Green Preparation of Aluminum-based Metal-organic Framework (Al-MOF) from Waste Plastic Bottles and Waste Aluminum Scraps

The vast use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) drinking water bottles has increased dramatically worldwide in recent decades, inflicting severe consequences on the environment. According to the latest survey, a million plastic bottles are bought around the globe every minute. The non-biodegradable nature of PET materials has led to a huge accumulation of plastic in waste landfills. Among the current recycling methods used to solve this environmental problem is chemical recycling. In this method, PET bottles are converted back cleanly into their starting materials: terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol. This paper unveils the exploitation of recycling products from PET bottles and aluminium scraps in order to prepare a metal-organic framework (MOF) material. The characterization of the prepared MOF substance was carried out using different techniques such as IR, XRD, SEM and elemental analysis.                 &nbsp

Incorporation of fault rock properties into production simulation models

This thesis has two aims. First, to investigate the importance of incorporating the multiphase flow properties of faults into production simulation models. Second, to investigate methodologies to incorporate the multiphase flow properties of faults into production simulation models. Tests using simple simulation models suggest that in some situations it is not particularly important to take into account the multiphase flow properties of faults, whereas in other situations the multiphase properties have proved very important. The differences depend on drive mechanism, well position, and the capillary pressure distribution along the fault as well on the parameters that need to be modelled (e. g. bottom-hole pressures, hydrocarbon production rates, water cuts, etc. ). The results show that it is possible for hydrocarbons to flow across a sealing fault (i. e. 100% water saturation) as a result of its threshold pressure being overcome. The relative permeability of fault rocks may be one of the largest unknowns in simulating fluid in structurally complex petroleum reservoirs. Microstructural and petrophysical measurements are conducted on faults from core within the Pierce Field, North Sea. The results are used to calculate transmissibility multipliers (TMs) required to take into account the effect of faults on fluid flow within the Pierce production simulation model. The fault multiphase flow behaviour is approximated by varying the TMs as a function of height above the free water level. This methodology results in an improved history match of production data. Further, the improved model is then used to plan the optimal time to conduct a follow-up 3D seismic survey to identify unswept compartments. Further, an alternative model was proposed to overcome some of the possible limitations that the previous TM treatments may have at certain stages of a reservoir life. The similar behaviour of the different proposed fault models for the Pierce Field indicate that the current faulting system in this model is not largely responsible for the history mismatch in water production. Multiphase flow properties of faults can be incorporated into production simulation models using dynamic pseudofunctions. In this thesis, different dynamic pseudofunctions are generated by conducting high-resolution fluid flow models at the scale of the reservoir simulation grid block, using flow rates similar to those that are likely to be encountered within petroleum reservoirs. In these high-resolution models, both the fault and reservoir rock are given their own capillary pressure and relative permeability curves. The results of the simulations are used to create pseudocurves that are then incorporated into the up-scaled production simulation model to account for the presence of both the fault and undeformed reservoir. Different flow regimes are used to compare the performance of each pseudoisation method with the conventional, single-phase TM fault representations. The results presented in this thesis show that it is more important to incorporate fault multiphase properties in capillary dominated flow regimes than in those that are viscosity dominated. It should, however, be emphasised that the Brooks-Corey relations used to estimate relative permeability and capillary pressure curves of the fault rock in this study have a significant influence on some of these conclusions. In other words, these conclusions may not be valid if the relative permeability curves of fault rocks are very different to those calculated using the aforementioned relationships. Finally, an integrated workflow is outlined showing how dynamic pseudofunctions can be generated in fault juxtaposition models by taking advantage of the dynamic flux preservation feature in Eclipse 10OTM simulator

Analyzing stance in parliamentary debates: a corpus-assisted study using the APPRAISAL Framework

