Translating Terminology in Business Annual Reports (English-Arabic)

Business annual reports are financial statements that contain key information about a company’s activities. The reports are distributed to interested parties (e.g. stockholders, creditors, financial analysts and customers) to satisfy their information requirements. In Oman, annual business reports are produced in English and translated into Arabic in order to provide Arab readers with vital information about the companies’ operations and their financial positions. This article analyzes lexical variations, i.e. financial and business terminologies in both English and Arabic versions of the annual reports. A comparison between the English and Arabic profiles of the reports found that the business terms, e.g. ‘currents assets’, ‘asset impairment’ and ‘changes in equity’ showed less variation than others that occurred more dominantly in earlier Arabic translations. This article contributes to the discipline of Translation Studies (TS) by investigating lexical variations of business terms within sociocultural and ideological contexts in Oman. It attempts to answer the following question, ‘with respect to business and financial terms, do the Arabic versions of the annual reports reflect the notion of standardization over the course of time in specific industrial domains?’ Qualitative methods are applied to compare, describe, and analyze the textual profiles of the two versions of the reports. It concludes that the Arabic business and financial terms have become more widely established over the course of time, thus reflecting the notion of standardization. Finally, this article suggests to integrate textual analysis with sociological input to have more insight into translation agents

Ideological aspects of the translation of business annual reports in Oman (English-Arabic)

The socioeconomic context in the renaissance era in Oman has resulted in the development of new forms of discursive prastises and thus, in the introduction of new genres. One of these new genres is the business annual report, which in Oman exists in English and Arabic. This thesis examines the role of translation in the production of annual reports. This research makes a contribution to the field of Translation Studies by examining institutional translation in order to gain insights into translation agents, processes, practises and underlying policies with reference to national business institutions in their sociopolitical and historical and institutional contexts .Business reports are still largely under-researched as a genre in Translation Studies. The thesis starts with an overview of relevant aspects of Translation Studies to arrive at a theoretical framework which informs the analysis. The empirical analysis is based on sixty seven reports produced by different Oman-based companies which vary in size and organisational patterns. Annual reports are characterised as a genre in terms of function and structure at the macro-level as well as the micro-level. They have an informative and a persuasive function, as they are produced by different companies in their attempt to promote and fulfil their respective business interests and objectives.The thesis presents the sociocultural and political contexts of the production of the English and Arabic versions of the annual reports, focusing on the underlying functions and principles of institutions and agents. The next chapter illustrates the textual profiles of the English and the Arabic versions, identifying typical translation strategies. The discussion here operates within the framework of product-oriented Descriptive Translation Studies (Lambert and van Gorp 1985). It is argued that the two language versions reflect aspects of ideology, political affiliation and power relations at both the macro and micro- structural levels. These ideological aspects can be seen in particular in the addition, omission and change of specific expressions which refer to religious or interpersonal aspects. These strategies signal the aim to appeal to wider Arab readers and to fulfil the agendas of different agents (government, companies, chairpersons, directors, etc.). The description of the texts is followed by an account of these aspects in terms of sociopolitical and institutional conditions in the production of the translations. For this explanation, reference is made to sociological approaches to translation, mainly building on the work of Bourdieu (1991). This thesis emphasises that the translation of annual reports is a collective effort which takes place in a particular institutional context. Consequently, the translation strategies are regulated by the objectives of the institution within which translators and other agents operate. The translations are prepared in order to meet the expectations and needs of the intended Arabic language addressees; in addition, the generic features of the reports reveal a progression of transmission and development over the course of time in the spheres of business and economy in Oman. This thesis demonstrates that business companies too can be seen as institutions which contribute significantly to disseminating business terms and concepts and promoting investment opportunities domestically and internationally through translation work

Development of a photocuring system for cationic epoxy formulations using side emitting optical fibres

