Perception of Stigma among Attendees of Tertiary Care Psychiatric Clinic in Oman

Objectives: To examine the level of perceived stigma experienced by people with mental illnesses and its relation to patient's age, gender, marital status, employment status, psychiatric diagnosis, and education level. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among patients attending Psychiatric Clinic at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital. Perceived stigma was assessed using the modified version of the 42 patients’ stigma scale. Data were analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 19. Results: A total of 197 patients participated in the study (49% males and 52% females). Disclosure and discrimination of mental illness subscales were highest factor of self- or perceived stigma compared to the positive aspects. The impact of demographic factors and psychiatric diagnosis on the perception of stigma was not statistically significant. Conclusion: This study showed that attendees of the Psychiatry Clinic at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital were less likely to disclose their mental illness and experienced more discrimination of mental illness than the positive aspects

Using eye tracking for evaluation of information visualisation in web search interfaces

Search result organization and presentation is an important component of a web search system, and can have a substantial impact on the ability of users to find useful information. Most web search result interfaces include textual information, including for example the document title, URL, and a short query-biased summary of the content. Recent studies have developed various novel visual summaries, aiming to improve the effectiveness of search results. In this thesis, the impact and efficacy of presenting additional visual summaries are investigated through a series of four studies. User interaction with the search results was captured using eye tracking data. In the first study we compare the effectiveness of three publicly available search interfaces for supporting navigational search tasks. The three interfaces varied primarily in the proportion of visual versus textual cues that were used to display a search result. Our analysis shows that users' search completion time varies greatly among interfaces, and an appropriate combination of textual and visual information leads to the shortest search completion time and the least number of wrong answers. Another outcome of this experiment is the identification of factors that should be accounted for in subsequent, more controlled, experiments with visual summaries, including the size of the visual summaries and interface design. An understanding of the features and limitations of the eye tracker, particularly for IR studies, was also obtained. To obtain a richer understanding of a user's information seeking strategies and the impact of presenting additional visual summaries, five interfaces were designed: text-only, thumbnail, image, tag and visual snippet. In the second study, fifty participants carried out searches on five informational topics, using the five different interfaces. Findings show that visual summaries significantly impact on the behaviour of users, but not on their performance when predicting the relevance of answer resources. In the third study, fifty participants carried out five navigational topics using the five different interfaces. The results show that apart from the salient image interface, users perform statistically significantly better in terms of time required and effort required to answer given navigational search topics when additional visual summaries are presented. The fourth study was conducted with both navigational and informational topics, for a more detailed comparison between the best-performing interfaces identified in the previous studies: salient images for informational searches, and thumbnails for navigational searches. The findings confirm our previous results. Overall, the salient image interface can significantly increase user performance with informational topics, while thumbnails can help users to predict relevant answers, in a significantly shorter time, with navigational search topics

3D printing of limestone-calcined clay cement: A review of its potential implementation in the construction industry

Data availability: Data will be made available on request.Copyright © The Author(s) 2023. The rapid development in 3D printing applications requires exploring a sustainable printable mixture to decrease the environmental impact induced by the existing Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) mixtures and enable 3D printing technology to reach its peak efficiency. The high-volume substitution of OPC with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) is of significant interest as a promising solution for developing low-carbon feedstock for 3D printing. Yet, those materials share the problem of limited availability. The combination of limestone and calcined clay could be a promising alternative, offering various benefits, including replacing OPC in high ratios. This paper reviews 3D printable limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) mixtures, compositions, and chemical behaviour. The effect of different sand-to-binder ratios, additives content, OPC replacement levels, clay grade and calcination, and admixtures on the fresh, hardened and printing properties of the 3D printed mixtures are critically discussed. The environmental impact and production cost of the LC3 system compared to OPC and other systems are also critically evaluated along with the applications, future directions and research gaps in this field. The findings of this review show that 3D printed LC3 has a similar hardened performance and better microstructure than OPC system. Moreover, cast LC3 system has 30–50% lower environmental impacts depending on the replacement level and better economic feasibility than OPC. Therefore, making it a suitable feedstock for the innovative manufacturing technology of 3D printing

