Issue No. 1 - January 2016
Research under the economic crisis
Œńŀī
Academics indicate the negative impacts
and suggest solutions
‫داﺋﺮة اﻟﻨﴩ اﻟﻌﻠﻤﻲ واﻟﺘﻮاﺻﻞ ﺑﻌامدة اﻟﺒﺤﺚ اﻟﻌﻠﻤﻲ‬
Dr. Jumana Saleh:
Take a Nap..Change
Your Life!
Study:
Migration and local
movements of Crab
Plover wintering in
Barr Al Hikman
Dr. Rahma Al-Mahrouqi:
What has been achieved so far is satisfactory
and we aspire for more
70 Projects Approved for Internal Funding in 2016
Main news
4
13
16
Strategy for voluntary work in the Sultanate
Study
Feature
Research under the economic crisis
Migration and local movements of Crab Plover wintering
in Barr Al Hikman
30
Study
General Supervision
Dr. Rahma Al-Mahrouqi
Executive Supervision
Ali Al-Hadrami
Managing Editor
Salim Rabia AlGheilani
Translated and Edited by
Dr. Hisham Jawad
Photography
Amur Khalfan Al-Khrusi
Proofreading by
Dr.Robert Gordon Gear
Design and Production
Ibtisam Said Al-Harthi
/tawasul.squ
/tawasul.squ
/tawasul.squ
/tawasul.squ
Research and Economic Challenges
It has become imperative to intensify efforts to face
it is important to streamline the laws and rules
the economic challenges in the Sultanate. Especially
that regulate the practice of research, an area that
with the fluctuations in its prices, it is unwise to
attracts annually billions of dollars in investments.
keep relying on the revenues of oil, a mineral which
Sultan Qaboos University is the major institution in
is prone to depletion in the coming few decades.
the Sultanate in terms of the number of conducted
Therefore, it is necessary to seek other sources which
studies and published papers in various refereed
would set the balance needed for maintaining the
journals. The findings of researchers are testimony
ongoing lifestyle and development plans in the
to their abilities to produce more achievements
country. Oman is distinguished for its geographical
that would help address the present problems
diversity, tourism, and beautiful landscape such
and challenges ahead. Such researchers will need
as mountains, plains and beaches being rich in
support to develop alternative resources which
natural resources and attractive destinations for
would alleviate the economic burdens and decrease
tourists. In addition, there is a broad propensity
the reliance on oil. Research is the shortest road to
amongst Omanis for generating innovative and
the future and the most effective tool to face the
creative achievements in different domains. The
challenges. No matter how much we spend in this
current situation calls for paying more attention to
area, the revenues will be much bigger. Therefore,
the area of research as the appropriate instrument
we have to have the will and faith in supporting
for developing ideas about our vision for the future
research practices. In this way, we can invest in the
we want to achieve for us, as well as for the next
research results to achieve breakthroughs in various
generations. Thus, it is necessary to focus attention
sectors. Such successes will provide alternative and
on enhancing research and supporting the
sustainable resources which would enhance the
practitioners in this field to develop their skills. This
economic development and create prosperity in
is instrumental to successfully passing through the
the country.
present stage, which is crucial to the development
plans and policies undertaken during the last four
decades of the renaissance in Oman. If we want
to invest in the vital sector of scientific research,
Editor
Main news
70 Projects Approved for Internal Funding in 2016
Professor Day: they are a foundation for wider future studies
The vetting committees for
aims at delivering new knowledge
internal
research
grants
has
University
grants
and discoveries of far-reaching
selected
seventy
projects
for
as part of its effort to promote
socioeconomic benefits for the
funding in 2016, due to be
research activities and strengthen
Omani society, the TRC grants and
formally approved soon.
its tools. In addition to other
consultancy contracts.”
These research projects cover
funding sources, the University
Professor
several
the
provides internal grants worth
remarks by saying that there has
Sultanate, including social issues,
OR500,000 every year, distributed
been steps in the past and there
the economy, education, industry,
to the colleges based on their
will be more steps in the future
agriculture, fisheries, oil, energy,
research vigor.”
that
health and other services.
He added: “There are also external
community, with research being
come
grants from national, regional and
the main focus of SQU for its
scientific
international agencies, as well as
significance to the development
findings that would contribute
the industries, individuals and
plans in the country.
to
such
charities that support academic
It is worth mentioning that SQU
areas, in addition to revamping
studies in some areas. Other
approves
mechanisms of production in the
sources of funding are H.M. grant
research projects with different
country.
for
sources of funding that is worth
In this respect, Professor Khaled
strategic research projects, which
They
up
4
Day, Dean of Research, said: “The
January 2016
vital
sectors
are
expected
with
important
the
development
in
to
of
offers
long-run,
these
interdisciplinary
Day
would
concluded
serve
annually
roughly OR4 million.
the
his
Omani
over
120
A Study of Small-scale
Dairy Farmers in Oman
MENA NETWORK of water
centers,
FIRST CONGRESS
The Middle East and North
explained their small grant
Africa Network of Water Centers
of Excellence (MENA NWC)
interventions. The impact of the
research projects were captured
held its First Biennial Congress
in an Excellence and Impact of
in Muscat, Oman from 9-11
November 2015. The event was
Research Working Paper that will
be widely distributed in its final
co-convened by the Network’s
two Centers in Oman – Sultan
form in early 2016.
The three-day event provided an
Qaboos University (SQU) and
opportunity for the Network’s five
the Middle East Desalination
Research Center (MEDRC). The
primary focus of the Congress
Technical Communities to meet
and explore current research and
knowledge-sharing initiatives.
was for the Network’s 24
member water research Centers
to define a research agenda that
The Technical Communities
represent the Network’s priority
research areas: Water Efficiency
is directly relevant to “real world”
needs and has the potential for
rapid impacts at scale. Through
active engagement of research
and Productivity; Groundwater;
Non-Conventional Water; Water
Supply and Sanitation; and, the
Water-Energy-Food Nexus. While
scientists, the private sector
and
donor
implementing
partners, the Congress launched
the Network on a new, more
News
with SQU participation,
Dr. Msafiri Mbaga - College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences
A researcher from the College
outcome of this project will
of Agricultural and Marine
provide useful information
Sciences is investigating the
that
challenges facing the current
formation
dairy marketing channels, in
dairy
together, these Communities
discussed and agreed to priorities
for future research, and agreed to
continue engagement with one
an attempt to find solutions
on whether the cooperative
to them. Building on a
marketing channel is the
previous study of his, which
one preferred. Most of the
entrepreneurial business model.
Timed to coincide with the
conclusion of the first round of
another through the Network’s
online communities of practice
supported by the Network’s
found that small-scale dairy
small-scale dairy farmers in
farmers in Oman lack a
Oman own indigenous breed
Network-sponsored
research
projects, MENA NWC’s first
Congress also provided a forum
for researchers and scientists from
the Network’s member Centers
and partnering institutions to
share research findings and
impacts. Moreover, the Network’s
eight Young Water Scientists and
ten Water Innovations Fellows
recently launched website (www.
menanwc.org).
The Congress was also an
opportunity for the Network’s
Board of Directors to hold their
Annual Meeting and to convene
the Network’s Assembly of
Governing
Members
who
represent the Network’s 24
member water research centers.
reliable market for their milk,
dairy cows which produce
the researcher will examine
very small quantities of milk
the
per day—as low as 2 to 10
existing
channels
might
lead
of
to
the
small-scale
cooperatives,
based
and assess dairy farmers’
liters.
preferences for these, in order
dairy farmers are weak, but
to identify one that farmers
if they were to organize
prefer the most. Specifically,
themselves into some form
the determinants of dairy
of a cooperative, it would
farmers’ choice, or preference
be possible to pool together
of a given market channel,
their milk output and make
will be identified. Elaborating
it viable as a business. In
on his work, Dr. Msafiri
addition, the availability of
Mbaga said a random sample
a market would stimulate
of a cross section of 600 dairy
investment towards greater
farmers will be analyzed. The
milk production.
Individually,
these
5
January 2016
Interview
Research is the key factor in the intellectual, cultural and civil development of society. Many studies have shown
that science, if utilized properly, can contribute to the diverse development plans. Since its inception, Sultan
Qaboos University has recognized the significant role of research in promoting its status and position at the
international level. Therefore, clear rules and policies have been put in place to ensure the University’s visible
and strong presence in different areas of research. Year after year, the University has managed to gain a strong
foothold in the realm of human accomplishments hinging on scientific findings.
