Do the Telecom Giants in Oman – Omantel and Ooredoo have the Same Financial Status?

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the difference between the financial position of Omantel and Ooredoo and to investigate performance efficiency of Omantel and Ooredoo. Design/methodology/approach: The secondary data was obtained from the annual reports of Oman's major telecom providers listed in the Muscat Securities Market (MSM) for the period 2015 to 2020. The data collected from the financial statements was analysed using ratio analyses with the help of excel. Findings: The study revealed that Omantel had a better performance compared to the private telecom sector – Ooredoo in terms of current assets, non-current assets, shareholders’ equity, operating profit, and net profit. The study further confirmed that Omantel performed well over the years 2015 to 2020. Research limitations/implications: The study confirmed that the Oman telecom financial performances can be measured using current assets, non-current assets, liabilities, shareholders’ equity, operating expenses, operating profit, and net profit which can be a good measure to adjudge the financial performances of the telecom sector in Oman. Social implications: The study helps the stakeholders of the Oman telecom to understand the factors and the telecom-related customer services that might help to enrich the financial performances of the Oman telecommunication sector and to take necessary changes in the strategy and suitable decisions accordingly. Originality/Value: The study was restricted to two major Oman telecom service providers selected and the study had relied mostly on quantitative techniques involving financial statement analyses. The study can be extended to all the telecom providers in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries including the most determining factor viz. growth performance

FASHIONING INDIA'S NATIONAL ART: BARODA'S ROYAL COLLECTION, ART INSTITUTIONS AND CRAFTS AT COLONIAL EXHIBITIONS (1875-1924)

Ph.DDOCTOR OF PHILOSOPH

Isolation and identification of pathogenic fungi and oomycetes associated with beans and cowpea root diseases in Oman

The purpose of this study was to characterize fungal and oomycete species associated with root diseases of Phaseolus vulgaris, Vigna unguiculata, V. radiata and Vicia faba in Oman. Root samples were collected from plants suffering from weakened growth and yellowing symptoms. Fungal species were isolated on 2.5% potato dextrose agar amended with 10 mg l−1 rifampicin and 200 mg l−1 of ampicillin and identification was based on sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region of the ribosomal RNA gene (ITS rRNA), glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH), translation elongation factor-1 alpha (TEF), beta-tubulin (TUB), calmodulin (CMD), actin (ACT). Isolations yielded 204 fungal isolates belonging to nine different genera, with most isolates belonging to Alternaria and Fusarium. Molecular identification revealed that the isolates belong to 20 fungal species, the most dominant of which was Alternaria alternata. Pathogenicity tests were conducted on each plant species. The inoculations on P. vulgaris revealed that Pythium aphanidermatum induced rotting, damping-off and wilt symptoms while Fusarium equiseti induced yellowing symptoms on the leaves. Rhizoctonia solani produced lesions and root rot on Vigna unguiculata while Curvularia muehlenbeckiae and Curvularia caricae-papayae produced root lesions on the roots of V. unguiculata and V. radiata, respectively. Alternaria alternata produced brown symptoms on the tap root of Vicia faba. P. aphanidermatum resulted in a significant reduction in the fresh weight, dry weight and shoot length of Phaseolus vulgaris. The study shows that several fungal species can be found associated with the roots of beans and Vigna unguiculata in Oman and can result in varying disease symptoms. This is the first report of root lesions produced by Curvularia muehlenbeckiae on the roots of V. unguiculata and by C. caricae-papayae on V. radiata worldwide

Analysis of the Bordeaux red wine industry using the hedonic pricing model

In this paper, the hedonic pricing model was applied to the industry of premium red wines produced in Bordeaux, France. The analysis included auction data from England and the United States from 2000-2007 and from France, Switzerland, and the Netherlands from 2003-2007. The data consisted of all available auction prices of 300 châteaux for their 1982-2003 vintages. The characteristics included in the hedonic pricing model included the quantity of bottles produced, the age of the wine, the Parker Score awarded, the region where the wine was produced, the wines ranked in the 1855 classification, the wines ranked in the Saint-Émilion Classification, whether the wine was classified in the Graves Classification, the sugar/acid ratio of the wine, whether the wine was Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon dominated, and key weather variables during the grape growing season. The estimation of the hedonic pricing function revealed that the auction price of wine was essentially determined by readily available data. Consumers in all five countries were willing to pay price premiums for each additional age of the wine, each additional Parker point awarded to the wine, wines ranked highly, and wines from the region of Pomerol

