volatility may experience weaker FinTech-driven FinDev outcomes. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and financial institutions, highlighting the interconnectedness of FinTech, FinLit, currency exposure, and FinDev.