Meanwhile, the current situation has created big challenges for the national economy due to the downward
plunge in oil prices and the impact on the various aspects of life in the Sultanate. This gives rise to an important
question: Can research play any role in addressing the potential economic effects of oil prices? This was one
among many issues related to research highlighted during an interview with Dr. Rahma Al-Mahrouqi, Deputy
Vice-Chancellor for Postgraduate Studies and Research (DVCPSR).
Dr. Rahma Al-Mahrouqi, DVCPSR:
What has been achieved so far is satisfactory and
we aspire for more
How do you see the status of
have
research after more than 20
researchers have been recruited
years since the University’s
and trained to use the facilities
inception?
and equipment. In the past, this
The
reality
and
is
was not the case, but we had to
make the effort, and now we can
over the last ten years up to
say the situation is much better.
now. Over the past years, the
The number of studies produced
University has successfully built
by the University’s academics
a solid foundation to achieve
is testimony to what we are
goals
research
established
satisfactory given the challenges
the
of
been
of
scienti¿c
saying. SQU has assumed a
New
leading position among the public
state-of-the-
academic institutions in terms of
art labs and
the quantity of research papers
research centers
published in international refereed
research.
journals. An estimated average of
550 papers are annually published
by the University’s academics
in regional and international
journals, and there are more in
the pipeline. Also, the number
of academics publishing in such
journals has been sustained.
In 2015, the increase was 17%
compared to the previous year;
over 600 academics presented
papers
at
international
and
regional conferences. There have
6
January 2016
renewable
energy,
education,
research during the past years,
humanities
and
industry.
which have produced positive
But the majority of society
results. This has been realized
has little knowledge of what
thanks to H.M. grants and those
actually happens within the
provided by the Research Council
premises of the University?
(TRC) and PDO. Therefore,
There are many studies conducted
the
in
planned
research
policy,
collaboration
with
vital
which was drafted six years ago
sectors in the country, including
through the establishment of the
consultancy contracts, some of
Deanship of Research, has paid
which are con¿dential due to the
off at all levels, although that
nature of those sectors. We have a
was a short period compared to
partnership with PDO which
other universities. Now, we can
resulted in delivering several
assert that the University has
research projects for developing
produced
the oil sector. However, we
satisfactory
results.
- Research requires more
scientists and PhD students.
- Policies regulating research
process should be reviewed.
Talking about the results
can’t publish the ¿ndings due to
raises a number of questions.
considerations of the oil market
There are some who see
and heated competition between
the University’s research
oil companies. On the other
performance as ineffective
hand, the University’s scienti¿c
in addressing the challenges
activities are not given enough
that face the vital sectors in
coverage in the local media,
the Sultanate, and this runs
although we are ready to offer
contrary to what you have just
any
information
about
such
said?
ongoing efforts. Still, anyone can
This is not true. The University
have access to such data in the
has spared no effort to overcome
academic publication databases
the barriers facing the society. It
such as Scopus and Web of
has always been active, given the
Science. Annually, the University
available resources. It has provided
holds
solutions to many problems in the
symposiums and workshops in
various vital sectors, including
which experts from different
energy, health, education and
sectors take part to bene¿t from
the environment. The ¿ndings of
the presented research ¿ndings.
some studies have been actually
What are the challenges facing
implemented to solve a number of
the University in its quest to
issues related to the development
develop this sector?
plans
in
country.
20
conferences,
Last
There are external challenges
year, the University approved
related to the society and its
over
projects
different institutions, and internal
covering such important ¿elds
ones linked to the University and
as environment, health, energy,
its bylaws. For example, there are
120
the
over
research
Interview
been constant efforts to enhance
several organizations that don’t
a basic factor in developing
give priority to research, which
research at universities. The
means there is little funding in
rules that regulate the process of
place for conducting studies in
conducting research should be
the ¿elds of those institutions.
reviewed so as to streamline the
Unfortunately, this is a big obstacle
procedures and dif¿culties in this
for researchers who want to apply
regard. We have already drafted
their ideas, and so deprives them
plans to that end and, hopefully,
of further training and learning
will put them in place soon.
opportunities. However, there are
What does the University need
a number of ministries, including
to overcome such hurdles?
those
of
the
environment,
The University needs to be further
and
empowered so as to be able to cope
water resources, and agriculture
with the rapid pace of research.
and
have
Our academics, while committed
recently sought help from the
to teaching and other services, are
University, being a hub of
themselves working on research
expertise that delivers solutions
projects
to
regional
municipalities
¿sheries,
which
at
the
University.
the
Such a situation will de¿nitely
University has limited ¿nancial
have a negative impact on the
resources allocated to research
quality of teaching and research,
and postgraduate scholarships
which is not the case in other
which don’t meet the current
reputed universities. This should
needs.
Worldwide, research
not happen in our university,
institutions, in order to enhance
which was established with the
their performance and status,
vision of being a regional and
need to expand their research
international landmark. If we
programs. Also, there are not
want to compete with other
enough
researchers
institutions, we should have full-
students,
time research teams capable of
enrolments.
undertaking studies within short
problems.
and
Internally,
scientists,
postgraduate
particularly
Normally,
PhD
PhD
students
are
periods and thus convincing
Over 120 research projects
and 550 papers are
produced annually by the
8niversity·s academics
7
January 2016
Interview
H.M.·s grant 7RC and PDO
are key supporters
stakeholders are willing to bene¿t
research is the best way of
from the University’s expertise.
attaining this, more attention
As I mentioned earlier, the
should be paid to enhancing
University is ready to collaborate
national organizations to seek
are striving to utilize available
its
current
with various sectors in the
our expertise rather than looking
opportunities for the economic
situation calls for reconsidering
Sultanate to deliver practical
for it abroad. Our researchers
bene¿t of various sectors such as
research-related policies through
solutions to their problems. We
can’t meet the urgent needs of
agriculture and ¿sheries, mining,
encouraging the undertaking of
asked the ministries concerned
those institutions because they
industry and renewable energy.
studies that are the best way to
with development plans in the
have
responsibilities.
They also introduce research
improvise solutions that would
country to inform us of their
PhD programs should also be
¿ndings for the decision-makers
overcome
implications
research priorities according to
expanded with more enrolments.
to have their say on them. As I said
of
oil
their
As I said earlier, research largely
earlier, there have been several
depends on dissertations and
breakthroughs in this regard, but
their ¿ndings. Therefore, the
we aspire to see research playing
University has devised a plan to
a more effective role in the future
form full-time research groups
to ease the drain on resources,
in the research centers in order to
or even to increase and diversify
strengthen and increase research
them. Studies conducted on the
output. Nowadays, there are
oil industry have contributed
global
to solutions for enhanced oil
other
economic,
social
and
political transformations, which
recovery
and
requires that we promote our
aspects,
which
research capabilities to cope with
economy. Studies on agriculture
them and pave the way for a better
and ¿sheries have focused on
future for our country in terms
increasing revenues and solving
of research capacity building,
existing
excellent publications and patents.
the
We have already created research
Center,
teams in specialized, strategic
the
areas in the Sultanate. We are also
Partnership
planning to have research chairs
has been established with the
in important ¿elds. For example,
goal of carrying out innovative
we have a TRC-funded chair
studies and producing extracts
in nanotechnology applications
from
to
which
support the national economy.
has produced tangible results.
Given the falling oil prices and
There are big challenges facing
their impact on the country’s
woter
desalination
other
support
problems.
Maritime
in
marine
Authority
for
organisms
We
got
their
to
budget, do you think this
can research help our economy
on research activities in the
7he students· inventions are
a source of pride
University?
been
Hopefully not; on the contrary,
undertaking numerous studies
we hope to see that as a reason for
have the University’s studies
which was forwarded to the
that contribute to the efforts
the development of research. We
more focused on projects aimed
University’s colleges and research
aimed at diversifying sources of
should take on such challenges
at mitigating the implications
centers in order to develop
income in the Sultanate. Given
positively, as innovative and
of the current economic crisis?
research
the resources in place, they
creative achievements are made
This depends on how much other
January 2016
have
¿elds.
Development,
will have any negative effect
researchers
prices.
Biotechnology
depends on oil prices. So, how
overcome such dif¿culties?
falling
Recently,
with
for
the
the
The
the
partnership
Omani
potential.
relevant
the national economy which
Our
8
in such dif¿cult times. Since
Are there any plans to
research
interest
projects
feedback,
accordingly.
