THE FUTURE POTENTIAL OF TOURISM IN LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA: PREDICTION USING THE DELPHI METHOD

This article presents the findings of a study regarding the prediction of tourism in Langkawi by using the Delphi Method. The study was conducted for the purpose of testing and implementing the Delphi Method as a qualitative method in predicting the future potential of tourism in Langkawi through the perceptions and evaluations of the tourism experts. Eight respondents were selected as judges in the study. The consensuses among the panel judges were reached only in the second-round of the questionnaire distribution. Thus, the findings indicated that the Delphi Method is an effective method to predict the future potential of tourism in Langkawi from 2003 through to 2010. Several items in the community value systems and the tourism structures increased in parallel to the growth of the Langkawi tourism industry from 2003 through to 2010. This consequently would lead to a community positive acceptance toward the changes occurred in their areas. The panel judges also agreed that Langkawi has a potential to become an international tourist destination and an international tourism events and conference destination to the year 2010. Thus, it is suggested that-items which increase in parallel to the growth of tourism to be taken into consideration in planning and implementing the tourism strategy for the future

Communications-Aware Robotics: Challenges and Opportunities

The use of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) has seen significant growth in the research community, industry, and society. Many of these agents are equipped with communication systems that are essential for completing certain tasks successfully. This has led to the emergence of a new interdisciplinary field at the intersection of robotics and communications, which has been further driven by the integration of UAVs into 5G and 6G communication networks. However, one of the main challenges in this research area is how many researchers tend to oversimplify either the robotics or the communications aspects, hindering the full potential of this new interdisciplinary field. In this paper, we present some of the necessary modeling tools for addressing these problems from both a robotics and communications perspective, using the UAV communications relay as an example.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figures, accepted for presentation to the 2023 International Conference on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (ICUAS) at Lazarski University, Warsaw, Polan

Tourism Stakeholders Envision a Sustainable Path: Strengthening Maine\u27s No. 1 Industry through the Blaine House Conference Recommendations

Tourism, as Maine’s No. 1 industry, draws approximately 44 million visitors annually who spend $6 billion and contribute$340 million in sales tax. Despite these figures, annual statistics show zero growth or, often, loss, with the exception of the outdoor recreation sector. The tourism industry, made of government bodies, recreation associations and individual businesses, depends on the health of the natural resources and the compliance of related players, such as landowners. Discontent exists with the state and the industry’s leadership. The quandary comes in determining which actions to take to improve the state’s existing nature-based tourism into a sustainable industry that nurtures the natural and cultural resources as it develops economic opportunities. On Nov. 17, 2003, Gov. John Baldacci hosted the Blaine House Conference on Natural Resource-based Industries to gather stakeholders together. For the first time, tourism was included at the same table as the other natural resource industries to enhance how they operate individually and together. The tourism sector produced four proposals: increased educational efforts, strengthened state government roles and responsibilities, enhanced economic development planning and improved branding strategies. This study, independent of the conference and funded by the Office of Tourism, gathered voices of tourism stakeholders to understand opinions on interrelated topics covering the entire state. Methods included semi-structured interviews of 43 private, public and non-profit stakeholders placed in three tourism categories – direct, indirect and related. Direct stakeholders sell a tourism product or experience; indirect stakeholders come from non-tourism businesses, such as landowners; and related stakeholders work for government, non-profits or academia. The purpose of this study is to pinpoint what is threatening the industry and to gain an understanding of the potential for a unified sustainable tourism vision. Participants were asked to describe the present state of the industry, what is being done well, what is being done poorly, recommendations for action and an ideal for the industry. Qualitative inquiry, used increasingly in tourism research, details richness and complexity. Responses were analyzed in the context of the Blaine House recommendations. Findings reflect the disorder of the industry, capturing a frustrated tone pervasive at all levels. Recommendations can develop opportunities incorporating sustainability principles. Suggestions include: • Create an interagency state tourism board, including paid private entrepreneurs, to have all relevant parties at the same table • Broaden the mandate of the Office of Tourism to do more than marketing, such as infrastructure and community development • Design a master plan, through industry and government efforts, to distribute to towns to make them aware of tourism’s potential and to allow them to implement their own strategies • Analyze land access to allow or limit recreational experiences to decrease user conflicts, ensure high-quality opportunities and maintain good landowner relations In conclusion, tourism’s future depends on more analysis of stakeholder input so industry leaders can have buy-in from varied players and can guide policy. In the process, the industry needs to measure success by the quality of the experience, which will ensure return visitation with economic, ecological and cultural benefits

