The effect of Bonyan-Method Experiential Marathon Structured Groups (BEMSG) on ego functions

The present research has studied Bonyan-Method Experiential Marathon Structured Groups' efficacy on the nonclinical populations' ego functions. This study was a quasi-experimental trial with a control group. The trial group participated in the marathon group on three consecutive days (36 hours) and weekly sessions for three weeks. Then the ego function evaluation questionnaire was simultaneously given to both groups. All ego functions in the trial group showed significant growth compared to the control group. Among these, the most remarkable statistical effect size was related to "Adaptive Regression in Service of the Ego" and "Stimulus barrier." The relationship between improving ego functions and mental health can be anticipated, and steps can be taken to promote the community’s mental health by using these groups

Factors Influencing Adoption of Rangeland Rehabilitation Technologies by Agro-Pastoralists in the Arabian Peninsula: Evidence from Analysis in Saudi Arabia and Qatar

Rangelands are the main land use in the Arabian Peninsula and cover about 50% of total area. They are under continuous heavy grazing pressure due to underlying social and economic causes as well as institutional effects. ICARDA in collaboration with the National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) has developed and introduced different rehabilitation techniques including resting, planting native range species and water harvesting in different countries of the AP such as Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Yemen. However, the adoption of these techniques by end users was not evaluated. In this context, a research has been conducted in Saudi Arabia and Qatar to determine the factors affecting the speed of adoption and identify the main constraints affecting the adoption level and the dissemination for these rehabilitation techniques with special focus on perceived perceptions of the research and extension (R&E) systems on the impact of the characteristics of these technologies on their adoption level. To meet these objectives, the Adoption and Diffusion Outcome Prediction Tool (ADOPT) and the Likert-scale approach have been implemented and the qualitative data were gathered through two focus group discussion, respectively. The empirical findings revealed a significant difference between KSA and Qatar on the predicted peak of adoption of this technological package (planting native range species and water harvesting). Although the predicted years to peak such adoption are around 18 years, the peak of adoption is expected to be 92% for KSA and 11% for Qatar. This is mainly due to the fact that this technological package is newly getting adopted in Qatar. This predicted peak remains very low even during the first five and ten years for the case of Qatar. The main factors constraining the adoption of these rehabilitation technologies and therefore its dissemination are the complexity of the innovation, its trialability, the need to develop substantial new skills and knowledge to use the innovation, and the up-front cost of the investment relative to the potential annual benefit from adopting this technological package

Date Value Chain Analysis, Development, and Competitiveness of Date Palm Products in the Sultanate of Oman

This paper considers the vision of how to develop an efficient value chain and development strategies to improve the value chain in Oman. The main key factors of inclusive and sustainable development of the date value chain are determined to carry out the appropriate actions for improving the date palm sector in Oman. To explore the challenges and opportunities leading to the improvement of the marketing, commercialization, and competitiveness of dates and date palm products in this country, an analytical tool guideline (SWOT) was framed. Such analysis is useful to raise awareness to create policies for improved marketing of dates. Based on the SWOT analysis, the diversification of date varieties, and orientation toward modern plantations are the most important strengths of the date value chain. However, the increasing competition in regional and global date markets is the major threat to the date sector in Oman. There is a good possibility to promote the date processing industry in Oman given the rising demand for fresh and processed dates in national and international markets. A profitable and competitive date palm sector could be achieved by focusing on high yield and commercial varieties to ensure higher date palm productivity and the orientation toward adoption of quality standards to meet international market demand

Date Value Chain Analysis, Development, and Competitiveness of Date Palm Products in the Sultanate of Oman

This paper considers the vision of how to develop an efficient value chain and development strategies to improve the value chain in Oman. The main key factors of inclusive and sustainable development of the date value chain are determined to carry out the appropriate actions for improving the date palm sector in Oman. To explore the challenges and opportunities leading to the improvement of the marketing, commercialization, and competitiveness of dates and date palm products in this country, an analytical tool guideline (SWOT) was framed. Such analysis is useful to raise awareness to create policies for improved marketing of dates. Based on the SWOT analysis, the diversification of date varieties, and orientation toward modern plantations are the most important strengths of the date value chain. However, the increasing competition in regional and global date markets is the major threat to the date sector in Oman. There is a good possibility to promote the date processing industry in Oman given the rising demand for fresh and processed dates in national and international markets. A profitable and competitive date palm sector could be achieved by focusing on high yield and commercial varieties to ensure higher date palm productivity and the orientation toward adoption of quality standards to meet international market demand