In your opinion, what should
Interview
Fluctuating oil prices should
motivate us for further
research efforts
the University’s researchers
achievements in terms of
focus on in the future?
¿nding economic solutions?
At the moment, there are two
The University, in collaboration
tracks for research at SQU:
with the PDO, has produced
¿rst, researchers are working
34 studies which had a 71%
on studies immediately related
percentage of success, 41% of
There is always an interest to
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
to the current challenges facing
which were implemented. This
increase the number of research
has been created to provide
society. The aim of such research
means that such studies have
centers in order to expand the
support and guidance to students.
is to have direct, tangible results.
generated
rials.
horizons of knowledge. So, the
The
Therefore, we have reached out
Another fruitful cooperation is
idea will be implemented, if
implement their projects, provide
to other institutions which have
with the Ministry of Agriculture
there is a need for that. Recently,
the resources for their prototypes
similar research interests in order
and Fisheries, which promoted
the University has opened a
and protect their products and
to see how to investigate, and
the national economy. There
research center for earth science,
register them with international
to become the tenth one on
patent agencies. In this respect,
campus. As to increasing the
we have also created a student
capabilities of the centers, we
group that receives full support to
have prepared the documents of
enhance the students’ innovative
tenders to provide the facilities
potentials.
with equipment. We also strive
program of academic innovation
to furnish them with researchers,
support contributes to the culture
based on the available resources.
of innovation among students.
I would also underline the need
&an you reÀect on your
to increase the research chairs
expectations about research?
in vital areas. There are research
We aspire to be among the
chair
top research institutions in the
millions
of
projects
energy
and
in
renewable
cancer
which
Department
them
TRC-funded
world, enhancing research so
have been submitted to TRC.
as
to
The University’s students
to
the
have made innovative
The
helps
contribute
effectively
national
economy,
development
plans
and
the
achievements at the regional
community service. We would
and international levels. How
like to see the University among
do you see that and are there
the best worldwide in terms of
plans to support them?
research outcomes and quality
Such accomplishments are a
output, and to achieve H.M.’s
source of pride for us, as they
aspirations to have a productive
are testimony to the fact that we
and
are on the right track, enhancing
teaching,
and
thus
attaining
ef¿cient
university.
Would you like to add
something at the end of this
¿nd solutions to, their problems.
are several projects under way,
the educational objectives to
interview?
The second track has to do
especially after we had delivered
prepare a generation of students
I would like to express my
with investigating the scienti¿c
positive
their
capable of utilizing their creative
gratitude
topics of a global nature so as to
problems.
partnerships
abilities for the bene¿t of society
researchers, students, supporting
contribute to human development;
with
and
Therefore,
agencies, and the Deanship of
but in order to succeed in these
been a success, which makes us
we have put in place all the
Research for the efforts they
strands, we need to have suf¿cient
more optimistic about the future.
resources which would develop
have made to enhance research
streamlined
Are there any plans to
and increase their output. In t
at the University with the aim
procedures.
establish more research centers
his regard, the Department of
of supporting the development
funding
regulations
and
and
What are the major research
solutions
these
Such
to
institutions
have
or strengthen the current ones?
of
mankind.
to
all
academics,
plans and serving the society.
9
January 2016
News
CO2-Oil MMP
Dr. Gholam Reda- College of Engineering
displacement of injected CO2
work based on the Slim-Tube,
different reservoirs in Oman,
of Engineering are investigating
and oil reservoir.
Rising Bubble and Vanishing
and Stage Two includes the
the technique of CO2 injection
The methodology adopted in
Interfacial Tension experiments
mathematical calculation of the
in an oil reservoir, which is an
this research study involves
to measure CO2-oil Minimum
of CO2-oil MMP.
Researchers from the College
enhanced oil recovery (EOR)
In the first stage, a number of
method widely known for its
experiments will be conducted
higher oil ultimate recovery and
to address the pure CO2 and
for its use in Carbon Capture
impure CO2. In the second
and Storage (CCS) that leads
stage, researchers will attempt
to desirable benefits for the
to develop a mathematical
environment (reducing CO2
correlation
content in the atmosphere).
resulting MMP values from
In the CO2 flooding method,
the
favorable conditions of reservoir
Stage one. The CO2-Oil MMP
pressure,
and
mathematical correlation for
oil composition are required
the different selected Omani oil
temperature,
to achieve the dynamic or
two
multiple-contact
includes
miscibility
stages;
the
Stage
One
experimental
Miscibility
Pressure
based
experimental
on
work
the
in
reservoirs should be based on
(MMP)
pure CO2 and impure CO2.
for selected Omani oils from
Ethnoarchaeological Study of Agricultural Practices
Dr. Mohammed Al Balushi - College of Arts and Social Sciences,Sciences
10
Dr. Mohammed Al Balushi, from the
in central Oman, Dhofar, Musandam
order to evaluate the inorganic nitrate
College of Arts and Social Sciences,
and Jabal al Akhadr, to document the
or ammonia ions in plant and animal
is carrying out a study to document
types of fertilizers produced and the
fertilizers. The data will also be compared
traditional fertilizers in Oman and
with
to see how they are prepared and
production of traditional fertilizers
used in Oman. Traditional fertilizers
in
are animal and plant manures. Their
through long empirical knowledge
preparation
in
and experience. It is therefore,
farming must have started as early as
part of the Omani resourcefulness,
the beginning of agriculture, around
indigenous
3000 BC. So far, traditional fertilizers
heritage,
have not been documented nor
documented
systematically studied in Oman. The
findings
and
application
industrial
Oman
must
fertilizers.The
have
evolved
knowledge
which
will
and
be
needs
and
to
be
studied. The
published
in
methodology to be followed will be
relevant plant species, and 2) samples
two research papers due to appear in
based on the following two approaches:
of these fertilizers will be analyzed at
an SQU refereed journal and a peer-
1) Informal interviews with farmers
Sultan Qaboos University laboratories in
reviewed periodical on archaeology.
January 2016
Study
Preceptoring Nursing Students at SQUH:
a New Study
Dr. Gerald Amandou- College of Nursing
Research Committee of the
CON,
the
the
University
Hospital,
he
and
pointed
out. To further enhance the
validity of the research data
and consequently the study
findings, all interviews would
be conducted in English,
which is understandable both
to preceptors at SQUH and
members of the research team.
Data analysis
As for the analysis, he said that
it would proceed stage-wise,
including the transcription,
identification
and
categorization of themes. As
an additional effort to enhance
Preceptorship is widely used in
Considering that the use of
clinical experience by regularly
the credibility of the findings,
nursing education programs as
the preceptorship approach is
communicating with their faculty
an external consultant would
an alternative teaching method
widespread in nursing education,
supervisors regarding the students’
review the generated themes
to traditional clinical teaching to
it is prudent to undertake such
experience. as well as ensuring
against the verbatim transcriptions,
achieve professional competencies
a study, which would contribute
that learning opportunities are
and any discrepancies would be
as final year students’ transit
to increasing understanding and
available within the assigned
resolved before finalizing the
from student to graduate roles.
knowledge of the preceptorship
clinical placement area.
data analysis process. The ‘verified
The College of Nursing (CON)
experience.
at SQU, in collaboration with
Selecting preceptors
Methodology
themes’ would be used to describe
He added that a qualitative,
in detail the preceptors’ views,
has
Since the introduction of the
phenomenological
research
experiences and the meaning of
preceptorship
preceptorship program in 2006, the
approach was proposed, using
the preceptorship experience in
program since 2006. However, to
preceptors have been identified
a
the Omani context.
date, no formal research study has
from within the SQUH staff nurses,
schedule to generate data. The
Disseminating the findings
SQU
Hospital
implemented
(SQUH),
a
semi-structured
interview
been undertaken to document
trained and assigned a formal role
target population would include
Dr. Amandou concluded that
the preceptors’ experiences of
in the teaching, mentoring and
all approved preceptors at SQUH
the study findings would be
preceptoring final-year students in
assessing of
final-year nursing
who have supervised at least one
communicated
in
the Omani context. Therefore, Dr.
students from the CON. In this
student during the past six years
of
including
forums,
a
number
oral
Gerald Amandou has carried out a
role, the preceptors are expected
and are willing to participate in the
presentations to students and
study to address this issue.
to support and facilitate the
present study.
faculty of SQU-CON and nursing
Ethics
staff of SQUH, as conference
clinical
As an ethical requirement, the
proceedings within and outside of
perceptions
placement on an ongoing basis.
data collection process would
Oman, and finally as publications
and experiences related to the
In addition, the preceptors are also
commence only after receiving
in peer reviewed journals within
process of preceptoring students.
required to manage the students’
permission from the Ethical and
Oman and internationally.