Job satisfaction among anesthetists in Ethiopia-a national cross-sectional study

Background Ethiopia has substantially increased production of associate clinician anesthetists. This study aimed to determine the level of and factors that predict job satisfaction among a national sample of anesthetists. Methods A cross-sectional study conducted in 2014 sampled 252 anesthetists. Respondents rated 37 items related to job satisfaction and working and living conditions using a Likert scale, which ranged from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine factors associated with the main outcome variable, level of job satisfaction. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to show the magnitude of associations. Results Less than half (n = 107, 42.5%) of anesthetists were satisfied with their job. Work environment (aOR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.06, 3.31) and more than 10 years of experience working in the public health system (aOR = 4.96, 95% CI = 1.11, 22.13) were predictors of job satisfaction in the multivariable model. Conclusion Ethiopian anesthetists have low levels of job satisfaction, with work environment and years of experience being factors that predict their satisfaction positively. Motivation and retention of this cadre will require emphasis on creating a safe and conducive work environment, and interventions designed to motivate junior anesthetists

Malignancy risk analysis in patients with inadequate fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the thyroid

Background Thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is the standard diagnostic modality for thyroid nodules. However, it has limitations among which is the incidence of non-diagnostic results (Thy1). Management of cases with repeatedly non-diagnostic FNAC ranges from simple observation to surgical intervention. We aim to evaluate the incidence of malignancy in non-diagnostic FNAC, and the success rate of repeated FNAC. We also aim to evaluate risk factors for malignancy in patients with non-diagnostic FNAC. Materials and Methods Retrospective analyses of consecutive cases with thyroid non diagnostic FNAC results were included. Results Out of total 1657 thyroid FNAC done during the study period, there were 264 (15.9%) non-diagnostic FNAC on the first attempt. On repeating those, the rate of a non-diagnostic result on second FNAC was 61.8% and on third FNAC was 47.2%. The overall malignancy rate in Thy1 FNAC was 4.5% (42% papillary, 42% follicular and 8% anaplastic), and the yield of malignancy decreased considerably with successive non-diagnostic FNAC. Ultrasound guidance by an experienced head neck radiologist produced the lowest non-diagnostic rate (38%) on repetition compared to US guidance by a generalist radiologist (65%) and by non US guidance (90%). Conclusions There is a low risk of malignancy in patients with a non-diagnostic FNAC result, commensurate to the risk of any nodule. The yield of malignancy decreased considerably with successive non-diagnostic FNAC

Using eye tracking for evaluating web search interfaces

Using eye tracking in the evaluation of web search interfaces can provide rich information on users' information search behaviour, particularly in the matter of user interaction with different informative components on a search results screen. One of the main issues affecting the use of eye tracking in research is the quality of captured eye movements (calibration), therefore, in this paper, we propose a method that allows us to determine the quality of calibration, since the existing eye tracking system (Tobii Studio) does not provide any criteria for this aspect. Another issue addressed in this paper is the adaptation of gaze direction. We use a black screen displaying for 3 seconds between screens to avoid the effect of the previous screen on user gaze direction on the coming screen. A further issue when employing eye tracking in the evaluation of web search interfaces is the selection of the appropriate filter for the raw gaze-points data. In our studies, we filtered this data by removing noise, identifying gaze points that occur in Area of Interests (AOIs), optimising gaze data and identifying viewed AOIs

Do users find looking at text more useful than visual representations? A comparison of three search result interfaces

The organisation, content and presentation of document surrogates has a substantial impact on the effectiveness of web search result interfaces. Most interfaces include textual information, including for example the document title, URL, and a short query-biased summary of the content. Other interfaces include additional browsing features, such as topic clustering, or thumbnails of the web pages. In this study we analyse three search interfaces, and compare the effectiveness of textual information and additional browsing features. Our analysis indicates that most users spend a substantially larger proportion of time looking at text information, and that those interfaces that focus on text-based representations of document content tend to lead to quicker task completion times for named-page finding search tasks

Types of Primary Healthcare Emergencies in Muscat, Oman: A retrospective cross-sectional study of five primary care centres