Nature inspired solutions Special Interest Group - A UK wide network

This talk wants to give an overview of the newly founded nature inspired solutions special interest group (NIS SIG) which is a UK network of Nature inspired engineering solution providers and industry problem holders that can benefit from Nature Inspired solutions. What is the NIS SIG aiming to do? Like all SIGs run by KTN, the aim is to convene people who wouldn’t normally meet; to learn, connect and explore opportunities. The SIG will initially focus on the application of NIS across transport, infrastructure and energy. Over the next two years, we will build a community (online and offline), organise networking events, showcases and raise awareness by sharing best practice and success stories. A landscape map and a commercial opportunity report will be created to help accelerate growth and market uptake in the relevant sectors. Joining the NIS SIG provides an opportunity to: Discover how nature inspired engineering can help you solve some of your biggest challenges. Seek support from the NIS community if you are a ‘challenge holder’. Showcase your research and demonstrate your nature inspired engineering solutions. Broaden your network and make meaningful connections leading to collaboration opportunities. The talk wants to give an overview of the activities in Nature Inspired Engineering in the UK, inform about the NIS SIG activities and find out where there are synergies with other countries and regions. Here is an example of an event that we ran on 25th April to showcase nature inspired solutions. https://ktn-uk.co.uk/news/can-bees-dragonflies-and-locusts-help-solve-connected-and-autonomous-vehicle-problems Join our LinkedIn Group: Nature Inspired Solutions at KTN- https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13701855/ The talk would be best places in an overview section where various topics are discussed. As it ties in Energy, Infrastructure and Transport, the three conference streams would be best, if this does not exist: •Built Environment: Construction, Architecture & Urban Design •Energy & Environmental Technology •Robotics and Other Applications ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am happy to discuss the angle and topic of the talk, just get in touch via email: [email protected] I would also be interested to chair a session if needed, as I have a generalistic overview of various of the mentioned conference themes, best in one of the three areas mentioned above

Sustainable Liquid Biofuels for Transport: The Context of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC)

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has evolved in 1992 from the former Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC) existing since 1980. The SADC aims at regional integration, sustainable growth and alleviation of poverty in the member countries. Fourteen countries make up the Southern African Development Community (SADC): Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Biofuels production represents an opportunity for the region to increase energy supply security and to give a boost to rural economies by opening markets for agricultural surpluses, creating jobs and encouraging mechanization of agricultural practices. However, climatic, agronomic, ecological and policy factors can hamper the industry development in the region. In that sense, a clear definition of objectives and a careful implementation that takes into account sustainability as well as socio-economic aspects are much needed from policy makers

Research and Creative Activity, July 01, 2021-June 30, 2022: Major Sponsored Programs and Faculty Accomplishments in Research and Creative Activity, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Foreword by Bob Wilhelm, Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development: This booklet highlights successes in research, scholarship and creative activity by University of Nebraska–Lincoln faculty during the fiscal year running July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022. It lists investigators, project titles and funding sources on major grants and sponsored awards that were active during the year; fellowships and other recognitions and honors bestowed on our faculty; books, chapters and creative literature published by faculty; performances, exhibitions and other examples of creative activity; patents and licensing agreements; and conference presentations. In recognition of the important role faculty play in the undergraduate experience at Nebraska, this booklet notes the students and mentors participating in the Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experience (UCARE) and the First-Year Research Experience (FYRE) programs. Increasing impact through research and creative activity is one of the six core aims of the N2025 strategic plan. A few measurements of progress made this year: • UNL achieved a record $321 million in total research expenditures in FY 2021, a 31• Our faculty earned 1,560 sponsored research awards in FY 2021. N2025 aims also include contributing to economic growth throughout the state and broadening Nebraska’s engagement in community, industry and global partnerships. These are some measures of our efforts to commercialize university-sponsored research and partner with industry: • Nebraska Innovation Campus created 2,127 jobs statewide. The cumulative impact of NIC investments totals$328.9 million. • Industry sponsorship supported $19.8 million in research expenditures. • NUtech Ventures brought in$6.36 million in licensing income. I want to thank the Nebraska Research community for its willingness to collaborate, mentor and redefine success in research and creative activity. Your leadership is paving the way for future growth and providing an unparalleled educational experience. At Nebraska, it is the people who make the place. Because of your dedication and expertise, Nebraska is positioned to solve some of the world’s most wicked problems. I am impressed by your commitment to the Grand Challenges initiative, a strategic investment of up to $40 million over four years for projects in the high-impact areas of anti-racism and racial equity; climate resilience; early childhood education and development; health equity; quantum science and engineering; science and technology literacy for society; and sustainable food and water security. More than 180 faculty, staff and students are contributing to projects funded in Year 1. Another N2025 aim is to create a climate that emphasizes, prioritizes and expands inclusive excellence and diversity. In the Office of Research and Economic Development, we continue to seek ways to remove barriers to success and ensure all Nebraska researchers have the resources they need to thrive. Thank you for the feedback you’ve thoughtfully provided. I am pleased to present this record of accomplishments. Contents Awards of$5 Million or More Awards of $1 Million to$4,999,999 Awards of $250,000 to$999,999 Early Career Awards Arts and Humanities Awards of $250,000 or More Arts and Humanities Awards of$50,000 to $249,999 Arts and Humanities Awards of$5,000 to $49,999 Patents License Agreements National Science Foundation Innovation Corps Teams Creative Activity Books Recognitions and Honors Journal Articles Conference Presentations UCARE and FYRE Projects Glossar

The role of livestock in developing communities: Enhancing multifunctionality

This book is the product of a Satellite Symposium on the Role of Livestock in Developing Communities: Enhancing Multifunctionality, held as part of the 10th World Conference on Animal Production (WCAP) in Cape Town, 22 – 28 November 2008. The Symposium, jointly organised by the University of the Free State (UFS) and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) aimed to stimulate critical thinking on the role of livestock in livelihood strategies for the poor in the developing world as a contribution to address the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The livestock sector in developing countries contributes more than 33% to agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and is one of the fastest growing agricultural subsectors. The livestock sector has been experiencing what has been coined the “Livestock Revolution”. Population growth, urbanisation, and most importantly, increasing income have resulted in a rapid increase in demand for livestock products, which is likely to continue well into the future. This growth of the livestock sector presents both enormous opportunities and challenges. This book therefore comes at an opportune time for both policy makers and practitioners in developing countries, and the international community. Livestock is a major contributor to food and nutritional security, and serves as an important source of livelihood for nearly 1 billion poor people in developing countries. Its importance in attaining the MDGs should therefore not be underestimated. The book aims to provide critical information and knowledge on the importance of livestock in the global effort to alleviate poverty and promote human health. It describes and evaluates case studies, examines theoretical frameworks, and discusses key global policy development issues, challenges and constraints related to smallholder livestock-production systems around the globe. The book is written for academic professionals, industry experts, government officials and other scholars interested in the facts and issues concerning the contribution of livestock to the social and economic progress of developing countries

