Alabama (US), Dec 24 : For the 31st consecutive year, The University of Alabama Office of Media Relations offers predictions from faculty experts for the coming year.

In 2012, it has offered 15 predictions.

.Obama likely to win re-election in 2012, but his Republican opponent will not be one of the current candidates battling one another in the early primaries.

. The University of Alabama, predicts the United States will continue to ease trade sanctions on Cuba and, as early as this time next year, some U. S. businesses will visit the island nation on state-sponsored trade missions to size up market potential.

. Warnings about apocalyptic cataclysms in 2012 potentially will serve as a catalyst for Internet hysteria. According to some scholars, the ancient Mayan calendar predicts that the world will end in 2012. Figures in popular culture and the Internet are taking this prediction seriously.

. Application software, also known as an application or an "app". A University of Alabama academic says he expects someone to create, within the next year, an "app" that performs "Craigslist" functions for the exchange of goods and services.

. One of the biggest changes from the 2008 presidential election to the 2012 election is the increase in social media outlets and usage.

. The last of the ‘Occupy’ Movement has not been heard as yet

. Female running mate may determine election

. Stressful 2011 could make for depressed 2012 for Americans

. Year of natural disaster to bring changes in 2012

. 2012 will be one of the least productive years in Congressional history

. Tablets, other mobile devices to become more evident in hospitals

. Middle East unrest, sputtering economies to keep fuel prices unstable

. Health care will continue to be a pain in the head

. Occupy protesters unlikely to see increase in court wins

. Low interest rates won’t last (ANI)