Understanding Oman’s involvement in mediation, 1980-2015

In the recent past, Oman has made independent foreign policy choices which differ from its allies in the Gulf. While most Arab Gulf states tend to take sides and pursue a confrontational approach during regional conflicts, Oman has chosen to act as a mediator. Applying Mark Bevir’s interpretive framework that concentrates on explaining political actions by locating them against the background of traditions and as responses to dilemmas, this thesis seeks to provide a more nuanced understanding of Oman’s frequent involvement as a mediator. This is achieved by examining Oman’s mediation role undertaken during the Iran-Iraq War, the Yemeni Civil War, and the Iranian nuclear deal. The study relies on primary and secondary material, including documentary analysis and elite’s interviews. This study argues that upon gaining power, Sultan Qaboos embarked on a socio-political programme consolidating Oman’s national unity and national independence. In articulating his programme, he drew on a series of traditional ideas and historical references, which also came to frame understandings of Oman’s foreign policy orientation during the 1970s. It shows that by 1980, the belief in Oman’s cultural distinctiveness and vulnerability to external intervention had emerged as tantamount to ‘traditions’, playing a significant role in structuring Omani policy-makers’ reading of regional security dilemmas, and the policies they adopt. In this context, Oman’s desire to preserve its culturally distinct identity have constrained her pursuit of national independence, and shaped her response to foreign policy dilemmas, leading to the emergence of mediation as a policy practice. Oman’s earlier adaptation of a ‘balanced’ approach, and later ‘neutral’ stance, followed by its active mediation role towards the end of the Iran-Iraq War, were formed against the background of these traditions of thought. The study demonstrates that Omani policy-makers have been able to adjust their practice and policy as they have responded to each new policy dilemma posed by regional upheavals. In doing so, they developed mediation as a new tradition of policy practice

Understanding the Nature of Space in Second Life with Reference to the Work of Henri Lefebvre’s “The Production of Space”

This qualitative study explores the multifaceted nature of virtual space within the context of Second Life, a prominent metaverse platform, by drawing upon the theoretical framework established by Henri Lefebvre in his seminal work, The Production of Space. As digital technologies continue to redefine our relationships with space, this study endeavours to shed light on the complex interplay between physical and virtual environments and how these interactions shape our perception of spatiality. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, this research situates Second Life within the broader spectrum of virtual worlds, highlighting its unique features and potential as a case study for understanding the dynamics of virtual space. It then delves into Lefebvre's theory on the production of space, emphasizing the significance of the social, symbolic, and perceived dimensions of space in both physical and digital realms. Using a mixed methods approach, including first-hand observation of Second Life, this thesis investigates how individuals engage with and contribute to the construction of virtual space. It examines the role of avatars, user-generated content, and social interactions in shaping the spatial experience within Second Life, considering how Lefebvre's concepts of spatial practice, representations of space, and representational spaces apply to this digital environment. Furthermore, this research scrutinizes the implications of virtual space in Second Life for identity formation, social relationships, and creative expression. It probes the extent to which virtual space can serve as an extension or reflection of the physical world, and how these spaces might challenge or reinforce existing social hierarchies and power structures. In conclusion, this thesis offers valuable insights into the nature of space in virtual environments, elucidating the ways in which Second Life exemplifies Lefebvre's theory on the production of space. By bridging the gap between spatial theory and digital culture, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the evolving relationship between individuals and their spatial surroundings, both tangible and virtual. It also provides a foundation for future research on the intersection of digital technologies and spatial theory in an increasingly interconnected world

Summary

The 'Priming principle ' applied to non-depolarizing muscle relaxant atracurium was studied in 60 patients. This was a double blind study. The conditions observed for intubation were graded and the efficacy of priming dose of atracurium for shortening the onset time of intubation was studied. The patients were of ASA classification I and 11 and received standard premedication. The purpose of the study was to use the priming dose of atracurium to shorten the onset time of intubating dose of atracurium. This would be desirable in conditions requiring rapid intubation and in situations when the depolarizing muscle relaxant suxamethonium is contra-indicated. The results were statistically significant. Key words: Priming principle, atracurium, intubating dose