Research and Creative Activity, July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021: Major Sponsored Programs and Faculty Accomplishments in Research and Creative Activity, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Foreword by Bob Wilhelm, Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development, University of Nebraska-Lincoln: This booklet highlights successes in research, scholarship and creative activity by University of Nebraska–Lincoln faculty during the fiscal year running July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021. It lists investigators, project titles and funding sources on major grants and sponsored awards received during the year; fellowships and other recognitions and honors bestowed on our faculty; books and chapters published by faculty; performances, exhibitions and other examples of creative activity; patents and licensing agreements issued; National Science Foundation I-CORPS teams; and peer-reviewed journal articles and conference presentations. In recognition of the important role faculty have in the undergraduate experience at Nebraska, this booklet notes the students and mentors participating in the Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experience (UCARE) and the First-Year Research Experience (FYRE) programs. While metrics cannot convey the full impact of our work, they are tangible measures of growth. A few achievements of note: • UNL achieved a record $320 million in total research expenditures in FY 2020, a 43• Our faculty earned 1,508 sponsored research awards in FY 2020. University-sponsored industry activity also spurred economic growth for Nebraska. • Nebraska Innovation Campus created 1,948 jobs statewide and had a total economic impact of$372 million. • Industry sponsorship supported $19.2 million in research expenditures. • NUtech Ventures brought in$6.48 million in licensing income. I applaud the Nebraska Research community for its determination and commitment during a challenging year. Your hard work has made it possible for our momentum to continue growing. Our university is poised for even greater success. The Grand Challenges initiative provides a framework for developing bold ideas to solve society’s greatest issues, which is how we will have the greatest impact as an institution. Please visit research.unl.edu/grandchallenges to learn more. We’re also renewing our campus commitment to a journey of anti-racism and racial equity, which is among the most important work we’ll do. I am pleased to present this record of accomplishments. Contents Awards of $5 Million or More Awards of$1 Million to $4,999,999 Awards of$250,000 to $999,999 50 Early Career Awards Arts and Humanities Awards of$250,000 or More Arts and Humanities Awards of $50,000 to$249,999 Arts and Humanities Awards of $5,000 to$49,999 Patents License Agreements National Science Foundation Innovation Corps Teams Creative Activity Books Recognitions and Honors Journal Articles 105 Conference Presentations UCARE and FYRE Projects Glossar

The future potential of tourism in Langkawi Malaysia: Prediction using the delphi method

This article presents the findings of a study regarding the prediction of tourism in Langkawi by using the Deiphi Method.The study was conducted for the purpose of testing and implementing the Delphi Method as a qualitative method in predicting the future potential of tourism in Langkawi through the perceptions and evaluations of the tourism experts.Eight respondents were selected as judges in the study.The consensuses among the panel judges were reached only in the second-round of the questionnaire distribution. Thus, the findings indicated that the Delphi Method is an effective method to predict the future potential of tourism in Langkawi from 2003 through to 2010.Several items in the community value systems and the tourism structures increased inparallel to the growth of the Langkawi tourism industry from 2003 through to 2010.This consequently would lead to a community positive acceptance toward the changes occurred in their areas.The panel judges also agreed that Langkawi has apotential to become an international tourist destination and an international tourism events and conference destination to the year 2010.Thus, it is suggested that-items which increase in parallel to the growth of tourism to be taken into consideration in planning and implementing the tourism strategy for the future

The Abertay Code Bar – unlocking access to university-generated computer games intellectual poperty

Progress report on a digital platform and dual licensing model developed to unlock access to a University repository of new and legacy computer games based Intellectual Property (IP) assets for educational and commercial use. The digital creative industries have been identified by a number of governments as a priority area in delivering sustainable economic growth. Code Bar is an innovation that allows digital products to be commercially successful beyond the end of the Dare competition or coursework submission. To be selected for Code Bar, game products must be well designed for both player and market; technically robust (i.e. operating consistently and reliably on a single/multiple platforms), and be free from ambiguity around 3rd party IP. We describe various technical, pedagogic and legal challenges in developing the digital platform, licensing model and packaging of computer games products for release through the platform. The model is extendable beyond computer games to other software products