Catering to Muslim travellers: a review on the value of Muslim-friendly tour guides services

The tourism industry is experiencing rapid growth and is expected to continue expanding. One of the most prominent developments within this sector is the emergence of tour guides in Muslim-friendly tourism, which involves catering to the specific needs of Muslim travellers. Through a literature review, this study aimed to delve deeper into this topic, focusing on the significance of tour guide services within the framework of Muslim-friendly tourism. The review revealed that tailored tour guide services play a crucial role in enhancing the overall satisfaction of Muslim tourists during their travels. These findings have important implications for tour operators and travel agencies, as they can use them to inform the design and marketing of tour guide services tailored to Muslim travellers' needs

Life cycle assessment as potential tool to gauge the environmental impact during Covid-19 pandemic: towards better waste management

COVID-19 pandemic hit the world since December 2019 and by 31st December 2022 it has achieved 651,918,402 cumulative cases with 6,656,601 cumulative deaths around the globe. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the application of Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) in waste management has been crucial to minimize long-term risks to human and environmental health. Studies suggested that there has been an increase in domestic and biomedical wastes produced during the COVID-19 pandemic, putting additional pressure on waste management systems, especially to developing countries with lack of effective infrastructure. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed vulnerabilities in waste management chains, which could hinder disease containment and increase environmental pollution. The pandemic has led to an abrupt collapse of waste management chains, thus the application of LCA in waste management is crucial to prevent long-term risks. Several studies recommended fast adaptation through strengthening policies related to infectious waste, such as protection for waste collection workers and the application of LCA in waste management to prevent long-term risks. Additionally, the World Health Organization has called for reforms surrounding the disposal of medical waste, recommending eco-friendly packaging and reusable PPE to reduce plastic waste. This chapter is exploring for the potential of LCA approach in determining the environmental impact of different elements in waste management practices during the COVID-19 pandemic

Exploring joint strength and energy absorption across various clinching configurations of steel and aluminum alloy sheets

The quality and mechanical characteristics of clinched joints using the extensible die with different dissimilar materials (steel sheets and aluminum alloy), various thicknesses, and different combinations and orientations (vertical, horizontal, and quantity) of the joints were investigated in this paper. Tensile shear testing was performed to obtain the mechanical characteristics of different clinched joints with combinations of dissimilar metal sheets allowing the examination of specimens under different categories of conventional and hybrid joints. In addition, the pull-out test was considered for different clinched joints. Results showed that almost all mild steel-coated, non-coated sheets and galvanized sheets joined with aluminum sheets using clinched joints failed at the neck rejoin of the joint (neck fracture mode). Moreover, the location of the thin sheet affects the joints’ quality, whereas the results indicate that joint failures occur during forming of the joint with thin sheets located at the punch side provided that the softer material is located at the die side. In general, the location of the aluminum sheets influences the load bearing capacity which has lower load capacity than when located at the die location. Hybrid clinched joints show that the curing time and thickness of the adhesive affect the strength of the joints, whereas long curing time causes lower strength, at the same time, thick adhesive layers show lower strength than a thin adhesive layer with less curing time

Meeting faith-based needs in tourism: the role of mobile applications for Muslim travelers

This study investigates how mobile applications can support Muslim-friendly tourism by addressing the specific faith-based needs of Muslim travelers. As the global Muslim travel market continues to expand—with projections previously reaching $200 billion by 2020—the demand for tailored services, especially in non-Muslim majority destinations, has grown significantly. However, many tourism stakeholders still face challenges in providing appropriate religious accommodations, which can negatively affect the overall travel experience. Using a quantitative approach, this research gathered data via both online and offline surveys to assess the types of information Muslim tourists seek and how mobile tools influence their travel satisfaction. Central research questions include identifying the essential religious and travel-related information requirements and understanding the psychological effects of mobile engagement on Muslim travelers. The results highlight the critical role digital platforms play in improving destination awareness, emotional comfort, and overall satisfaction. This study offers practical recommendations for tourism providers, encouraging the development of mobile solutions that support Muslim travelers’ religious obligations while enhancing their journey

Understanding FRBR-based information visualisation of the wizarding world of Harry Potter

The Harry Potter series, encompassing both books and films, undergoes a comprehensive FRBR examination focusing on Group 2 entities to analyse its diverse manifestations. At the textual level, J.K. Rowling's original novels form the foundational expressions, constructing intricate plots and character arcs that captivate a global readership. The cinematic adaptations bring the wizarding world to life through compelling visuals, performances, and musical compositions. Translations into numerous languages expand the series' accessibility, enabling cross-cultural immersion into the narrative. Additionally, alternative expressions, such as director’s cuts and extended editions, offer new insights and perspectives, enriching the cinematic experience. Applying the FRBR framework, the Harry Potter series emerges as a complex and multifaceted entity, with each manifestation contributing to its worldwide popularity and enduring cultural significance. This research highlights the series’ adaptability and impact, demonstrating its ability to resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds across various media format

