Revamping an Intensive English Language Program: Challenges and Innovations

This article describes an attempt to reform a curriculum of an English intensive language program in the Sultanate of Oman. The reform consisted of several stages, starting from the identification of needs until choosing teaching materials. Based on the data obtained from the various sources of the study (i.e. survey, observations, interviews, and workshops), a number of changes were introduced to the curriculum. This project revealed important issues to be addressed in order to make the program design and evaluation more effective in upgrading students' English language proficiency and academic competence so that they are better prepared for college study

Predictors of impending acute chest syndrome in patients with sickle cell anaemia.

Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is a major complication of sickle cell anaemia (SCA) and a leading cause for hospital admissions and death. We aimed to study the spectrum of clinical and laboratory features of ACS and to assess the predisposing factors and predictors of severity. A retrospective case-control cohort was studied by retrieving patient information from electronic medical records after ethical approval. One hundred adolescents and adults with SCA and hospital admissions for ACS were identified through the discharge summaries, along with 20 additional patients presenting with VOC, but without ACS (controls). Among the patients with ACS, fever (\u3e38.5 °C), reduced oxygen saturation (\u3c95) and asplenia significantly differed when compared to those of controls (p \u3c 0.05, chi-squared test). The degree of severity was reflected in the use of non-invasive ventilation (NIV), simple and exchange transfusions, and the presence of bilateral pleural effusions and multi-lobar atelectasis/consolidation, which were significantly higher in the cases with ACS than in the controls. Lower haemoglobin (Hb) and high WBC counts were also significantly different between the two groups (p \u3c 0.05, Student’s t test). Using logistic regression, our study further demonstrated that asplenia, fever, and reduced O2 saturation, along with low Hb and leukocytosis, were important predictors for the development of ACS

Modeling the impact of the oil sector on the economy of sultanate of Oman

This study constructs and analyses a simple macroeconomic model that specifically tailored to model the impact of oil sector on the economy of Sultanate of Oman. The constructed model of the study measures the impact of oil sector on the Oman economy for the last three decades and also provides some forecasting for the major macroeconomics indicators related to the Oman economy. Model simulations indicate that the oil sector has large and positive impact on Oman gross domestic product and its influence spills over to all other non-oil sectors of Oman economy. The study found that largest influence of oil was on the gas sector and the least economic sector influenced by oil was agricultural sector. The findings of the study suggest that Oman economy is far from being diversified and that the proposed model helps the policy makers in Oman to identify and forecast the impact of oil on other components of the Oman economy

Seafood safety and quality: an analysis of the supply chain in the Sultanate of Oman

The globalization of trade in fish has created many challenges for the developing world specifically with regard to food safety and quality. International organisations have established a good basis for standards in international trade. Whilst these requirements are frequently embraced by the major importers (such as Japan, the EU and the USA), they often impose additional safety requirements and regularly identify batches which fail to meet their strict standards. Creating an effective national seafood control system which meets both the internal national needs as well the requirements for the export market can be challenging. Many countries adopt a dual system where seafood products for the major export markets are subject to tight control whilst the majority of the products (whether for the local market or for more regional trade) are less tightly controlled. With regional liberalization also occurring, deciding on appropriate controls is complex. In the Sultanate of Oman, fisheries production is one of the countries' chief sources of economic revenue after oil production and is a major source of the national food supply. In this paper the structure of the fish supply chain has been analysed and highlighted the different routes operating for the different markets. Although much of the fish are consumed within Oman, there is a major export trade to the local regional markets. Much smaller quantities meet the more stringent standards imposed by the major importing countries and exports to these are limited. The paper has considered the development of the Omani fish control system including the key legislative documents and the administrative structures that have been developed. Establishing modern controls which satisfy the demands of the major importers is possible but places additional costs on businesses. Enhanced controls such as HACCP and other management standards are required but can be difficult to justify when alternative markets do not specify these. These enhanced controls do however provide additional consumer protection and can bring benefits to local consumers. The Omani government is attempting to upgrade the system of controls and has made tremendous progress toward the implementation of HACCP and introducing enhanced management systems into its industrial sector. The existence of strengthened legislative and government support, including subsidies, has encouraged some businesses to implement HACCP. The current control systems have been reviewed and a SWOT analysis approach used to identify key factors for their future development. The study shows that seafood products in the supply chain are often exposed to lengthy handling and distribution process before reaching the consumers, a typical issue faced by many developing countries. As seafood products are often perishable, they safety is compromised if not adequately controlled. The enforcement of current food safety laws in the Sultanate of Oman is shared across various government agencies. Consequently, there is a need to harmonize all regulatory requirements, enhancing the domestic food protection and to continue to work towards a fully risk-based approach in order to compete successfully in the global market

Hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) in seafood processing: an analysis of its application and use in regulation in the Sultanate of Oman