The current study investigates the language of stance, stance-taking and intersubjective stance in parliamentary discourse by analysing the Appraisal resources used by MPs in the UK Parliament. Focusing in particular on the attitudinal and dialogistic (ENGAGEMENT) resources used by parliamentarians in debates on the subject of flooding, the Thesis explores the role that these resources play in the construction of stance and intersubjective stance in parliamentary debates. Using Appraisal Framework of Martin and White (2005) and conducting a corpus-assisted discourse study (CADS), this study shows that the relationship between language and political stance is complex and not always straightforward due to the nature of political discourse as it unfolds in the highly specific context of parliamentary debating, which is a subgenre of political discourse that has its own rules and conventions. Further, it is argued that political stance cannot always be read directly from surface language forms in parliamentary debates. Politicians might express a public stance that is different from, if not diametrically opposed to, their real stance. They do so to achieve certain diplomatic and political ends particularly if exposing their real stance would harm their relations with their own political party affiliations. While this Thesis demonstrates that the Appraisal Framework can be a practicable framework for analysing stance in parliamentary debates, it also reveals some features of stance-taking in parliamentary instances that the Appraisal Framework fails to detect. The Thesis proposes to rectify this by introducing two new sub-categories – ACCLAIM and DENOUNCE - within the ENGAGEMENT system. Another innovative contribution of this study relates to the ATTRIBUTION sub-system of the Appraisal Framework. The current distinction between ATTRIBUTION subcategories is mainly based on its dialogistic role in text (contractiveness and expansiveness). This Thesis proposes to consider the criterion of relevance between authorial stance and attributed stance in analysing ATTRIBUTION cases. If this relevance is positive, then ATTRIBUTION is supportive, whereas if the relevance between the authorial stance and the attributed stance is negative, then ATTRIBUTION is confrontational. Applying this distinction to parliamentary debates, the Thesis finds that confrontational types of ATTRIBUTION are mostly detected in ATTRIBUTE + COUNTER sequences. Therefore, another proposal of this Thesis is to view ENGAGEMENT values as sequences, rather than self-standing units. Applying this view to the empirical data collected for this Thesis, it is established that ENGAGEMENT values do not operate separately in parliamentary debates, and consequently there is a need to analyse them as sequences to better understand their meanings and dialogistic effects in text. The analysis is also extended to include a comparative analysis between Government MPs and Opposition MPs in their use of attitudinal language and ENGAGEMENT resources. The results suggest that there is a strong correlation between the parliamentary role of MPs and the type of attitudinal and ENGAGEMENT sequences they use. It is argued that the recurrence of argumentative polarized stance among MPs is problematic in that it has the potential to damage the authenticity of parliaments as deliberative institutions. Thus, this Thesis identifies reform of the linguistic conventions of parliamentary debating as a crucial part of any attempt to reform parliamentary institutions more generally

Isolation of Digeranyl From the Hexane Extract of Moringa Peregrina Leaves

The plant kingdom provides many precious gifts to mankind. One of these gifts is its ability to produce an endless stream of natural products. Moringa peregrina (In Oman called Al Shua)  provides a wide range of benefits to traditional medicine in many cultures, as well many nutritional values. This paper discusses the isolation, and purification of digeranyl from the hexane extract of Moringa peregrine’s leaves, for the first time. Recent studies show that digeranyl phosphate derivative, digeranyl bisphosphonate, inhibits breast cancer cell migration by inhibiting geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGDPS). The structure of the isolated compound has been confirmed using different spectroscopic methods.    Keywords: Moringa peregrina; Omani medicinal plants; Diterpene; Digeranyl

Determination of Norfloxacin in Tablets and Biological Fluids Using Terbium-Caffeine Coordination Polymer Luminescence

The usefulness of caffeine (CF) as a chelating agent to increase the luminescence intensity of terbium (Tb3+) was studied. The efficiency of the developed Tb3+/CF- coordination nanoparticles was evaluated as a sensing platform for the detection of fluoroquinolone antibiotics, using norfloxacin (NF) as a model analyte. The luminescence conditions of Tb3+/CF-NF were investigated and optimized. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the linearity of the method was established with a limit of detection (LOD) of 5.8 nM, and the effect of some expected interferes was examined. The developed method was successfully applied for the detection of norfloxacin in tablet and urine samples with recoveries between 88.9-96.0% and 90.7-96.3%, respectively. Keywords: Luminescence; Sensitization; Chemo-sensors; Caffeine; Norfloxacin

Attitudes of Pre-school Teachers towards Movement Education

Educators’ attitudes have drawn attention of researchers worldwide, where numerous studies have been conducted to explore the factors that influence educators’ attitudes toward educational topics in order to understand them and direct them in ways that contribute to the enhancement of the educational practices. In this study, we aimed to identify attitudes of early childhood educators in the Sultanate of Oman towards movement education, and to investigate the differences in attitudes according to nationality and qualification. The sample of this study consisted of 201 pre-school female educators in the Sultanate of Oman. The participants responded to Attitudes towards Movement Education Scale, which consisted of three dimensions (emotional, cognitive and behavioral). This scale was designed and modified for the purpose of this study. The results of this study revealed that the participants’ attitudes towards movement education were positive in general. The emotional dimension ranked first (87.7%), followed by the cognitive (82.6%) and behavioral dimensions (78.8%). The results also showed that there were differences in attitudes towards movement education due to educators’ nationality and educational levels

A Comprehensive Analysis of Inactive Hepatitis B Infection in a Cohort of Omani Patients