Photocuring of polymers and polymer composites, from epoxy resin based formulations, has been of growing interest over the past two decades. The photocuring occurs when an epoxy formulation is exposed to electromagnetic radiation, usually ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This process has been explored widely and it can be described as an open mould process by which the epoxy formulation is exposed directly to the radiation. However, for a closed mould process, thermal curing, rather than radiation curing, typically is employed. The potential of using photocuring for a closed mould process has not yet been investigated in detail. The challenge in photocuring of polymers and polymer composites in a closed mould is directing the radiation into the mould to activate the photocuring process, which is not possible using the conventional methods. Hence, for this reason the present work is focused on the development of a closed mould photocuring system using side emitting optical fibres. This photocuring system using side emitting optical fibres relies upon the optimisation of epoxy based resins. As a result, an extensive characterisation of different types of UV curable cationic epoxy resins is carried out using two pre-formulated commercial resins, formulations from bisphenol A/F, and formulations from cycloaliphatic epoxy. The formulations showed different reactivity and hardness. An important result is that the cycloaliphatic epoxy resin formulations cured much faster than the other bisphenol A/F formulations, having a more uniform hardness distribution and UV radiation transparency during the curing. Side emitting optical fibres are adopted to photocure epoxy in a closed mould. Different types of side emitting optical fibres are characterised to determine irradiation efficiency. The optical fibres had either a silica core or a PMMA core. The silica core fibres have a silicone cladding containing radiation scattering particles (either ZnO or Al2O3) and diffuser (either PA6 or ETFE). The PMMA core polymer optical fibres (PMMA POFs) have a PVDF cladding with micro-perforations as a side emission mechanism. Silica core fibres with the Al2O3 scattering particles and the PMMA core fibre are more suitable for the closed mould application as they transmitted efficiently in the UV radiation band. The high side emission characteristics of the PMMA POF compared to the silica core fibre showed higher potential for use in the closed mould photocuring process. As the polymerisation speed is influenced by the amount of flux density of the radiation source, a high flux lamp (Hg lamp, 40 W/cm2) is coupled to the side emitting optical fibres. This lamp caused thermal degradation to the PMMA POF at the launch point when in use. A cooling device is made to minimise the thermal degradation generated by radiation absorption. After improving the optical transmission stability of the PMMA POF, its side emission is enhanced by various treatments, such as permanent modification of the fibre geometry with adjusted bend radii as well as by mechanically embedding silica scattering particles into the fibre and applying micro-cuts. The developed, closed mould photocuring system consists of: enhanced side emitting PMMA POF, a cooling device, high emission Hg lamp, and a closed mould setup. 1.5 mm and 5 mm thick components, made from an optimised epoxy formulation (based on cycloaliphatic epoxy), are cured using the photocuring system. The 1.5 mm thick component (20 mm wide and 245 mm long) is cured in 45 minutes using a single PMMA POF treated with silica particles (side emission of ~81 % of the total launched emission). The 5 mm thick component (75 mm wide and 170 mm long) partly cured in 45 minutes by simultaneously using three PMMA POFs treated with silica particles and geometric modification (side emission of ~96 % of the total launched emission). This sample eventually cured with time (up to 36 hours) due to dark reaction. The efficiency of the developed closed mould photocuring system is validated by curing a 1.5 mm thick component made from a pre-formulated polyester resin formulation. This component cured in 7 minutes (30 mm wide and 245 mm long) using a single PMMA POF treated with silica particles

Development of a photocuring system for cationic epoxy formulations using side emitting optical fibres