Goals
The
the
study
seeks
preceptors’
preceptees’ achievement of desired
to
explore
competences
in
their
11
January 2016
News
Adolescent Lifestyle Investigated
Dr. Kashif Zayed - College of Education
Dr. Kashif Zayed, from the
College of Education, is
undertaking research aimed
at identifying the patterns of
daily physical activity, dietary
intake, and frequency of food
consumption among Omani
adolescents. The study will
also measure the body mass
index, total body fat, and
prevalence of overweight and
obesity among adolescents,
as well as examining the
associations between obesity
measures and several lifestyle
factors, including physical
activity, sedentary behaviors,
sleep duration, and dietary
habits.
A healthy life largely depends
on rigorous physical activity,
both at work and in recreation,
the
researcher
argues.
Unfortunately, sedentary jobs
and a hedonistic lifestyle
have drastically reduced the
amount of physical activity,
and increased exposure to
the availability of high-fats
and dense-caloric foods, as
a new trend influencing the
way people live. In addition,
observation
of
physical
education classes at the
secondary school level in
Oman confirms the weak
are necessary for children,
especially teenagers and
adolescents. Therefore it is
imperative, according to Dr.
Zayed, to establish base line
data regarding a healthy
lifestyle for the male/female
integration of physical activity
in the curriculum. Such a
sedentary lifestyle increases
the possibility of developing
hypokinetic related diseases.
In this millennium, an active
lifestyle and physical activity
Omani national population
between 14-18 years of age,
to combat such ailments.
Methodology
A
school-based
crosssectional
multicenter
collaborative approach will be
adopted. The participants are
adolescent males and females
enrolled in secondary schools
across the Sultanate of Oman.
Findings
According to the researcher,
the findings are expected to be
substantial and very beneficial
from the public health
perspective. They will provide
comprehensive and recent
data on physical activity/
inactivity patterns, eating
habits, and sleep curtailment
of Omani adolescents, and
their relationship to risk
factors measures. Finally, this
project will provide valuable
baseline data for the Ministry
of Education, curriculum
supervisors in PE, public
health authorities and policy
makers in the Sultanate.
This is very essential for any
strategy aimed at improving
physical health education in
schools, and preventing and
controlling hypokinetic and
NCDs.
Wastewater Treatment and Reuse
Dr. Mahad Baawain - Center of Environmental Studies and Research
Dr. Mahad Baawain, the Director of the Center of Environmental Studies and
Research, is investigating the possible treatment of the wastewater (30 m3/day) at
Al Marsa Fisheries Plant, which results from cleaning and processing the fresh fish
that reach the plant. According to the researcher, the produced wastewater needs
better handling and treatment rather than the simple collection in a septic tank that
is emptied every other day via tankers.
“Considering that the plant is going in for expansion, the amount of the wastewater
produced will increase substantially and might reach 60 m3/day,” he said. Hence,
the plant could utilize the produced water as a good source of water for beneficial
applications, if well treated. Such a process would also improve the environmental
image of the plant and will yield several tangible benefits, such as reduction of odour
problems and protecting the environment from different types of contaminants, he
pointed out.
“We believe that we can provide innovative and cheaper solution(s). However,
experimental studies are needed due to the particular nature of the wastewater
produced,” he concluded.
12
January 2016
Study
Strategy for voluntary work in the Sultanate
Dr. Wajiha Al Aani - College of Education
A new study is underway to
on these facts, the Sultan
develop an integrated national
Qaboos Prize for Volunteer
strategy for voluntary work
Work was launched in February
in Oman. It seeks to achieve
2011 to reflect the importance
such
of volunteerism as a means for
goals
empirical
reality
as
producing
data
of
about
voluntary
the
the development of Omani
work,
society socially, economically
providing tools to gauge the
and
motivation of Omanis for
considered as added value to
voluntary
the development efforts within
work,
classifying
digitally voluntary work in
culturally.
It
is
also
the community.
Omani society, and analyzing
the role of voluntary work in
The Study population
educational institutions and
Leading
its relationship to sustainable
Dr. Wajiha Al Aani, from the
human development.
College of Education, stated
Voluntary work, as a social
that the study population
practice and social service
comes from various domains. It
provider, represents one of the
consists of all male and female
key features and main pillars in
youth enrolled in government
building and sustaining a civil
and private higher education
society. Besides, voluntary work
institutions,
is a human practice that reflects
individuals, employees of Non-
the conscience of the society
Governmental
Organizations
due to its association with
(NGOs)
charities
every sense of the goodness
Oman, some 123 volunteer
and virtue of humanitarian
foundations, winners of first-
work. The absence of a clear
and
vision
Qaboos Prize, and 100 local
in
for
accordance
organizational
volunteerism
with
the
structure
of
a
and
research
about
second-cycle
team,
charities is not compatible
are the Volunteer Motivation
with the concept of volunteer
Inventory (VMI), International
work and its objectives, and
Standard
the diverse fields that involve
Occupation, an interview form
all the institutions of society,
for experts to be interviewed,
since they confine their work
the
to raising money and do not
for Social Sciences (SPSS)
include other vital areas of the
program, and NVivoprogram
economy, society, education,
for analyzing qualitative data.
Sultan
and international voluntary
work specialists and experts.
the educational system and
She added: “Given the diversity
the cultural fabric of society
of the areas of volunteer work
is one of the most prominent
and the multiplicity of patterns,
obstacles to maintaining unity,
forms and types, limiting the
effectiveness,integration and
voluntary work in the Sultanate
development of society. Based
to the activities of NGOs and
Statistical
of
Package
Potential results
culture and health.”
According to the researcher,
88,705
in
Classification
Methodology
the project is expected to
As for the research approach,
provide important data for
she pointed out that it is
professionals in Oman that
based on the triangulation
could be used in the planning
method in the analysis of the
of voluntary work programs
phenomenon studied, using
and projects that serve Omani
three
research
society. This could also improve
tools to collect quantitative
the value of voluntary work and
and
The
participation of educational
method will be used because
institutions, as well as measure
of the diverse nature of the
the economic dimension and
variables and factors involved
the added value of voluntary
in voluntary work and its social,
work and its relationship to
economic and cultural impact
sustainable development in
on society. The research tools
the Sultanate.
integrated
qualitative
data.
13
January 2016
Study
Archaeological Surveys at al-Fulayj in al-Batinah
Dr. Nasir Said Al Jahwari- College of Arts and Social Sciences
A researcher from the College of Arts
drawing,
photographing,
and
mapping
and Social Sciences is currently undertaking
of sites and archaeological features in
Findings
a research project aimed at surveying and
the region, according to Dr. Al Jahwari.
One of the important archaeological aspects
investigating the al-Fulayj area in the Walayat
Excavations
is the copper mining and smelting sites,
Governorate.
Visits to the area were made by the researcher
indicating large copper exploitation in the
According to Dr. Nasir Said Al Jahwari, little
in 2009, 2010 and 2011. They revealed useful
area. They consist of mines, smelting furnaces
Saham
in
the
al-Batinah
has been done to study the site, which means
and installations, as well as copper residues
that it remains a virgin territory yet to be
such as slag depositions, copper cores, stone
documented in the archaeological records of
hammers, burned clay pieces with hand
Oman. He has underlined the significance of
prints, and pottery. Studying such features
the region and the danger of it being exposed
will shed light on the mining and smelting
to a host of serious agents of weathering,
operations within the al-Batinah region,
such as erosion by wind and water,
in particular, and the Omani peninsula in
temperature, humidity, etc., and human
general. Similar mines and smelting sites
activities, which affect the archaeological
were reported in Wadi al-Jizi in the hinterland
features in the site. For that reason, the need
of Sohar, around 80 km away from al-Fulayj
to investigate the antiquity of this area has
area. Thus, investigating such sites in al-
become imminently necessary and urgent..
Fulayj will add more to our knowledge about
Goals
the history of copper mining and smelting
The
project
is
designed
to
examine
information about the huge potential of
the occupational history of the area,
the region that needs to be considered
archaeological sites and features, and surface
and documented in great detail. Among
material, as well as carry out test excavations
the recovered archaeological features are
in some selected areas. Such procedures will
lithic scatters of possibly the
necessitate full documentation, including
Age, tombs of the Hafit period (late 4th-
late Stone
early 3rd millennium
BC),
tombs
settlement
and
remains
of the Umm an-Nar
period
(2500-2000
BC), Wadi Suq tombs
(2000-1300 BC), Iron
Age-Samad
and
(1300
14
and Islamic cemeteries and settlements.