Objectives: Inactive hepatitis B carriers constitute a considerable proportion of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients. Understanding the clinical features of this often overlooked population is essential to inform patient management strategies. Our study aimed to describe the sociodemographic and clinical features of inactive HBV carriers presenting to a tertiary center in Muscat, Oman. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, descriptive study among 375 adult Omani patients with inactive HBV infections presenting to the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital between January 2017 and December 2018. Relevant data were collected from electronic patient records. Liver fibrosis status was determined using two-dimensional shear-wave elastography. Results: A total of 200 patients met the study inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Of these, 53.0% were male, and the mean age was 45.0 ± 9.3 years. Most (77.5%) were aged 32–50 years and were therefore born before 1990, the year of initiation of the national HBV vaccination program. A family history of HBV infection was reported in 29.0%, while 25.0% were obese. Severe fibrosis and cirrhosis were observed in 16.0% and 3.0% of the cohort, respectively. Conclusions: A large number of inactive Omani HBV carriers were born before the implementation of the national HBV vaccination program in Oman, and just under one-third had a family history of HBV infection. Notably, despite being considered inactive carriers, 19.0% displayed radiological features of severe fibrosis or cirrhosis. Screening for high-risk inactive HBV infection is essential to ensure early management and improved patient outcomes

Massive Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Secondary to Duodenal Metastasis of Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder

Acute upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding is a common problem in our clinical practice and is often due to peptic ulcer diseases. Occasionally, malignancy may be implicated in these situations. Here we report a rare case of UGI bleeding secondary to metastatic transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder. A 62-year-old man with a history of stage IIIb TCC of the urinary bladder presented with hematemesis. Endoscopy showed a large tumor in the second stage of the duodenum that occupied 40% of the duodenal circumference, over 7 cm in length. Biopsies revealed a poorly differentiated malignant neoplasm consistent with metastasis from urothelial carcinoma that was identical to the previous surgical specimen of the urinary bladder. He was treated with supportive therapy and intravenous proton pump inhibitor and was discharged home 2 weeks later. Two weeks after discharge, the patient returned to the hospital with a painful swelling of the floor of his mouth. Biopsy again showed the same cancer type. He had unremitting bleeding from his mouth requiring multiple transfusions and a course of palliative radiation therapy. He progressively deteriorated in his cardiopulmonary and neurological functions and expired with cardiopulmonary arrest one month later

Epidemiology of Chronic Hepatitis C Infections at a Tertiary Care Centre in Oman

Objectives: Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is a leading cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. However, there is a lack of data regarding the epidemiology of CHC in Oman. This study aimed to describe the clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes of CHC-infected patients at a tertiary care hospital in Oman. Methods: This retrospective descriptive hospital-based study included all CHC-infected patients who presented to the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH) in Muscat, Oman, between January 2010 and December 2015. The baseline demographic, clinical, laboratory and radiological data of the patients were analysed. Results: A total of 603 CHC-infected patients were identified during the study period; of these, 65.8% were male and the mean age was 44.8 ± 16.5 years. The main risk factors associated with CHC infection were intravenous drug abuse (23.9%) and a history of blood transfusions (20.7%). The most prevalent virus genotypes were 1 and 3 (44.0% and 35.1%, respectively). Upon initial presentation, 33.0% of the cohort had liver cirrhosis; of these, 48.7% had decompensated cirrhosis and 23.1% had HCCs. Liver transplantation was only performed for 7.5% of the cirrhosis patients, mostly as a curative treatment for HCC. Conclusion: The implementation of national policies to prevent hepatitis C transmission and encourage the early screening of at-risk patients is recommended to reduce the burden and consequences of this disease in Oman

Nutritional Practices of Athletes in Oman: A Descriptive Study

Objective: Adequate dietary intake is crucial for optimum training and performance of athletes. There is almost no available information related to dietary practices among Omani athletes, especially during the competition. This study aimed to assess the nutritional practices (nutritional knowledge, eating habits and daily nutrients intake) among Omani male handball athletes in Muscat city, Oman.Methods: This is a cross sectional study including 35 male handball athletes involved in serious training for no less than three years. Data collection was done through personal interviews using a study questionnaire which enlisted questions relating to socio-demographic information, anthropometric measurements and nutritional practices. All the study participants declared no intake of anabolic steroids.Results: The mean age of the study participants was 27 ± 3 years. Their anthropometric assessment revealed that their mean height was 166 ± 12 cm, mean weight was 75 ± 10 kg, and body mass index was 27 ± 3. Nutritional knowledge analysis revealed that 80% had no nutritional supervision by a nutritionist/dietitian. Their knowledge of nutritional requirements was only 23% correct for total energy intake, 63% for protein intake, 46% for carbohydrate intake, 11% for fat intake and 83% for water intake. Eating habits indicated that 55% had <3 meals/day, 51% had lunch as the principal meal, 51% always added extra salt to their food, 28% took protein supplements on a daily basis, and 51% used pre-competition glycogen load diet. However, none consumed vitamins or mineral supplements. The mean daily caloric intake was 3674 ± 265 kcal/day, which was roughly comprised of 596 ± 66 g carbohydrates, 147 ± 28 g of protein and 78 ± 20 g of total fat.Conclusion: Professional nutritional supervision is needed in order to improve the nutritional knowledge and eating habits of Omani athletes, and therefore improve their athletic performance