APPLICATION OF NATURAL RADIOACTIVITY FOR HYDROGEOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF GROUNDWATER IN RAS ALKHAIMAH, UAE

Groundwater includes a certain concentration of natural radioactive isotopes of uranium (U) and its decay products (daughters) like radon (Rn). Defining the concentration levels, spatial distribution, and possible environmental impact of these isotopes in groundwater is vital for sustainable groundwater resources in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This dissertation focuses on documenting the distribution and determining the probable environmental impact and sources of Uranium-235 (235U), Uranium-238 (238U), and Radon-222 (222Rn) in groundwater in the Northern part of the UAE and specifically in the Wadi Al Bih aquifer in Ras Al Khaimah Emirate. The sampled wells occur at different distances from the coast, where some are very close to the coastal line, and some exist in the centre of Wadi Al Bih. A variety of techniques including ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and RAD7, were used for the analyses. The results reveal comparable activity concentration in the measured radioactivity in terms of spatial and local variability. All the 235U, 238U, and 222Rn concentrations in the measured groundwater samples are below the World Health Organization permissible limit for drinking water The occurrence of 235U, 238U, and 222Rn in the measured samples suggest a geochemical interaction between the aquifer’s lithology and water. In some wells, seawater intrusion is expected to be an additional source of uranium and elevated Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). The calculated radioactivity annual effective doses of inhalation and ingestion were below the maximum permissible annual dose limits defined by the WHO. The probable -uranium related- cancer mortality and morbidity were also calculated and found to be not hazardous following the permissible limits determined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP)

Backlogs through Bottlenecks in Warehouse Pickups Areas: A Case Study - Gulf Nails manufacturing LLC

Purpose The study aims to investigate backlogs within the picking procedures, to find out what is causing storage picking bottlenecks, and to estimate its effect on creating throughout warehouse picking operations. Design/methodology/approach For this study, a survey questionnaire was used to collect data from a primary source. The staff of the Gulf Nails Enterprise was taken into account as the population of the study. A total of 20 responses were recorded from the population of 50 persons employed in the company. The collected data was analyzed quantitatively to bring out the results. Findings The findings confirmed that the most of the warehouse pickup area bottlenecks occur due to least adaptation towards technologies. It is shown that the bottleneck issue could affect 20 to 30 percent of the production line. It is also evidenced that not only tools but strategic planning and efforts by the staff are extremely important in solving a bottleneck issue. Research limitations/implications The study recommended that an inventory management system would keep the bottlenecks in check. Introducing modern technology, could help to solve such issues so that human efforts would not be wasted. It is also suggested that the firm should not rely fully on the technology solutions as it is also one of the causes of bottlenecks. Social implications This paper will help understand, recognize and solve the various issues faced by the majority of companies in the area of warehouse pickups, not only in Oman but outside as well. Originality/Value There has been a lot of studies and research on several areas of warehouse operations but none so far on the topic of the general pickup area of the warehouse

A Journey into Cultural Marvels: Tourist Perception and Satisfaction with Cultural Heritage Sites in Muscat, Oman

Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine tourists’ perceptions of cultural heritage sites in Muscat and analyze their satisfaction with cultural heritage tourist sites in Muscat. Design/methodology/approach: This study employed a quantitative approach and adopted a descriptive research design, as it describes primary relationships to increase the understanding of the questions. This study employed a multistage sampling technique and collected data using a questionnaire. The sample size in this study was 118. Findings: The most frequently visited cultural heritage tourist site in Muscat was Mutrah Souq. The highest mean score for the perception of tourists with cultural heritage tourism in Muscat was Wonderful historical sites – architectures, forts, and mosques. The highest mean score for the satisfaction of tourists with cultural heritage tourism in Muscat was that the tourist sites were culturally and traditionally aesthetic. The highest expectation by the tourists (difference between satisfaction and perception) was that the tourists like to ensure safety and security at the tourist sites during their visit to Muscat. Research limitations/implications: Tourists get more opportunities to become familiar with Omani customs and civilization. Therefore, the accessibility to cultural and historical sites must be easy, and various transportation options must be offered. As most tourists find it difficult to access, food, drinks, and amenities must be made available at all the tourist sites since it might be challenging for tourists to get to cultural heritage sites, the approach and accessibility must be uncomplicated. Social Implications: Economic factors are tied to the promotion of cultural heritage tourism because they benefit the economy, initiatives by the Government, tourism development agencies, business owners, and other stakeholders, including local authorities should stimulate new and repeated market potential so as to to sustain and maintain foreign tourist visits. Based on the findings of this study, more activities should be conducted for tourists visiting cultural heritage sites. Prioritising the cultural heritage tourism locations, careful planning and strategic measures must be taken to improve visitor perceptions, expectations, and satisfaction. Originality / Value: Research on the satisfaction of visitors to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as research on the Nizwa and Bahla Forts, is available, and the majority of these studies center on the Sultanate of Oman’s Aldhkhiliyah region. However, no research has been conducted on cultural heritage tourism in Muscat to date; therefore, many stakeholders will find great value in this study

Antibacterial Activity of Moringa oleifera Plant Extracts in Comparison with Ciprofloxacin Antibiotic Against Staphylococcus aureus

The current drug resistance in human pathogens is a result of the abuse of antibacterial drugs commonly used to treat diseases. Early human civilizations used Moringa oleifera extracts to treat illnesses and infections caused by food-borne bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. In order to calculate the antibacterial effect of Moringa oleifera against Staphylococcus aureus, methanolic extracts from its three parts were prepared. A photochemical analysis of the methanolic leaves, seeds, and roots extracts was performed when the extracts were ready for testing. We used well-diffusion methods to add the three extracts, and the ciprofloxacin antibiotic was used as the standard. From the stock solution, serial dilutions were made in order to calculate the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). In the phytochemical screening test, steroids, terpenoids, tannins, phenolic compounds, saponins, and flavonoids were most abundant in leaves extract, followed by seeds then roots extracts. Moringa oleifera seeds have the highest inhibition zone, which is about 10mm, followed by Moringa oleifera roots at 9mm, and Moringa oleifera leaves at 7mm. In comparison to the other two extracts, the MIC of methanolic extract from Moringa oleifera leaves was 250 mm, the highest concentration, with a MIC of 125 mm for roots and 62.50 mm for seeds. Methanolic extracts of Moringa seeds demonstrated antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus in the present study. For further studies, it is suggested a deeper investigation to study the antibacterial agent dosages of these plant parts, which may be used by the pharmaceutical industry

Exploring Factors Affecting Fixed Broadband Adoption in Oman: Pilot Study (33)

This study intends to examine various attitudinal, normative and control factors influencing users’ behavioural intention to adopt fixed broadband in Oman. A Quantitative method based survey approach relating to the attitudinal, normative, and control variables has been utilized. Regression analysis is conducted to test the role of numerous variables on users’ behavioural intentions to adopt fixed broadband in Oman. The results of the study revealed that the behavioural intention of Omani users towards fixed broadband adoption is significantly affected by Primary Influence, Hedonic Outcomes, Self-Efficacy, Perceived Ease of Use and Relative advantage. Considering the slow growth of fixed broadband in Oman, this study provides policy makers and broadband service providers in Oman with an insight and understanding about factors that can have an influence on users’ intention to adopt the broadband technology. Theoretically, this paper is useful for providing baseline data for studies on broadband adoption in Oman in general and its impact on information science in particular

The Most Significant Modifiable and non-Modifiable Factors Associated among Patients Whom Previously Diagnosed with Prediabetes and Developed to Type Two Diabetes Mellitus Attending to Endocrine Clinic in all Hail Governmental Hospitals