January 2016
tombs
settlements
BC-300
AD)
Visions
that goes back to the 3rd millennium BC and continues
until modern times. Moreover, these preliminary visits
Research in the Sultanate
(1)
Fluctuating Funding vs Embracing Research
have also allowed dating the human level of activity in
Saif Mohammed Al-Ramadany - State Council
the area to the period from around the late Stone Age
(c. 5th-4th millennium BC) to Modem Islamic times.
Oman enjoys numerous archaeological sites that
The success of any research institution can only be measured by four basic factors: a highquality research institution, well designed, prepared and implemented research programs,
well-trained researchers, and sufficient sources of funding.
tell stories of a great ancient civilization rooted in
What is of relevance here are the last two criteria: the professional researchers and funding,
man’s early days on earth. Early archaeological work
the latter being the most urgent element as many oil-producing countries, whose economies
in the Sultanate of Oman began in 1952 with surveys
largely depend on oil revenues, have been troubled by the falling oil prices, which could lead
to financial crises and austerity measures that affect vital sectors, including education and
of al-Balīd, Khor Rori and al-Maghsail in Dhofar, in
research.
addition to several sites in Sohar in the Governorate
First, research is usually linked with the institutions of higher education, such as universities,
of al-Batinah North. In 1973, a mission conducted
colleges, deanships of research, academic centers, and specialized labs. Thus, it seems
impossible to assess the real financial budgets allocated to the sector of research by
an archaeological survey that led to the discovery
governments, funding agencies, companies and individuals. So, if one wants to see how much
of several sites dating to the third millennium BC. In
the Sultanate spends on research programs, one should first know the volume of allocations of
1974, archaeological sites were discovered in a large
various agencies, and then follow up the specific resources allocated to research. For example,
there are the Research Council’s (TRC) grants and research programs, SQU’s internal, external
area from the Wilayat of Izki in the Governorate of al-
and joint grants, and H.M.’s annual grants worth RO 500,000, in addition to postgraduate and
Dhakiliyah to the Wilayat of Ibri in the Governorate of
graduation project allowances.
al-Dhahirah. The sites that have been discovered date
There are also research budget allocations to the colleges of applied sciences and study
abroad scholarships and grants, which also include graduation research allowances ranging
back to periods of history through which Oman has
between RO 500 to RO 1000. Other institutions which spend money on research activities,
lived and some, which are common in many parts of
are public and private higher education centers, government research institutes, labs at the
Oman, go back to seven thousand years BC and testify
ministries of health, agriculture and water resources, and PDO. A list of funding grants and
awards includes H.M.’s Award for Culture, Arts, and Literature, H.M.’s prize for Environment
to the contribution of Omanis to the early development
and H.M.’s research chairs worldwide. There are also student support programs, researchers’
of, and positive interaction with, human civilization.
awards and academic journal subscriptions. All of these fall under the expenditure on research
e in the Sultanate.
Therefore, it is important to look for sustainable sources of funding for research which will not
be subject to the fluctuations of oil prices. One suggestion may be to promote endowment
funds for research activities in Oman, a practice which is common in many developed
countries whereby the rich - businessmen, artists, politicians, athletes and others - compete
in this regard.
Other countries have allocated a specific percentage of their GDP for research, while some
companies have drawn budgets from their profits for supporting science.
Another issue has to do with the ways and procedures of allocating budgets for research and
higher education. This is a serious problem highlighted in a recent report by the UNESCO
and the World Bank, which remarks that most of the higher education dilemmas in these
countries are due to the fact that education institutions are directly dependent on public
funding. Now, such funding requires the approval of government officials who have no idea
about the nature of this sector in terms of objectives, implications, needs, potentials and its
local and international contexts. The capital and operating budget of those institutions are
not well-coordinated as it is difficult to post their balance sheets to subsequent years, which
has led in some cases to extravagance and waste in spending, especially near the end of the
fiscal year, lest the remaining amount might be lost.
In the next edition of Tawasul, we will be talking about Omani scientists and their contribution
to research.
15
January 2016
Feature
Research under the economic crisis
Academics indicate the negative impacts and
suggest solutions
The economic crisis due to the falling oil prices has led to cuts in spending on various sectors in the Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC) countries whose economies and national income are largely dependent on oil
revenues.
Amid the continuing plunge in oil prices and the blurred future of the oil sector, the role of research comes into
play as instrumental in finding alternative solutions to the economic problems and enhancing the development
plans through producing studies focused on various issues in different fields. However, a number of questions
may be raised here: are there any consequences of such economic crisis on the research efforts? What is the
impact of reducing research funding? How can researchers alleviate its effects? What is the role of SQU in
supporting the national economy in order to overcome the crisis?
Tawasul has interviewed a number of SQU academics who have reflected on the implications of these questions
and expressed their views as how to address the current situation.
16
January 2016
Feature
[We need to] invest
in human resources
to conduct research
Al Hashmi
Economic impact
Dr. Suhaila Al Hashmi from the College
of Economics and Political science said
that the impact is likely to be seen through
some cuts in funding on research.
Dr. Muthahir Al Ajmi from the College
of Science claimed that there are different
kinds of studies, some of which need more
funding from the government, and thus
will be affected by the crisis, while others
don’t need that much.
Dr. Hatim Al Shanfari from the College of
Economics and Political science pointed
out that the economic crisis will have
between producing research and sustaining
level.
progress and prosperity. Less studies means
Al Hadhrami said that that the negative
less development and thus, potentially
impacts will be demonstrated in the slow
more problems. A
pace of conducting research, that is, its
functions to develop society and furnish
an impact on the public allocations for
research, which means that the research
budget will be reduced.
Dr. Hmoud Al Hadhrami from the College
life with further bene¿ts will be curbed
We need
alternative energy
resources
Al Ajmi
of Engineering agreed that the falling oil
prices would lead to economic recession,
which in turn would affect the funding on
research projects, and of course this means
the momentum of research will slow down.
Dr. Sufyan Abdel Qadir from the College
of Law remarked that the funds allocated
to research in the Arab countries are not
that high compared to their total national
budgets. Therefore, he does not see the
oil prices having any effect on the pace of
research.
Cuts in spending
Al Ajmi added that there is a correlation
at all levels. Scienti¿c research largely
depends on ¿nancial support to purchase
equipment, recruit researchers and support
students’ research.
good example he cites is research into
Dr. Abdel Qadir believed that the impact
medicine, and how to ¿nd treatments for
will be on the quality of research and also
diseases. All of that will be impacted.
on the whole educational process.
Al Hashmi was concerned that the crisis
might have some implications on the
Al Shanfari said that the economic effects
Attention should be
focused on studies
that address the
country’s problems
will be in the long term. Under the current
Al Shanfari
research conducted in terms of quality,
quantity and reliability.
situation, there will be less resources
allocated for research, which means less
Alternatives
inventions and products, and of course
Al Hashmi and Al Ajmi argued that
weak competitiveness at the international
investigation into alternative sources of
17
January 2016
Feature
other than oil.
how to carry out such research.
In this regard, Dr. Abdel Qadir said that
Al Hashmi highlighted the importance
such alternative sources could be ensured
of investing in human resources, such as
through undertaking refereed studies and
students and academics to conduct research
innovative discoveries in such areas as
to replace foreigners. She also referred to
geology.
recycling as a way of minimizing costs.
A scienti¿c role
Al Shanfari preferred to focus on studies
possible sector is tourism which could
The academics have reÀected on the role
that address the country’s
generate good revenues. Another area
Sultan Qaboos University can assume to
urgent issues in the ¿elds of ¿sheries, oil
of research has to do with the low-cost
contribute to the national economy in
industry, and other sectors. Such efforts
technologies for oil recovery.
order to overcome the current conditions.
will create more opportunities; the private
Al Shanfari remarked that scienti¿c
Al Ajmi called for conducting further
sector will also bene¿t from research
research can provide innovative solutions,
scienti¿c studies to produce technologies
¿ndings, he added.
tools and products competitive enough
for alternative energy sources and to
Al Hadhrami suggested that the University
income is worthwhile. One
Researchers should
be urged to reduce
research spending
Al Hadhrami
could urge academics to reduce spending
in the global market, and thus become
a source of income for the country. Such
services and commodities can help develop
the private sector, as well, he stressed.