Photocuring of polymers and polymer composites, from epoxy resin based formulations, has been of growing interest over the past two decades. The photocuring occurs when an epoxy formulation is exposed to electromagnetic radiation, usually ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This process has been explored widely and it can be described as an open mould process by which the epoxy formulation is exposed directly to the radiation. However, for a closed mould process, thermal curing, rather than radiation curing, typically is employed. The potential of using photocuring for a closed mould process has not yet been investigated in detail. The challenge in photocuring of polymers and polymer composites in a closed mould is directing the radiation into the mould to activate the photocuring process, which is not possible using the conventional methods. Hence, for this reason the present work is focused on the development of a closed mould photocuring system using side emitting optical fibres. This photocuring system using side emitting optical fibres relies upon the optimisation of epoxy based resins. As a result, an extensive characterisation of different types of UV curable cationic epoxy resins is carried out using two pre-formulated commercial resins, formulations from bisphenol A/F, and formulations from cycloaliphatic epoxy. The formulations showed different reactivity and hardness. An important result is that the cycloaliphatic epoxy resin formulations cured much faster than the other bisphenol A/F formulations, having a more uniform hardness distribution and UV radiation transparency during the curing. Side emitting optical fibres are adopted to photocure epoxy in a closed mould. Different types of side emitting optical fibres are characterised to determine irradiation efficiency. The optical fibres had either a silica core or a PMMA core. The silica core fibres have a silicone cladding containing radiation scattering particles (either ZnO or Al2O3) and diffuser (either PA6 or ETFE). The PMMA core polymer optical fibres (PMMA POFs) have a PVDF cladding with micro-perforations as a side emission mechanism. Silica core fibres with the Al2O3 scattering particles and the PMMA core fibre are more suitable for the closed mould application as they transmitted efficiently in the UV radiation band. The high side emission characteristics of the PMMA POF compared to the silica core fibre showed higher potential for use in the closed mould photocuring process. As the polymerisation speed is influenced by the amount of flux density of the radiation source, a high flux lamp (Hg lamp, 40 W/cm2) is coupled to the side emitting optical fibres. This lamp caused thermal degradation to the PMMA POF at the launch point when in use. A cooling device is made to minimise the thermal degradation generated by radiation absorption. After improving the optical transmission stability of the PMMA POF, its side emission is enhanced by various treatments, such as permanent modification of the fibre geometry with adjusted bend radii as well as by mechanically embedding silica scattering particles into the fibre and applying micro-cuts. The developed, closed mould photocuring system consists of: enhanced side emitting PMMA POF, a cooling device, high emission Hg lamp, and a closed mould setup. 1.5 mm and 5 mm thick components, made from an optimised epoxy formulation (based on cycloaliphatic epoxy), are cured using the photocuring system. The 1.5 mm thick component (20 mm wide and 245 mm long) is cured in 45 minutes using a single PMMA POF treated with silica particles (side emission of ~81 % of the total launched emission). The 5 mm thick component (75 mm wide and 170 mm long) partly cured in 45 minutes by simultaneously using three PMMA POFs treated with silica particles and geometric modification (side emission of ~96 % of the total launched emission). This sample eventually cured with time (up to 36 hours) due to dark reaction. The efficiency of the developed closed mould photocuring system is validated by curing a 1.5 mm thick component made from a pre-formulated polyester resin formulation. This component cured in 7 minutes (30 mm wide and 245 mm long) using a single PMMA POF treated with silica particles

Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Clinical Trial Participation in Oman: A cross-sectional study

Objectives: Clinical trials are prospective studies on human subjects designed to answer various clinical questions. However, only a limited number of clinical trials have been conducted in Oman. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of Omani patients and their relatives towards participating in clinical trials. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2015 and March 2016 among 174 patients and relatives attending the Haematology and Oncology Outpatient Clinics and Day Care Unit of the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman. A self-administered questionnaire was designed to elicit participants’ knowledge of and attitudes towards participation in clinical trials. Results: A total of 100 patients and relatives agreed to take part in the study (response rate: 57.5%). The male-to-female ratio was 1:1.2. Only 31.3% of the studied population knew what clinical trials were and only 6.5% had themselves previously participated in a clinical trial. The majority agreed or strongly agreed that they would participate in clinical trials related to their own condition (59.2%). Overall, 89.7% expected to be informed about potential clinical trials by their treating physicians. Conclusion: Omanis had a low level of knowledge of clinical trials and a very low rate of previous participation in such trials, despite a moderate level of interest. Patients should therefore be educated and informed of ongoing clinical trials in order to improve participation rates for clinical trials conducted in Oman

Air gap membrane distillation: A detailed study of high saline solution

An experimental study is used to examine the effect of high concentration of several salts, i.e., NaCl, MgCl2, Na2CO3 and Na2SO4 on permeate flux and rejection factor by air gap membrane distillation (AGMD). A comparative study involving three different membrane pore sizes (0.2, 0.45 and 1.0 μm) were performed to investigate the influence of pore size on energy consumption, permeate flux and rejection factor. The permeate flux decline is higher than that predicted from the vapour pressure reduction. Furthermore, the energy consumption was monitored at different membrane pore size and was found to be increased when the concentration increased

Economic removal of chlorophenol from wastewater using multi-stage spiral-wound reverse osmosis process: simulation and optimisation