Kokurikulum bentuk kepimpinan, jati diri pelajar UIAM

Artikel ini membincangkan peranan pendidikan kokurikulum di Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM) dalam membentuk kepimpinan dan jati diri pelajar berlandaskan nilai-nilai Islam. Melalui lebih 100 program di bawah Pusat Kokurikulum Berkredit (CCC), mahasiswa dibimbing untuk menguasai kemahiran insaniah, kepimpinan, komunikasi, dan pemikiran kritis selaras dengan tujuh teras Kementerian Pengajian Tinggi (KPT). Diterapkan dengan pendekatan Epistemologi Tauhidik dan konsep Madani, kokurikulum UIAM bukan sahaja meningkatkan kebolehpasaran graduan, tetapi juga melahirkan individu berintegriti yang bersedia menyumbang kepada masyarakat dan negara sebagai pemimpin berakhlak. Artikel ini turut menekankan usaha UIAM menyepadukan aspek akademik dan bukan akademik demi melahirkan graduan holistik yang membawa rahmat kepada seluruh alam

An overview of western philosophy, research paradigms, and the Islamization of knowledge

This study seeks to resolve a dilemma. Muslim students doing PhDs in management need to complete their thesis without contradicting their faith. Choosing the right paradigm is crucial. This study uses a literature review approach combined with feedback from a focus group of six PhD students. It presents an overview of Western philosophy. This overview provides the background to better understand the three main research paradigms: positivism, interpretivism, and critical realism. This is followed by the Islamic perspective of the Western narrative. Despite its popularity, positivism rejects religion and morality. It is therefore anti-Islamic. By contrast, critical realism seems to fit both the need for moral values and empirical research. It is not perfect though as the Islamic worldview is to prepare human beings for the Day of Judgmen

Documenting the cultural ceremonies of Orang Asli Pahang

The Orang Asli Pahang celebrate their heritage with vibrant ceremonies embodying the spirit of community, culture, and nature. This study aims to develop a digital documentation strategy to archive the cultural ceremonies of the Orang Asli Pahang in a cultural repository. This will preserve and enhance access to this cultural information, filling gaps in collective memory and improving documentation of lesser-known communal ceremonies to help revive the cultural heritage. Purpose: The primary objectives of this paper are (i) to document the cultural ceremonies of Orang Asli Pahang, and (ii) to assign themes to the cultural ceremonies widely applicable to all tribes of the Orang Asli in Pahang. Method: Qualitative research method is employed to explore, document and thematize the cultural ceremonies of Orang Asli Pahang. Such methods include content analysis, semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis. Findings: There exists a rich tapestry of cultural ceremonies that interrelate with other domains of cultural heritage. These cultural ceremonies are commonly motivated by marital celebrations, ancestral honorations, supernatural phenomena, and occasional communal feasts. Concerning all tribes of Orang Asli Pahang, the cultural ceremonies are thematized under rite of passage-related, ancestor-related, supernatural-related, and communal feast-related. The findings also highlighted the urgency to digitally document the Orang Asli Pahang's cultural ceremonies. Respondents remember individual rites of passage but struggle to recall communal ceremonies involving feasts, ancestors, and the supernatura

The essential role of social mediation in the development of smart cities

Social mediation can play a significant role in promoting harmony in smart cities. Smart cities are designed to enhance the quality of life of their residents, and social mediation can help address social and community-related issues that are integral to achieving this goal. The paper therefore introduces a model of social mediation training organized in collaboration with the Ministry of National Unity, Malaysia. The training involved one hundred fifty (150) community leaders who received coaching from a team of trainers from the International Islamic University Malaysia. The objective of this paper therefore is to elucidate the theoretical and practical aspects of the training. To achieve the objective, the authors adopted a qualitative approach and refer to online and printed resources. Data was also gathered via observational methods and from the participants’ feedback. Data analysis involved content and thematic analysis. It is learnt that more community mediators need to be trained using the model as it is part of effective social capitals management and governance of smart cities. In addition, there is a strong demand from the community mediators for ongoing training on social mediation to enhance their skills and confidence thereby contributing to the restoration of harmony within the communities of smart cities

Integrating AI and statistical methods for enhancing civil structures: current trends, practical issues and future direction

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and statistical methods has revolutionized civil engineering by enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and reliability in various processes. This review systematically examines how advanced optimization techniques, including artificial neural networks (ANNs), Design of Experiments (DOE), and fuzzy logic (FL), are transforming civil engineering practices. It emphasizes the significant roles these methods play in addressing modern challenges such as structural health monitoring, damage detection, seismic design optimization, and concrete condition assessment. The review delves into case studies and real-world applications, showcasing the potential of these methods to create more resilient, sustainable, and cost-effective infrastructures. It critically examines the limitations and scalability of these techniques, identifying gaps in current research and practical challenges in real-world applications. The investigation also highlights the need for substantial computational resources, data privacy, security, and software interoperability. By addressing these issues, the review not only shows advancements in optimization techniques but also outlines future research directions, aiming to bridge the gap between theoretical developments and practical applications in civil engineering. This review serves as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and policymakers interested in leveraging optimization techniques to advance civil engineering practice