Al Hadhrami suggested that studies could
18
The University
should encourage
studies that increase
productivity in vital
areas
Abdel Qadir
on research and conduct low-cost studies.
Abdel Qadir called on the University to
approve of those studies which could
generate further output in scienti¿c and
be conducted in areas such as agriculture,
minimize the consumption of costly
research areas. Scienti¿c conferences
¿sheries, tourism and infrastructure, thus
plastic. He suggested that the Colleges of
could be held to address the ¿nancial crisis,
creating alternative sources of revenue
Engineering and Science have the know-
he concluded.
January 2016
Study
Theileria in Oman:
Molecular Epidemiology and Disease
Dr. Hamza Mohammed -College of Medicine and Health Sciences
elucidate disease patterns,
will use molecular tools to
of the globe. Analysis of the
disease caused by protozoan
transmission
dynamics
identify and estimate the
polymorphic markers of the
parasites
of
genus
and unique features seen
prevalence of the Theileria
most common species will
Theileria
and
transmitted
Theileriosis is a tick-borne
the
among parasites in Oman.
species in animals, and the
demonstrate if they form
by ticks of several different
In
seek
tick vectors in different sites
a
genera.
to elaborate the genetic
in Oman, and test the impact
population,
structure
Theileria
of molecular diagnostics on
there is a gene flow between
severe morbidity and high
parasites in different sites in
management of the disease.
parasites in different sites in
rates
Oman and within farms in
In addition, the researchers
Oman, he said, adding that
The
parasite
pathogenic
species
causes
of
mortality
economic
losses,
and
particular,
of
they
discrete
interbreeding
or
such
whether
information
as well as reduced
will lead to the
production
development
in
recovered animals. In
of
novel
control
Oman, theileriosis is
strategies.
He
a major constraint on
clarified that, for
livestock production,
example,
if
with over two million
distinct
lineages
cattle,
are
sheep
and
only
present
in
goats at high risk.
each region, tailor-
Now, a new study is
made
ongoing
programs
at
Sultan
control
would
Qaboos University to
focus on each site
address this problem,
independently.
which has significant
Potential
socio-economic
He concluded that
ramifications
the
major
goals
of the project will
Objectives
will analyze microsatellites
be achieved based on the
of
common
resources available, such as
The chief investigator, Dr.
Theileria species in Oman
gene flow and identification
its main goal to carry out
Hamza
and examine their genetic
tools,
an
investigation
that his team is conducting
structure.
University
of the spatial structure of
the first extensive molecular
Outcomes
the-art labs in place, and
the
in
survey of its kind in Oman to
Dr. Mohammed has pointed
there is significant support
an attempt to understand
map the risks of theileriosis in
out that the study is expected
from
the dynamics of the most
climatically distinct areas in
to show whether the local
including Glasgow University
common
pathogenic
Oman, focusing on one site
Theileria species in Oman has
and King Abdullah University
individual
to investigate the persistence
similar or some novel genetic
for Science and Technology.
researchers
and transmission dynamics
characteristics
this
of the parasites. The project
to those seen in other parts
A research team from the
the individual regions.
College of Medicine and
Methodology
Health
Sciences,
in-depth
Theileria
species
within
animals.
The
hope
that
has
species,
as
will
Mohammed,
says
the
most
adding that the
other
has
state-of-
collaborators,
compared
19
January 2016
News
Public Strategic Presence
in Social Media
A Research Device
Dr. Yousif Al-Hinai College of Economics and Political Science
A new study is underway
to
investigate
in
which
are
the
20
it
improve
communication
and
services. This has prompted
into
interesting areas of research
agencies.
with regard to the extent
incorporated
Specifically,
to
media
social
government
ways
governments
will
seek
to
which
government
to develop an integrative
departments and ministries
framework
are
for
creating,
championing
the
maintaining, and utilizing
use of social media. They
an online strategic presence
are
‘web-based
for government agencies in
that
allow
Oman. A research team from
to construct a public or
the College of Economics
private
and Political Science, led
bounded system, and to
by
Dr.
Al-Hinai,
explore connections with
will
conduct
overall
others within the system.
examination of the national
Social media play a vital
and international contexts
role in many fields such as
of social media, and how
education, health and social
public
utilize
marketing. They are useful
them to achieve their goals.
for government agencies as
Social media have been
they have many interactive
increasingly
and
January 2016
Yousif
an
institutions
used
by
profile
innovative
services’
individuals
within
a
features.
The
device
is
displacement
used
and
in
measuring
commonly
in
smart-engine
applications
that
require high precision microwave displacement such
as the medical devices used in laser eye surgery.
Using computer applications and the laser equipment,
shown
in
the
picture,
the
device
ensures
optimal
accurate measurements. The process includes feeding
signals into the computer, which will control the smart
engine based on algorithms developed by researchers.
Study
Investigating Sabkhas and Tidal Inlets in the AlBatinah Plain:
A GIS Study
Dr. Yousuf Shawqi - College of Arts and Social Sciences
Sabkhas
22
and
tidal
inlets
are
comparison with other regions in the
any changes in the coast line and
geomorphologic forms related mostly
Sultanate.
Sabkhas areas. This was supplemented
to wet lands. Sabkhas are divided
In this regard, Dr. Yousuf Shawqi, from the
by mechanical, chemical, and mineral
into internal Sabkhas, found usually
College of Arts and Social Sciences, has
analysis to determine the conditions of
in closed basins, and coastal Sabkhas,
launched a study aimed at probing these
deposition in the endangered areas, and
which are normally formed by ebb and
landforms, focusing on their important
to simulate these changes and produce
tide mostly along coastal inlets. Coastal
geomorphic emergence and evolution,
perspective maps for them.
inlets can be temporary or permanent.
especially in the light of emerging sea
The findings of the study have revealed
The Sabkhas and tidal inlets are widely
level changes. Recently, most of the
that the formations in the al Batinah
distributed along the al- Batinah plain.
scientific prognoses show that the current
plain correlate with the impact of climatic
Their development is related to various
global warming will eventually cause a
changes. They often result from the wadi
factors, such as climate change, geology,
rise in the sea level, which could have a
sediments that are cut across by mouths
hydrology, and local relief. These forms
detrimental impact on the infrastructures
of wadis and bays that flow into the Sea of
have a direct impact on socio-economic
bordering the coast.
Oman. It was also found that Ras al Sawadi
development in the al- Batinah plain,
One of the effective methods used in the
is more affected than other coastal areas.
which is characterized by a relatively
research was the remote sensing and GIS
The coastline there will move inwards at
dense population and settlement in
techniques to monitor and determine
the level of +1 meter, along approximately
January 2016
Microscope
3400 meters. This is due to the natural decline
of the region of less than 3 degrees. The second
Take a Nap. Change Your Life!
affected region is northwestern Seeb, with a
By: Dr. Jumana Saleh - Biochemistry Department
Take a Nap. Change Your Life! Says sleep expert Sara Mednick, a leading sleep expert
from Harvard University. Incredible benefits can be achieved from a short nap in the
afternoon (Siesta). A large scale longitudinal study by Dr. Trichopoulos at Harvard
School of Public Health in Boston included around 24,000 people (Age: 20 – 86 years).
Information was collected about their napping habits followed for six years. The team
found that people who took at least three naps per week of 30 minutes or longer had a
37% reduced risk of death from heart disease than non-napping controls. This was the
first large prospective study of individuals who were healthy at enrollment, and the
first to control for risk factors such as diet and physical activity. The protective effect
of siestas was particularly strong among working men and weaker among those not
retraction of up to 705 meters at the level +1
working such as retirees. Researchers believe that an afternoon siesta may act as a
stress-releasing process especially among working men burdened by heavy workloads
meter in one creek in Wadi al-Khod. This is also
as stress hormones largely contribute to increased inflammation and damage to blood
the case in Saham, Khabourah, and the coasts of
vessels as heart disease and cancer. Some experts believe that taking naps may be a
Barka and Wodam.
protective health measure just as important as following a healthy diet. On the other
The study also indicated that the impact on
hand, some studies found an association between naps and higher mortality rates.