YesThe successful use of Reverse Osmosis (RO) process has increased significantly in water desalination, water treatment and food processing applications. In this work, the economic feasibility of a multi-stage RO process including both retentate and permeate reprocessing for the removal of chlorophenol from wastewater is explored using simulation and optimisation studies. Firstly, a mathematical model of the process is developed based on the solution diffusion model, which was validated using experimental chlorophenol removal from the literature, is combined with several appropriate cost functions to form a full model package. Secondly, for a better understanding of the interactions between the different parameters on the economic performance of the process, a detailed process simulation is carried out. Finally, a multi-objective optimisation framework based on Non-Linear Programming (NLP) problem is developed for minimising the product unit cost, the total annualised cost, the specific energy consumption together with optimising the feed pressure and feed flow rate for an acceptable level of chlorophenol rejection and total water recovery rate. The results clearly show that the removal of chlorophenol can reach 98.8% at a cost of approximately 0.21 $/m³

Development of a photocuring system for cationic epoxy formulations using side emitting optical fibres

Photocuring of polymers and polymer composites, from epoxy resin based formulations, has been of growing interest over the past two decades. The photocuring occurs when an epoxy formulation is exposed to electromagnetic radiation, usually ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This process has been explored widely and it can be described as an open mould process by which the epoxy formulation is exposed directly to the radiation. However, for a closed mould process, thermal curing, rather than radiation curing, typically is employed. The potential of using photocuring for a closed mould process has not yet been investigated in detail. The challenge in photocuring of polymers and polymer composites in a closed mould is directing the radiation into the mould to activate the photocuring process, which is not possible using the conventional methods. Hence, for this reason the present work is focused on the development of a closed mould photocuring system using side emitting optical fibres. This photocuring system using side emitting optical fibres relies upon the optimisation of epoxy based resins. As a result, an extensive characterisation of different types of UV curable cationic epoxy resins is carried out using two pre-formulated commercial resins, formulations from bisphenol A/F, and formulations from cycloaliphatic epoxy. The formulations showed different reactivity and hardness. An important result is that the cycloaliphatic epoxy resin formulations cured much faster than the other bisphenol A/F formulations, having a more uniform hardness distribution and UV radiation transparency during the curing. Side emitting optical fibres are adopted to photocure epoxy in a closed mould. Different types of side emitting optical fibres are characterised to determine irradiation efficiency. The optical fibres had either a silica core or a PMMA core. The silica core fibres have a silicone cladding containing radiation scattering particles (either ZnO or Al2O3) and diffuser (either PA6 or ETFE). The PMMA core polymer optical fibres (PMMA POFs) have a PVDF cladding with micro-perforations as a side emission mechanism. Silica core fibres with the Al2O3 scattering particles and the PMMA core fibre are more suitable for the closed mould application as they transmitted efficiently in the UV radiation band. The high side emission characteristics of the PMMA POF compared to the silica core fibre showed higher potential for use in the closed mould photocuring process. As the polymerisation speed is influenced by the amount of flux density of the radiation source, a high flux lamp (Hg lamp, 40 W/cm2) is coupled to the side emitting optical fibres. This lamp caused thermal degradation to the PMMA POF at the launch point when in use. A cooling device is made to minimise the thermal degradation generated by radiation absorption. After improving the optical transmission stability of the PMMA POF, its side emission is enhanced by various treatments, such as permanent modification of the fibre geometry with adjusted bend radii as well as by mechanically embedding silica scattering particles into the fibre and applying micro-cuts. The developed, closed mould photocuring system consists of: enhanced side emitting PMMA POF, a cooling device, high emission Hg lamp, and a closed mould setup. 1.5 mm and 5 mm thick components, made from an optimised epoxy formulation (based on cycloaliphatic epoxy), are cured using the photocuring system. The 1.5 mm thick component (20 mm wide and 245 mm long) is cured in 45 minutes using a single PMMA POF treated with silica particles (side emission of ~81 % of the total launched emission). The 5 mm thick component (75 mm wide and 170 mm long) partly cured in 45 minutes by simultaneously using three PMMA POFs treated with silica particles and geometric modification (side emission of ~96 % of the total launched emission). This sample eventually cured with time (up to 36 hours) due to dark reaction. The efficiency of the developed closed mould photocuring system is validated by curing a 1.5 mm thick component made from a pre-formulated polyester resin formulation. This component cured in 7 minutes (30 mm wide and 245 mm long) using a single PMMA POF treated with silica particles.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo