Social vulnerability to tropical cyclones: A case study in Muscat Governorate, Oman

Social vulnerability (SV) assessment reveals the hidden weaknesses in the human system that make populations susceptible to loss following exposure to external stress. In this study, SV to natural hazards, such as tropical cyclones, are studied and assessed at the local level for coastal cities in Oman. Vulnerability is determined using the underlying social characteristics specific to people in Oman that put them at risk from cyclones. Oman is a developing country exposed to frequent tropical cyclones that create devastating impacts on its coastal cities, yet disaster risk reduction is undeveloped, with limited understanding of the spatial and temporal distribution of risk and vulnerability, and limited investment in resources and skills in this field. In particular, Oman lacks a natural hazard risk assessment system, hence the response to cyclone events is still reactive and not scientifically based. Some unpublished biophysical vulnerability studies exist that focus mainly on the coastal vulnerability to tsunami in Oman, but there have been no prior studies of SV to natural hazards. In this research, an SV model is adopted and applied at the local level (smallest administration boundary) for four coastal cities in the Muscat capital region. Drawing on a conceptual framework of social vulnerability, based on the work of Susan Cutter, the study identified appropriate SV variables reported by the 2010 census. From a preliminary list of 38 potential variables, 24 variables in 9 social dimensions were selected following exclusion of variables due to multicollinearity and singularity. These variables were then used in a principal component analysis (PCA) to further reduce the number of factors to a few meaningful components/factors/indicators. This process produced three indicators, each consisting of a cluster of variables that make up a construct representative of a vulnerable social group. The subsequent aggregation of these variables created a social vulnerability index (SVI) used in GIS to map the spatial distribution of SV to cyclones across Muscat region. This analysis was then repeated for the 1993 and 2003 censuses, which along with the 2010 analysis, allowed an exploration of the temporal variation of SV over two decades. The results show that for Muscat’s coastal cities, in addition to their exposure to physical hazards, there are clusters of municipal blocks with high SV to cyclones, and others with very low social vulnerability. The level of SV also increases over time. In 1993 there were only three municipal blocks with high SV to cyclones, but by 2010 there were 20 high SV municipal blocks, and a decline in low vulnerability areas. This increase in SV is attributed mainly to an increase in population (particularly rural to urban migration for employment), and an increase in the number of non-Omanis arriving for work, especially those in low wage categories. The study thus demonstrates the need to consider the dynamic nature of SV in natural hazard risk assessment and management. The results can be useful in practice, with the spatial SV maps supporting decision makers in planning and resource allocation before and during an emergency event. The Muscat case study can also be replicated elsewhere in Oman, based on the common nationally available small area data

Dilemma of project management in Oman

The state of Oman is mainly dependent on oil and petroleum products. However, construction is the second largest industry in Oman based on economic contribution. Due to high dependability in the construction industry, it is significant to highlight its problems and issues and measure its success. The study has introduced the construction industry and its basis in Oman. The study is mainly focused on the dilemma of the construction industry of Oman. Therefore, to analyze the conditions of the construction industry of Oman, a thorough literature review was conducted. Moreover, the project delays and cost overruns are analyzed based on the empirical data and literature analysis. This analysis is further extended to evaluate the private and public sectors of Oman in terms of project delays. Furthermore, Oman's sustainable development and green construction are also analyzed based on a thorough literature review and secondary data. Lastly, the impact of COVID-19 on the construction industry of Oman is evaluated based on the current conditions. The construction industry has catastrophically been affected by the lockdown situation due to the COVID-19. The study results are summed up in the discussion section

Study on Prevalence of Giardia lamblia among Patients Attending Pediatric Hospital in Kirkuk City and Its Effect on Some Hematological Parameters

In this study we examined 3306 stool samples during the period from January to December 2015 from children attending pediatric hospital  in Kirkuk city to show the prevalence of Giardia lamblia infection and its effect on some hematological parameters including packed cell volume(PCV) and white blood cell count( WBC) count  especially in this period because security conditions in my country and increased the emigrants whom they live in tabernacles which lacking the healthy and hygiene conditions . The results showed that the total infection of Giardia lamblia was 7.1% (235 of 3306). According to the sex, the highest rate of infection occurred in males 4.53% (150 of 3306) while in females was 2.57% (85 0f 3306)  and the rate of infection among males  was 7.53% (155 of 1990)  while the rate of infection among  females was 6.45% (85 of 1316).  There is significant differences appeared between males and females. According to the months, the high rate of infection occurred in October between males 17.5% (35 0f 200).The result showed that the high rate of infection with Giardia lamblia occurred in age group from 1 month to 3 years (120 of 235). Blood tests are done which include packed cell volume( PCV) and white blood cell count. The results show there are significant differences between infected patients and healthy persons, the (PCV) value decreased  and (WBC) count increased between infected and non- infected persons respectively. Keywords: Giardia lamblia, Prevalence , Hematological parameters, Kirkuk city

Neuromodulation in Urology: Current Trends and Future Applications

Urological applications of neuromodulation and neurostimulation are among the most evolving fields for these technologies. First approved for management of refractory urge incontinence, different modalities of neuromodulation and stimulation have been tested, applied and verified for a vast spectrum of voiding and pelvic floor dysfunction disorders. The modalities of delivering this treatment have also evolved in the last three decades, with a focus on sacral neuromodulation. The experimental and established “off-label” applications of neuromodulation have also encompassed chronic pelvic pain disorders, including chronic prostatitis and bladder pain syndrome, among others. In this chapter, we discuss all the hypothesized theories suggested on how this technology provides therapeutic potential for a number of chronic and debilitating urological conditions, the modes of delivery be it anterior, sacral, and posterior tibial to name a few, and the evolving and future applications

Un análisis fenomenológico interpretativo de los desafíos a los que se enfrentan los profesores universitarios en Pakistán en medio del covid-19

This study aimed to analyze the challenges faced by the university teachers during the transition towards purely online-based classes due to Covid-19 outbreak in Pakistan. A qualitative research design was used by employing an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach to capture the experience of university teachers. Interviews were conducted with the participants selected through snowball sampling technique. The findings showed that the university teachers in Pakistan had to cope up with many challenges. The specific factors such as infrastructural problems, student's behavioral issues and difficulties in the assessment of student's performance indicate that physical classrooms are a more effective mode of learning than the online mode of learning. Finally, this is among the first studies in addressing the online learning challenges faced by university teachers in Pakistan during Covid-19 outbreak.Este estudio tenía como objetivo analizar los desafíos a los que se enfrentan los profesores universitarios durante la transición hacia clases puramente en línea debido al brote de Covid-19 en Pakistán. Se utilizó un diseño de investigación cualitativa empleando un enfoque de análisis fenomenológico interpretativo para capturar la experiencia de los profesores universitarios. Se realizaron entrevistas con los participantes seleccionados a través de la técnica de muestreo de bolas de nieve. Y los resultados mostraron que los profesores universitarios en Pakistán tenían que hacer frente a muchos desafíos. Los factores específicos como los problemas de infraestructura, las dificultades de comportamiento de los estudiantes y las dificultades en la evaluación del rendimiento de los estudiantes indican que las aulas físicas son un modo de aprendizaje más eficaz que el modo de aprendizaje en línea. Finalmente, este es uno de los primeros estudios para abordar los desafíos de aprendizaje en línea que enfrentan los profesores universitarios en Pakistán durante el brote de Covid-19.Universidad Pablo de Olavid

Urological Applications of Botulinum Toxin A

Botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) has seen in the last two decades an increased level of application in urological practice, first FDA approved in 2011 for neurogenic detrusor overactivity and then later in 2013 for refractory overactive bladder. Hundreds of studies have been published in literature assessing the chemical structure of botulinum toxins and how urothelial injections in the lower urinary tract and vesical instillations can be employed in the management of a spectrum of urological conditions particularly voiding dysfunction. The consensus is still out on toxin A preparations, mode and pattern of application whether instilled or injected intradetrusally, units used, as well as time to onset and duration of effect of injections and is still a dense research topic. This is reflected in the continuously changing and differing grades of recommendations between societies of urological practitioners such as the EAU and AUA, among others. This chapter discusses both the FDA-approved and experimental applications of botulinum toxin A in urology, indications, techniques, and points of debate

Risk of damage and desiccation cracking of construction materials based on raw earth

Nowadays, structures are mainly constructed using natural aggregates as sand and gravels. In the future, we would increasingly have to consider replacing them by more abundant and ecological natural materials such as raw earth. However, despite its many qualities (low gray energy, thermal and hygrometric isolation), this eco-material has some defects: cracking by desiccation. The later prevent its widespread diffusion. This study aims to understand the mechanisms of appearance and propagation of cracks in order to try to either prevent or repair it. To carry out this study, digital image correlation technique is used. It consists in performing free desiccation tests to follow the initiation and propagation of cracks, from the beginning of homogeneous strain until the appearance of discontinuity, in order to determine the strains tensor in the massif. In order to understand the origin of cracking, desiccation is studied for different boundary conditions and according to different intrinsic characteristics of the material

An unusual localization of retroperitoneal paraganglioma: a case report

Paragangliomas are rare tumors arising from extra-adrenal chromaffine tissues. The diagnosis of  non-functional retroperitoneal paraganglioma and its surgical management can be difficult. We report a  case of a retroperitoneal paragangliomaof an unusual localization that renders the surgery more  challenging. A 40 year-old woman presented to our department with a four-month history of upper  quadrant pain with no vomiting, no fever, nor jaundice. Physical examination was normal. Ultrasonography showed a retro duodenal homogenous mass and computed tomographyscan showed a well-circumscribed round mass of heterogeneous density, which was in close contact with the aorta and the left kidney vein. Laboratory tests were normal. The patient underwent surgical management. The surgical exploration found a retroperitoneal tumor that was encapsulated and showing intimate contact with the abdominal aorta. We performed a complete resection of the tumor. Histological examination of the surgical specimen revealed a paraganglioma. The post operative course was uneventful. Paragangliomas are rare tumors. They can be asymptomatic for a long time and thus be diagnosed at late stage. A follow-up of patients is then essential. Surgical treatment is the only radical treatment and should be performed even in paragangliomas in close contact with the great vessels.Key words: Retroperitoneal, paraganglioma, surger

Stochastic versus Ray Tracing Wireless Channel Modeling for 5G and V2X Applications: Opportunities and Challenges

Due to the rapid development of wireless communication applications, the study of Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) communication systems has gained comprehensive research activities since it can significantly increase the channel capacity and link reliability without sacrificing bandwidth and/or transmitted power levels. Researchers tend to evaluate the performance of their MIMO antenna arrays using various channel modeling tools. These channel models are mainly categorized into either deterministic channels based on Ray Tracing (RT) tools or Stochastic Channel Models (SCM). In this chapter, we compare these two categories in terms of the MIMO channel capacity using a complete description of the antennas at the transmitting and receiving ends in terms of 3D polarimetric radiation patterns and scattering parameters. The performance is evaluated for 5G New Radio (NR) Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) and Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC) services and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems using state-of-the-art commercial SCM and RT tools to provide information regarding the capabilities and limitations of each approach under different channel environments and the Quality of Experience (QoE) for high data rate and low latency content delivery in the 5G NR sub-6GHz mid-band Frequency Range-1 (FR1) N77/N78 bands