Objectives: Emergencies can occur at any time and be life-threatening or cause permanent damage. Accordingly, the management of emergency cases is an integral part of primary healthcare (PHC). This study aimed to estimate the proportion and types of emergency cases presented to PHC centres in Muscat, Oman. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2016 at five PHC centres in the Muscat Governorate. A total of 800 emergency cases (i.e. those labelled in the health information system as an accident and emergency) of Omani patients aged ≥5 years presented during this period. Every second case, based on arrival to the registration desk, was selected for analysis. Electronic medical records were reviewed to collect data regarding demographic features, presenting complaints, time and season of presentation, management provided and method of transportation if referred to tertiary care. Results: The proportion of emergency cases was <2.5% (range: 1–2.5%). The most common type of emergency was musculoskeletal issues/trauma (34.3%) followed by gastroenterological (15.1%) and genitourinary (10.0%) emergencies. Most patients were either 21–39 or 5–12 years old (35.0% and 21.6%, respectively). The majority (59.6%) were treated directly at the health centre, while the remaining patients (40.4%) were referred to tertiary care. At referral, only 12.1% were transported by ambulance and the rest via private transport. Conclusion: Musculoskeletal issues/trauma was the most common type of emergency seen at the selected PHC centres in Muscat. Further research is needed to determine whether PHC centres have the capability and resources necessary to appropriately manage emergency cases. Keywords: Emergencies; Primary Healthcare; Public Health; Emergency Medicine; Oman

Micropsalliota ventricocystidiata Al-Sadi & S. Hussain 2022, sp. nov.

Micropsalliota ventricocystidiata Al-Sadi & S. Hussain, sp. nov. (Figs. 3, 4) MycoBank no: MB842602 Diagnosis: Micropsalliota ventricocystidiata can be distinguished from other species by its: medium-sized basidiomata with hemispheric pileus, covered with reddish-brown squamules, basidiospores amygdaliform to oblong, measuring 7.5–8.5 × 4.5–5.0 µm, with ventricose cheilocystidia. Etymology: The specific epithet “ ventricocystidiata ” refers to the ventricose shape of the cheilocystidia of the new species. Type: Oman, Dhofar, Gogob, 17°18′28.9″ N and 54°06′27.6″ E under the trees of Anogeissus dhofarica, 2 Sept 2018, N. Al Dhanki, S. Al Salami, M. Al Jahwari and I. Al Sabahi, GOB-002 (holotype SQUH-GOB002; GenBank accession: ITS = OM 397374, 28 S = OM 630413). Description:Pileus 30–55 mm diam, at young stage ovoid to parabolic, as the pileus opened becoming hemispheric, at mature stage convex to plano-convex; surface finely squamulose, squamules more or less triangular or granular, slightly erect, concentrated at the center, sparse towards the margin, light reddish-brown (2.5YR 5/4–2.5YR 6/4) to moderate reddish-brown (7.5R 3/4–7.5R 3/6) on a white background; margins slightly scalloped. Lamellae free, crowded (25–30 per centimeter), ventricose, reddish-gray (7.5YR 6/2), with 1–5 series of lamellulae, becoming lightbrown (5YR 6/4) with age. Stipe 40–70 × 7–10 mm, central, equal, hollow, surface granulose, granules white, sparce above the annulus, more concentrated below the annulus, on a white background; annulus single layered, membranous, ascendant, white, smooth on both surfaces. Context white, unchanged on handling. KOH reaction reddish-brown on pileus. Odor and taste not recorded. Basidiospores [60/2/2] (7.0)7.5–8.5(9.0) × (4.0)4.5–5.0(5.5) µm, on average 8.2 × 4.8 µm, Q = 1.6–1.86, av. Q = 1.7, ellipsoid to amygdaliform with acute apex in side view, oblong to sub-cylindrical in frontal view, smooth, brownish in 5% KOH, germ-pore absent. Basidia 20–26 × 8–9.5 µm, clavate, hyaline, smooth, 4-spored. Cheilocystidia 36–46 × 9.5–16 µm, mostly ventricose, rarely sub-cylindrical, abundant, smooth, hyaline. Pleurocystidia absent. Pileus covering is a cutis with septate hyphae, 10–15 µm diam, rarely branched, terminal cells 51–67 × 10–12 µm with acute apex, pale brownish in KOH. Clamp connections absent. ......continued on the next page Habitat and distribution: Scattered in small groups, saprotrophic, on humus rich soil with dead leaves and wood under the trees of Anogeissus dhofarica. So far only known from southern Oman. Additional specimens examined: Oman, Dhofar, Attir, on a shady place with plenty of liverworts, 5 Sept 2018, N. Al Dhanki, S. Al Salami, M. Al Jahwari and I. Al Sabahi, ATR-004 (SQUH-ATR004; GenBank accession: ITS = OM 397373, 28 S = OM 630414). Notes: The new species Micropsalliota ventricocystidiata is characterized by a medium-sized basidiomata with hemispheric to plano-convex pileus, covered with reddish-brown squamules; basidiospores amygdaliform with obtuse apex in side view, oblong in face view, measuring 7.5–8.5 × 4.5–5.0 µm and the cheilocystidia mostly ventricose, rarely more or less subcylindrical. ML phylogenetic analyses revealed that the closely related species of M. ventricocystidiata are: M. suthepensis, M. megaspora, M. repanda and M. sp. (SDJ 2021-8-9) an undescribed species from China. Micropsalliota suthepensis, described from Thailand, differs from M. ventricocystidiata by (i) its smaller pileus (10–20 mm diam) with violet squamules (ii) smaller spores (5–6 × 3–3.5 µm) that are somewhat similar in shape and have apical thickening, and (iii) cheilocystidia clavate with non-capitate apex (Zhao et al. 2010). Micropsalliota megaspora, also described from Thailand, differs in its small sized basidiomata, smaller spores (5.2–6.5 × 3.4–4 µm) and pyriform shaped cheilocystidia (Zhao et al. 2010). Micropsalliota repanda, originally described from Togo, differs from the new species by its pinkish pileal fibrils with clavate cheilocystidia (Heinemann 1980). Morphological comparison of the new species with regards to other species of Micropsalliota are further sorted in detail in Table 2. Morphologically, the new species M. ventricocystidiata is similar to M. digitatocystis R.L. Zhao, J.X. Li & M.Q. He (2021: 171), a recently described species from China (Li et al. 2021). Both species share the reddish-brown pileal squamules. On the basis of basidiospores morphology, both species can be differentiated. Basidiospores in M. digitatocystis are mostly ellipsoid to amygdaliform and comparatively smaller (5.8–7.4 × 4–4.6 µm; Li et al. 2021). In M. ventricocystidiata, basidiospores are amygdaliform with obtuse apex to sub cylindrical or oblong and larger (7.5–8.5 × 4.5–5.0 µm). In M. digitatocystis cheilocystidia are cylindrical to subclavate, subcapitate to capitate, measuring 37.4–52 × 9–16.4 µm. On the other hand, cheilocystidia in M. ventricocystidiata are mostly ventricose, rarely subcylindrical.Published as part of Al-Kharousi, Moza, Hussain, Shah, Al-Muharabi, Marwa A., Al-Maqbali, Dua'A, Al-Shabibi, Zahra, Al-Balushi, Abdullah H., Al-Yahya'Ei, Mohamed N., Saady, Nadiya Al, Velazhahan, Rethinasamy & Al-Sadi, Abdullah M., 2022, Notes on the genus Micropsalliota (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) and the description of a new species from Southern Oman, pp. 113-126 in Phytotaxa 543 (2) on pages 119-123, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.543.2.2, http://zenodo.org/record/645074