The purpose of study to evaluate the Most significant Modifiable Factor Associated With Patients Previously Diagnosed with Prediabetes and Developed to T2DM in all Hail region,, because 38% of Saudi people with or at risk of diabetes mellitus and the Saudi Arabia Kingdom occupied the first position in middle east and north Africa proportion of DM with and the number may extended. 43, 45 also Hail and Tabouk became the highest proportion of DM in KSA followed by Riyadh and Medina. Method: Quantitative, non-experimental descriptive corelational design, because the study wants to indentify empirical relationship between causal and effect on the time and describe the relationship without explains the mechanism. Result: The most significant modifiable factor develop prediabetes to T2DM is increasing the body mass index more than normal, physical activity and total cholesterol plays also an important role to develop also prediabetes, and finally large portion of obese patients and patient how is physically inactive; cannot control of blood glucose level  which reflect my significant of study Hail City and Tabouk considered the highest two city of incidence of Type2 DM and these two city and others cities in same country make Saudi Arabia populations are the highest country with patient diagnosed of T2DM in middle east and north AfricaConclusion: our study found that support our hypothesis ( Modifiable factor -includes body mass index, cholesterol level and physical activity - for patients previously diagnosed with prediabetes increases the risk of type two diabetes mellitus) Keywords: type two diabetes, pre-diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, smoking, body mass index, physical activit

The Social and Environmental Impact of Hybrid Cars

Purpose of the study: The objective of this research was aiming at understanding the effect of hybrid cars on the environment. The research was also aimed at proposing a government policy that must be implemented to regulate the usage of hybrid vehicles. Design/Methodology: An analysis of the hybrid cars was carried out along with evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of said vehicles from the perspective of customers, support and maintenance. The study was based on a product substitute, introduced to replace vehicles that run on gasoline, with a hybrid of electric and gasoline vehicles. Findings: The result after testing the vehicles and its components is that Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) does is indeed less harmful to the environment due to it consuming less gasoline. With increasing production of hybrid variants, batteries are being planned and designed in way that extends its life as well as provides the ability of recycling. This turns to be safer, healthier, and also a money saver package, saving a fine amount spent on fuel. Research Implications: The researchers hope to achieve a clear understanding of the influence of hybrid cars on the environment and individuals, the way hybrid cars operate, its advantages and disadvantages and the proposed government policy that will regulate the impact of hybrid cars on the environment. Originality: The study is of its first kind and no one has carried out such study ever before in Oman Purpose of study

Investigation of deep level defects in advanced semiconductor materials and devices

This thesis reports an investigation of deep level defects in narrow bandgap semiconductors, namely GaAs and GaAsN, and wide-gap GaN materials and devices that have potential applications in photovoltaics and betavoltaic microbatteries. Indeed, for such applications it is of paramount importance to determine the characteristics of the defects present in the materials, which will help understand their effects on the quality of the materials and the performance of devices. In particular, the investigation is done on: (i) a set of GaAs (311)A solar cell structures gown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE); (ii) dilute GaAsN epitaxial layers containing different nitrogen concentrations grown by MBE; and (iii) betavoltaic microbattery based on a GaN p–i–n homojunction structures grown by metal-organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE) technique using current-voltage (I-V), capacitance-voltage (C-V), deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS), and Laplace DLTS measurements. The results of this study show that the defects affected significantly the electrical properties of different advanced semiconductor structures and devices. In particular, InGaAs Quantum Wires (QWr) Intermediate Band Solar Cells based nanostructures grown by MBE were studied. The DLTS and Laplace DLTS results showed that the efficiency measurements and external quantum efficiency (EQE) at different temperatures correlated with the appearance of defect peaks in QWr devices in the same temperature ranges. Additionally, this thesis reports the effect of a high dose of gamma (γ-) irradiation on MBE grown dilute GaAsN epilayers with nitrogen concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 1.2% with post-irradiation stability. The DLTS measurements revealed that after irradiation the number of traps either decreased, remained constant, or new traps are created depending on the concentration of nitrogen. Moreover, this thesis reports the effect of beta particle irradiation on the electrical properties of a betavoltaic microbattery based on a GaN p–i–n homojunction with 200 nm and 600 nm thicknesses of undoped layer (i-GaN). The experimental studies demonstrate that, only the sample with thinner i-GaN layer shows the creation of new shallow donor traps upon irradiation on the p-side of the p-i-n junction. While the sample with thicker i-GaN is more resistant to irradiation