When considering the supply of fish products to consumers, the adoption of food safety management systems throughout the 'net to plate' continuum is of a paramount importance. It is essential to safeguard consumers and to facilitate regional and international trade. This study has assessed the technical barriers and benefits associated with the implementation of management system incorporating HACCP and related pre-requisite programmes in the seafood processors in the Sultanate of Oman. A survey, using qualitative surveys and interviews, was conducted out to verify the level of implementation of the seafood safety and quality requirements. A total of 22 (92% returned) HACCP processors, and 15 (83% returned) non-HACCP processors and 15 (75%) officials completed the questionnaires. Differences between processors operating with or without a HACCP system in place have been identified. The survey of local officials provided an additional perspective on the issues involved. The implications of handling practices in the seafood supply chain, seafood trade and the cost implications of implementing HACCP-based food safety management systems were also assessed. In comparison to the non-HACCP processors, the results indicated that HACCP firms were more diversified in their export markets and were able to target the more lucrative markets such as EU, Japan and America. However, the processors felt that the main barrier for exporting to these markets was the restriction imposed by the government on exporting certain species which reduced their ability to meet contracts with these countries. The study has also shown inadequate execution of prerequisite programmes due mainly to lack of training delivered to food handlers and a poor knowledge of food safety concepts. In particular there is an overreliance on the use of CCPs to control hazards when prerequisite programmes would be more appropriate is many situations. When considering whether to implement HACCP-based control systems, the seafood processors identified barriers linked to costs as their main concerns. However, whilst recognising this issue, the officials also highlighted barriers linked to the lack of expertise, skills and commitment of the staff. In general, the study highlighted significant gaps which undermine the effectiveness and success of implementing safety and quality requirements to meet national legislative obligations. These include: poor attitudes and understanding toward HACCP and its pre-requisite programmes, lenient enforcement by the authorities, the lack of training and consultancy organizations in the country, a lack of awareness. The overlapping structure of the regulatory authorities in the country and the distribution of national inspection resources have also been identified as an issue of concern

Medical Tourism Abroad : A new challenge to Oman’s health system - Al Dakhilya region experience

Objectives: This study aimed to understand why people seek medical advice abroad given the trouble and expense this entails. The types of medical problems for which treatment abroad was sought, preferred destinations and satisfaction with the treatment were explored. A secondary aim was to give feedback to stakeholders in the health care system on how to handle this issue and meet the needs of the community. Methods: 45 patients who had recently travelled abroad for treatment were asked to complete a questionnaire or were interviewed by telephone. Results: 40 questionnaires were received. 68% of the respondents were male. Orthopaedic diseases were the most common conditions leading patients to seek treatment abroad. Thailand was the most popular destination followed by India (50% and 30% respectively). 85% of respondents went abroad for treatment only, 10% for treatment and tourism and 2.5% were healthy, but travelled abroad for a checkup. Interestingly, 15% of the participants went abroad without first seeking medical care locally. Out of those initially treated in Oman, 38.2% had no specific diagnosis and 38.2% had received treatment, but it was not effective. 73% of respondents obtained information on treatment abroad from a friend. The Internet and medical tourism offices were the least used sources of information. 15% of the patients experienced complications after their treatment abroad. Conclusion: Various facts about medical treatment abroad need to be disseminated to the public. This will necessitate greater effort in public health promotion and education. 

Simplification of high graphene/n-Si Schottky junction solar efficiency

Because of the outstanding properties of graphene such as optical transmission and mobility of charges [1], it incorporates to Schottky solar cells. These properties of graphene also reduces the optical and electrical losses which are in solar cells made of p-n structures. To increase the performance of electronic devices, researchers developed 3 designs using graphene with silicon solar cell technology. Schottky junction solar cells made of graphene and n-silicon have attained efficiency values comparable to p-n junction silicon solar cells. Nevertheless, issues remain such as how to simplify the creating process to improve the fill factor and stability of devices. This doctoral study will focus on various phases of the progression of graphene/silicon solar cells toward greater efficiency and stability. The study will discuss the simplicity of top-window-structured graphene/n-Si Schottky junction photovoltaic devices. It will also deal with developing the fill factor and stability of devices. Until now, top window devices have required complex preparation processes for SiO2 including etching a part of it to create the top window design. To accomplish the process, a simple method of sputtering to form coated SiO2 layers has been developed and will be described in this study. The thickness of SiO2 is thoroughly investigated to constitute an effective top window design. This research is also conducted to enhance the fill factor of samples after introducing multi-graphene layers which form the Schottky junction. This was achieved after decreasing the amount of PMMA residue by developed techniques such as annealing, DUV and chemical treatments. Evaporation of chemical dopants which was another problem that causes low stability of doped devices within a week. It was found in this work that a layer of PMMA coated onto prepared devices significantly improves the stability of doped sample

Keystone Design Sliding Skin Flap for the Management of Small Full Thickness Burns

Deep dermal burns and full thickness burns are generally managed by excision and split thickness skin grafting. The skin graft may lead to unacceptable colour changes and be aesthetically unacceptable. Also, there may be a contour defect and, furthermore, it is followed by varying degrees of contracture. The keystone design sliding flap, first described in 2003, avoids the need for grafting and is not associated with any skin graft problems. We report two cases of the use of this flap as the primary surgery in reconstruction of small full thickness burn defects.