The Genus <i>Xanthagaricus</i>: An Updated Global Species Distribution and Phylogeny with the Description of Two New Species from Oman

Xanthagaricus is a saprotrophic mushroom genus with small-sized basidiomata in the family Agaricaceae (Agaricales). Prior to this study, 26 species belonging to this genus have been described and published. In this study, we reported Xanthagaricus for the first time from Oman with the description of two new species. Basidiomata of the new species Xanthagaricus appendiculatus and X. omanicus were collected during the monsoon rains of summer in 2018 in the southern coastal region of Oman. Species descriptions are based on morphological and molecular characterization. Phylogenetic analyses based on internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 = ITS) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA clustered the new species in the Xanthagaricus clade with strong statistical support. The new species Xanthagaricusappendiculatus can be distinguished from other species by its purplish pileus with umbonate disc and X. omanicus with the largest pileus (70–90 mm diameter) among the known species of the genus. A detailed description, photographs, line drawings, and a phylogenetic tree showing the position of both new species are provided. A dichotomous key to the known taxa of Xanthagaricus is proposed. Morphological comparisons of new species with known Xanthagaricus taxa are provided. Our observations highlight the diversity of Xanthagaricus and other lepiotaceous mushrooms in southern Oman and further document the need for additional systematic focus on the region’s fungi