Short nap supporters argued that this is likely a symptom of health problems, not their
the coastline of the al Batinah plain, a hub
cause, as the desire to sleep may be driven by underlying health conditions.
of economic activities, draws attention to
Also, recent research highlights the effect of short napping on brain functions and
important areas such as the Wave in Muscat and
learning. It is well-known that a good night’s sleep is vital for learning during the day.
the town of Barka. Therefore, sustained efforts
However, the effect of a “short nap” was not well established until recently. Studies
showed that midday short naps improved memory, enhanced alertness, wakefulness
must be made to address this situation, and
and learning performance. It was found that when volunteers slept for «1 hour» midway
awareness of such a problem should be raised
through a series of highly demanding mental tests, their performance dramatically
among the community, specifically the residents
improved compared to the non-napping controls. A study by Dr. Mednick, asked
of the cities and coastal villages. Researchers
volunteers to perform an exhausting task. The non-napping group took over 50 %
in the fields of marine science, geography and
more time to complete the task. Also, napping volunteers had 15% improved memory
when asked to recall words that they memorized before a short nap compared to
environmental studies need to work together in
non-nappers. Interestingly, research showed that 30 to 60 minutes naps are good for
order to reduce the hazards which are likely to
decision-making skills as memorizing vocabulary or recalling directions. Longer naps,
occur as a result of future climate change.
up to 90 minutes, played a key role in making new brain connections and creative
problem solving. Prime napping time was suggested to be in the middle of the day
sometime between 1 to 3 p.m.
Does this mean that snoozing is better than reaching for a cup of coffee? Yes,
researchers say. Caffeine decreases memory performance, as a person may be more
alert but prone to making mistakes. As the effects of power napping continue to
unveil, the key to see life changing results is to be consistent in keeping a regular nap
schedule. Nevertheless, more large-scale, randomized, controlled trials taking into
consideration different cultural backgrounds are required to support health benefits
of short napping.
23
January 2016
Creativity
SQU Students Bag gold at International Fair
250 inventors took part in the event
Omani students invent the Automatic Explorer, Multi-purpose
Helmet and I Max
Three SQU students from the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Group won one gold and two silver medals
at the 8th International Invention Fair of the Middle East (IIFME), held in Kuwait from 16 to 19 November
2015. They also collected the prize of the International Federation of Inventors› Associations (IFIA).
The IIFME is one of the most significant and largest specialized fairs of inventions in the Middle East, and the second
largest event of its kind in the world. Being part of the efforts of the International Exhibition of Geneva, it also provides
an opportunity for introducing the culture of invention to societies, and strengthening the existing ties among
inventors, companies and corporations. Over 250 inventors representing 30 countries took part in the function.
Interviewed by Tawasul, the
Amna Al Tarshi, got a silver
winners have expressed their
medal for their project I Mix for
happiness and joy over their
Sky Mix Company. Reflecting
accomplishments. One of the
on the invention, Al Saqri said
students, Fatima Al Hajri, said
it help solve the problem of
that she, together with her
forgetting children
colleagues Olaa Al Shukili,
in vehicles through a motion
Badrya Al Hinai and Nussibah
sensor that is sensitive to the
Al Kindi, have jointly won a
amount of carbon dioxide
gold medal and IFIA prize for
inside the vehicle. The device
their
Automatic
could be fitted in the interior
an image analysis
roof, and will send an alarm
invention
Explorer,
message
and speed adjusting system.
Multi-Purpose Helmet
Another
student,Salim
Al
Habsi, has won a silver medal
for
his
invention
Multi-
Purpose Helmet. He said: “The
product is designed to reduce
high
24
January 2016
temperatures
based
on its safety standards, thus
made several experiments in
increasing the efficiency of
order to produce their helmet
workers in the workplace. It is
from
equipped with a fan which can
materials.
be adjusted to the required
An alarm system
temperature.” He added that
The students, Hamdan
the
Saqri, Suraya Al Hanai and
invention
team
have
environment-friendly
to
four
selected
phone numbers if a child is
left behind inside the car. The
alarm system will also trigger
sounds and lights on the spot,
he explained.
Al
The team has brainstormed a
number of ideas which
Creativity
The winners:
-“Global events are important for Omani
youth.”
-“We faced challenges, but look forward to
support.”
-“We have further plans that await funding.”
culminated in the invention
in such events to encourage he
Future plans
for Sky Mix company.
that carries the Omani symbol,
youth to excel, network
Al Saqri pointed out that the
As
the khanjar, or curved dagger.
and exchange know-how and
I Mix device is part of a five-
Helmet, Al Habsi said they
The students have underlined
ideas with other people from
year production plan which
hope to get funding for their
the importance of participating
different countries.
includes other new inventions
product.
to
the
Multi-purpose
25
January 2016
Device
A Seminar on the ICT Role in Promoting
Entrepreneurship
The Department of Innovation
Lebanon and director of ICT
Dr. Al-Haj elaborated on the
which have achieved a quantum
Affairs
Academy project for public sector
activities of each department,
leap in their economy through
(DIEA) at Sultan Qaboos University
leaders, gave a presentation on
such
the
innovations such as Apple. He
has recently organized a seminar
the management of technology
establishment of observatories
also talked about the knowledge-
on the role of information and
for development. She reviewed
of
and
based economy and its relevance
communication
technology
the ESCWA’s objectives, functions
innovation,harnessing
the
to Arab countries, as well as the
(ICT) in enabling innovation and
and member states, pointing
talents in technology transfer
concomitant challenges.
entrepreneurship. The event was
out that the agency aims to
and addressing the challenges
Finally, Dr. Al-Haj submitted a
held in collaboration with the
stimulate economic and social
of sustainability. Further, she
paper entitled “The role of the
communications and information
development in the countries of
touched on the recommendations
Academy in the promotion of
systems research sector in the
the region. She also explained
of
committee,
innovation in the Arab region”, in
Research
and
the basic vision of technology
including the emphasis on the
which she reviewed the role of
was attended by experts from
management, which is centered
role of the ICT sector as one of
the Academy in the construction
the United Nations Economic
on
knowledge-
the most important productive
of
and
for
based economy. She went on
sectors, which plays a significant
digital economy. It is a topic of
Western Asia (UN-ESCWA), DIEA
to address the structure of
role in increasing the national
increasing importance given the
staff, representatives of human
technology management, which
income and achieving a quantum
economic difficulties faced by the
resources,
consists of four departments:
leap in the knowledge economies
Arab world, such as the falling oil
economics.
the Department of ICT policies,
of the region.
prices and unemployment among
At the opening ceremony, Dr.
the Department of Innovation,
Dr. Suhail - adviser for ESCWA –
young people. She also shed light
Ali Al-Shathi made introductory
the
remarks
Science
and
26
Entrepreneurship
Council
Social
(TRC),
Commission
and
students
of
building
supporting
science,
the
technology
advisory
a
knowledge-based
and
Committee
of
highlighted the role of innovation
on the Academy’s effective role in
Technology
for
in the economic growth and how
serving the community through
discussions. Next, Dr. Mirna Al-
Development, and the ESCWA
to measure it in communities,
disseminating news about the
Haj, adviser in the ESCWA in
Centre of Technology.
citing
agency’s events and activities.
January 2016
about
the
panel
Advisory
a
as
and
prominent
companies
Book
Book at a Glance
The First of its Kind in the Arabic Context …
A book on E-Documents and their Legal and Technical Challenges
The Department of Academic Publication and Outreach (DAPO)
e-documentation, e-forms, and electronic authorizing certification.
has published a new book in Arabic on e-documents in the Sultanate.
Content
The publication, “The electronic documents: Legal Problems and
The book consists of an introduction, preface, and five chapters that
Technical Challenges,” calls for examining archiving and documentation
address the various aspects of modern electronic documents. The preface
practices from a contemporary perspective. This is due to the fact that
deals with the building of e-government and its content, as well as the
the current globalized technological revolution has imposed new
requirements for building the e-government. Chapter One is focused on
challenges related to the e-writing, authentication and digital signature,
writing, types of documents and their authenticity, traditional signatures,
electronic document saving tools, and long-term documentation.
digital signatures and how to get one, and relevant Arab and foreign
The book was authored by Dr. Hazem Hussein Abbas Ali, Head of
legislations. Chapter Two covers the concept of electronic documents and
the Center for Documentation and Archives
their properties, creation of electronic documents,
Studies
electronic contracts, and the legal authentication
at
the
College
of
Middle
East.
The problem
of digital signatures and electronic documents.