Violence Against Nurses’ in Critical Units at Governmental Hospitals in Jordan

The propose of this study was to explore the prevalence of work place violence against nurses’ committed by patient, family member or other health care provider in Jordanian hospitals. Method: Descriptive correlation study will be conducted in Jordan. The data will collect through (self-administered questionnaires). Result: 62 subject involved in the study, 26 (41.9%) person were male, 36(58.1%) were female. The most respondent age located between 20 to 24 years old, The majority of  sample were single 80.6%, most of the sample experience in practice in between 6 months to five years 56(90.3%), the most subject work in ICU 26(41.9%), emergency 19 (30.6%) & CCU 17(27.4%). Most of the participant marked that violence against nurse is important issues were whom working in the ICU’s 26(45.6%), most of violated participant nurses in the critical units were whom working in emergency departement14 (43.8%), also ER participant stated that the violence against nurses increase in the last year 13 (39.4%) , the ICU participants have the most experience about witnessed violence against nurses 23(40.4%), ER nurses 19 (100%) that participate in this study marked that there is one or more violence per week toward nurses. Conclusion: As appeared from this study, there is violence against nurses male or female in all critical care area (ICU, CCU, ER) in hospitals settings, therefore, it should be national policy & laws to protect the nurses from the violence and reserve their dignity. Nursing students considered one of violence subjects, it is (from point of view of the researchers) very beneficial for educational purposes to study the prevalence and effects of violence on nursing students during their training periods. From all the statistical analysis that done in this study the  researcher stated that increasing  age among nurses who working in critical care give him experience how to deal with stressful situations because minimal nurses above 30 exposure to violence whatever physically or verbally according these result. Keywords: Violence against nurse, physical violence, psychological violence and critical care nurse

Investigation of deep level defects in advanced semiconductor materials and devices

This thesis reports an investigation of deep level defects in narrow bandgap semiconductors, namely GaAs and GaAsN, and wide-gap GaN materials and devices that have potential applications in photovoltaics and betavoltaic microbatteries. Indeed, for such applications it is of paramount importance to determine the characteristics of the defects present in the materials, which will help understand their effects on the quality of the materials and the performance of devices. In particular, the investigation is done on: (i) a set of GaAs (311)A solar cell structures gown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE); (ii) dilute GaAsN epitaxial layers containing different nitrogen concentrations grown by MBE; and (iii) betavoltaic microbattery based on a GaN p–i–n homojunction structures grown by metal-organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE) technique using current-voltage (I-V), capacitance-voltage (C-V), deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS), and Laplace DLTS measurements. The results of this study show that the defects affected significantly the electrical properties of different advanced semiconductor structures and devices. In particular, InGaAs Quantum Wires (QWr) Intermediate Band Solar Cells based nanostructures grown by MBE were studied. The DLTS and Laplace DLTS results showed that the efficiency measurements and external quantum efficiency (EQE) at different temperatures correlated with the appearance of defect peaks in QWr devices in the same temperature ranges. Additionally, this thesis reports the effect of a high dose of gamma (γ-) irradiation on MBE grown dilute GaAsN epilayers with nitrogen concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 1.2% with post-irradiation stability. The DLTS measurements revealed that after irradiation the number of traps either decreased, remained constant, or new traps are created depending on the concentration of nitrogen. Moreover, this thesis reports the effect of beta particle irradiation on the electrical properties of a betavoltaic microbattery based on a GaN p–i–n homojunction with 200 nm and 600 nm thicknesses of undoped layer (i-GaN). The experimental studies demonstrate that, only the sample with thinner i-GaN layer shows the creation of new shallow donor traps upon irradiation on the p-side of the p-i-n junction. While the sample with thicker i-GaN is more resistant to irradiation