The 234-page book addresses the emergence
Chapter Three deals with the description
of all forms of electronic information sources,
of electronic documents, the importance
and how they are shrouded in ambiguity in
of the archival function and intervention
terms of structure. It also examines the ongoing
in the life-cycle of electronic documents,
development of the components of the
and the operating international standards.
e-environment, and the concerns regarding
Chapter Four covers the preservation of
the possible damage of tools and important
electronic documents at the point of origin,
Information relevant to the national heritage.
in the long term, maintenance of electronic
The Importance of the book
media, updating of documents, and the
The publication is significant as it is the first
techniques of maintaining electronic documents.
of its kind that deals with this theme in the
Chapter Five provides a comparison between
Arabic context. Other studies have focused on the e-documentation
the traditional document and electronic document in terms of the
from a legal perspective only, in terms of e-commerce, in addition to the
concept, mediator, age, structure, and signature, preservation and
currently prevailing trend towards the transition to e-government, etc.
duration, the theory of document aging, and documents storing,
Goals
evaluation, exclusion, and retrieval, and the person in charge.
The author has sought to introduce the reader with such type
The book has a conclusion in which the writer has summarized
of
the
documents,
examine
the
legislations
of
digital
signature
in foreign and Arab countries, demonstrate the creation of
results
and
provided
recommendations.
There
is
also
a list of Arab and foreign references cited by the author.
electronic documents as sources of information, and define
27
January 2016
Conferences
Folktales enhance children’s learning
Dr. Jokha Al Harthi - College of Arts and Social Sciences
Dr. Jokha Al Harthi from the College of
Commenting on her work entitled, “Should
are the main receptors of such popular
Arts and Social Sciences is taking part
we present the folktales to children”, the
tales in our society. At a time when there
in an international conference in India
researcher said that it is important to
was no public education, this oral fiction
this month, with a paper on the role of
see whether this genre is appropriate
was one of the main sources of learning,
folktales in the education of children.
for children. She added that the children
alongside their own resources which they
developed from their social environment.
She pointed out that her research has
come to the conclusion that folktales
open up the child’s mind and develop his
mental abilities. In studying the folktales
she examined a number of elements,
including moral and ethical values, local
features,
traditions,
motivation,
and
the widening of the child’s horizons.
According to Dr. Al Harthi, the advantages
outnumber the disadvantages as the
folktales address the children symbolically,
stir their imagination and give them the
opportunity
to
think
for
themselves,
which will help them cope with their
surrounding
28
January 2016
environment
interactively.
Conferences
Digitization of Manuscripts: a Project by SQU
Dr. Saif Al-Jabri - Director of the Information Center, College of Economics and Political Sciences
Dr. Saif Al-Jabri, Director of the
economic prosperity, political
Information Center at Sultan
stability and scientific excellence
Qaboos
attended
in different parts of the country.
an international conference on
There are over fifty thousand
«Memory and the digitization
manuscripts
of heritage: the Challenges of
different public libraries and
Preservation and Opportunities
lodged with private owners. He
of Accessibility», which was
cautioned against neglecting
held at the Institute of Library
these invaluable manuscripts,
Science and Documentation at
some of which are being kept in
University,
the University of Abdelhamid
been
In his paper, the researcher
earlier – a large number of
pointed out that, apart from
scientific,
their scientific and historical
historical and legal texts.
significance, manuscripts are
Al-Jabri said that the Sultanate
priceless
has seen an active movement
produced
and
edited
The Director of Information
15 December 2015.
Center explained that the Sultan
literary,
linguistic,
He gave a presentation on
Qaboos University project to
the importance of digitizing
digitize
manuscripts for preserving the
project
to
wealth.
manuscripts
scientific and cultural heritage
He added that the number of
of
existing manuscripts is very
particularly
small if compared to what had
periods
authoring
and
copying,
during
certain
University’s
digitize
Omani
is aimed at preserving the
scientific
Arab cultural heritage – the
Qaboos
in
inappropriate environments.
manuscripts.
Mehri – Constantine, from 14 to
Sultan
distributed
and serving the community and
Omani
researchers in general.
that
witnessed
Difficulties Faced by Sports Clubs in Oman
News
Dr. Majid Said Al Bousa¿ - College of Education
Dr. Majid Said Al Bousafi, a researcher at
for developing this important field. Since
conducted to identify the problems; secondly,
the Center of Humanities Research, has
2011, there has been considerable support
in order to draw lessons from the condition
carried out a study in order to identify the
from the Omani government to enhance
of sports in Oman, official documents were
challenges encountered by sports clubs in
such clubs so that they can contribute to
analyzed. Two data gathering instruments were
the Sultanate of Oman, and come up with
the social development in the country.
used, i.e. questionnaires and document analysis.
recommendations to overcome such difficulties
The study was carried out in two stages: first,
The findings have shown that the clubs face
and develop future activities in these clubs.
an empirical investigation across Oman was
serious economic, technical and structural
Sports
clubs
are
one
problems,
which
have
of the most important
had a negative impact on
resources of any nation as
their roles and activities.
they cater for the needs
The study concluded with
of athletes, in particular,
recommendations
and youth in general. That
solutions that could help
is why all nations have
alleviate those difficulties.
and
in place huge budgets
29
January 2016
Study
Migration and local movements of Crab Plover
wintering in Barr Al Hikman
Dr. Andy Kwarteng - Director of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Center
Crab Plovers Dromas ardeola
wetland in southeast Sultanate
(TRC) sponsored project on
2011 and 2014, 33 Crab
are prominent waders of desert
of Oman, is home to 7000-
the
coasts with their nesting areas
9000 wintering Crab Plovers,
ecosystem
con¿ned to a few colonies in
relations
among
three
Plovers were ¿tted with solar-
engineers,
Crab
powered GPS-loggers which
accounting for about 10-15%
Plovers, crabs and seagrass
measure their position and
the northwestern Indian Ocean
of the world’s population.
at Barr Al Hikman. As part
behavior. Data from ¿ve birds
and the Red Sea. They have
Research scientists from Sultan
of the project, the researchers
were
been observed from Somalia
Qaboos University and NIOZ
are studying the migration,
2011 and 2014 and analyzed.
in the west, along the coasts
Royal Netherlands Institute for
wintering and other patterns
Between February 28 and
of Arabian Peninsula to Iran
Sea Research are collaborating
of Crab Plovers wintering at
May 7, the birds migrated
in the west which are part of
in a The Research Council
Barr Al Hikman. Between
for approximately 1400 km
downloaded
between
the West Asian-East African
from Barr Al Hikman to their
Àyway.
estimates
breeding islands situated in
put the world Crab Plover
northwest Arabian Gulf in
population between 60,000-
Kuwait, Iran and Iraq. They all
80,000.
is
followed a similar route along
known about their breeding,
the east coast of the Arabian
staging and wintering areas.
Gulf with the total spring
Among other shorebirds, the
migration lasting 3-24 days
Barr Al Hikman area, which
including
is a vast pristine coastal
spent between 96-174 days on
30
January 2016
Recent
However,
little
stopovers.
They
that spring departure date
Detailed local movement of one Crab Plover that spend the winter roosting
and foraging on the mudÀat and sabkha near to Ma’awil, Shannah and
Khawr Barr Al Hikman from November 28, 2011 to April 9, 2012.
The red dots show the location of recorded data from the GPS logger.
at the wintering grounds is
Study
t h e
related to the arrival date at the
breeding grounds, suggesting
that Crab Plovers cannot (or
do not need to) compensate for
a late spring departure. On the
contrary, there is no relation
between
departure
at
the
breeding areas and arrival at
the wintering grounds for the
fall migration. Early departing
birds arrived approximately at
the same time in the wintering
area as late departing birds,
followed
breeding
islands
between
March 10 and October 20.
The fall migration back to
Barr Al Hikman was mostly
along the eastern coast of the
Arabian Gulf, and occurred
between July 20 and October
24, lasting 3-91 days. The bird
that took 91 days to migrate
a
route
on
the
breeding
and
wintering
western coast of the Arabian
patterns. During the wintering
Gulf and Àew over the Rub Al
months, the birds stayed mainly
Khali (Empty Quarter) desert
on the mudÀat and sabkha at
in Saudi Arabia and Oman
Barr Al Hikman for foraging
for about 700 km to Barr
and roosting. However, one
Al Hikman. One individual
individual
with two consecutive years
at Masirah Island, 35 km
of data showed between-year
east of Barr Al Hikman.
consistency
The migration patterns show
in
migration,
stayed
mostly
suggesting that Crab Plovers
refrain from arriving too early
at their ¿nal wintering area.
The
researchers
speculate
that
either
food
the
or
weather conditions in Barr
Al Hikman or intraspeci¿c
social processes might cause
Crab Plovers to await arrival
at their wintering grounds.
31
January 2016