Contents
Foreword by the Vice-Chancellor
2
Foreword by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor
for Postgraduate Studies and Research
4
1.
Introduction6
2.
Postgraduate Studies
8
2.1Introduction
2.2 Strategic Plan for 2009-2013
2.3 Postgraduate Programmes
2.4 Postgraduate Students
2.5Scholarships
2.6 Skills Programmes
2.7Conclusion
8
9
9
11
12
14
15
3.
Research Strategy
3.1Introduction
3.2 Strategic Plan 2009–2013 Achievements
3.3 Strategic Plan for Research 2009–2013 Achievements 3.4 Summary 4.
Funding and Research Areas
4.1Introduction
4.2 Internal Grants (IG)
4.3 Joint Grants (JG)
4.4 His Majesty’s Trust Fund (HMTF) 4.5 The Research Council (TRC) Grants
4.6 Consultancy Services (CS)
4.7 External Grants (EG)
4.8 Trends in Funding
4.9Conclusion
5.
Research Output
5.1Introduction
5.2 Publication Output by Category
5.3 Internationally Recognised Publications
5.4Conclusion
17
17
18
20
21
22
22
23
24
25
26
27
29
30
31
33
33
34
35
38
6.
Research Impact
6.1Introduction
6.2 Environmental and Biological Research (EBR)
6.3 Energy and Non-Renewable Resources Research (ENR)
6.4 Life and Health Sciences Research (LHR)
6.5 Humanities and Social Sciences Research (HSR)
6.6 Educational Research (EDR)
6.7 Information and Communication Systems Research (ICR)
6.8 Industry-Related Research (IRR)
6.9Conclusion
7.
8.
39
40
45
48
51
54
58
62
64
Research Support
65
7.1Introduction
7.2 Conferences, Symposia and Workshops
7.3 Conference Attendance
7.4 SQU Journals and Books
7.5Conclusion
65
66
94
97
104
Research Awards
8.1Introduction
8.2 Best Researcher Award
8.3 Best Paper Award
8.4 Student Research Awards 2010
8.5 Student Research Awards 2011
8.6 Student Research Awards 2012
8.7Conclusion
9.
39
Colleges’ Reports
9.1Introduction
9.2 College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences (CAMS)
9.3 College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS)
9.4 College of Economics and Political Science (CEP)
9.5 College of Education (CED)
9.6 College of Engineering (COE)
9.7 College of Medicine and Health Sciences (COMHS)
9.8 College of Nursing (CON)
9.9 College of Science (COS)
9.10Conclusion
105
105
106
107
108
108
109
109
110
110
111
113
115
117
119
121
124
126
128
10. Research Centres’ Reports
10.1Introduction
10.2 Centre for Environmental Studies and Research (CESAR)
10.3 Centre of Excellence in Marine Biotechnology (CEMB)
10.4 Communication and Information Research Centre (CIRC)
10.5 Earthquake Monitoring Centre (EMC)
10.6 Humanities Research Centre (HRC)
10.7 Oil and Gas Research Centre (OGRC)
10.8 Omani Studies Centre (OSC)
10.9 Remote Sensing and GIS Centre (RSGISC)
10.10 Water Research Centre (WRC)
10.11Conclusion
129
129
130
132
133
134
136
138
140
144
146
147
Abbreviations
CAMS
College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences
CASS
College of Arts and Social Sciences
CED
College of Education
CEMB
Centre of Excellence in Marine Biotechnology
CEP
College of Economics and Political Science
CESAR
Centre for Environmental Studies and Research
CIRC
Communication and Information Research Centre
COE
College of Engineering
COL
College of Law
COMHS
College of Medicine and Health Sciences
CON
College of Nursing
COS
College of Science
CS
Consultancy Services
DVCPSR
Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Postgraduate Studies and Research
EBR
Environmental and Biological Research
EDR
Educational Research
EG
External Grants
ELT
English Language Teaching
EMC
Earthquake Monitoring Centre
ENR
Energy and Non-Renewable Resources Research
FR
Fundamental Research
HMTF
His Majesty’s Trust Fund
HRC
Humanities Research Centre
HSR
Humanities and Social Sciences Research
ICR
Information and Communication Systems Research
IG
Internal Grants
IRR
Industry-Related Research
JG
Joint Grants
LC
Language Centre
LHR
Life and Health Sciences Research
MR
Materials Research
OGRC
Oil and Gas Research Centre
OSC
Omani Studies Centre
PI
Principal Investigator
RC
Research Centres
RSGISC
Remote Sensing and GIS Centre
SQU
Sultan Qaboos University
SQUH
Sultan Qaboos University Hospital
TRC
The Research Council
WRC
Water Research Centre
Foreword by the
Vice-Chancellor
A
s the national university of the Sultanate of Oman,
SQU has been committed to fulfilling its critical
role in the education, research, social and economic
development of the nation. Over the past decade,
SQU has made significant progress in becoming
the country's major research institution for disseminating
research knowledge, providing effective advice and producing
quality manpower. This is reflected in the University’s research
mission - to develop a research culture and capacity, generate
knowledge and find solutions for strategic issues in Oman.
This report presents the postgraduate and research
achievements of SQU during the period 2010–2012. It sheds
light on research strategy, funding, output, support and
awards. It concludes with research reports from the colleges
and research centres.
SQU continues to provide the resources needed to increase
the postgraduate programmes, particularly the Doctoral
programmes, through state-of-the-art facilities, scholarships
and bench fees. We are delighted to see increasing numbers
of postgraduate students, particularly international students, applying for our postgraduate programmes.
The postgraduate programmes have been regularly scrutinised to ensure that they meet international
standards.
The University has made good progress in implementing its research strategy in terms of developing
research regulations, expanding research funding, promoting research centres and chairs, increasing
research collaborations and enhancing research output.
SQU maintains its annual IG system and additional amounts were allocated to the colleges to account for
the increase in their staff. We are pleased to observe more faculty members applying for HMTF, which
was established to support strategic research that addresses the needs of the country. We are proud of
the number of projects awarded to our faculty members by TRC. More faculty members are engaged in
procuring EG and CS.
2
Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
We are committed to supporting the growing number of conferences, symposia and workshops held
at the University, as well as the rising number of faculty members attending conferences abroad. The
academic publications of the staff in SQU journals and recognised international journals and conference
proceedings have been increasing annually.
I wish to thank all staff and students for their great efforts and commitment to raising the University’s
research profile so that we can fulfil His Majesty’s aspirations and become an internationally recognised
research-intensive university.
Dr. Ali Saud Al-Bemani
Vice-Chancellor
Sultan Qaboos University
3
Foreword by the
Deputy Vice-Chancellor
for Postgraduate Studies and Research
S
QU always strives to raise its research profile to
international standards, while keeping the country’s
national strategic needs in focus. To fulfil this goal, it
has provided the support needed to create a sustainable
research culture that will also contribute to the
country’s development, and thus to the prosperity of Omani
society.
Following our last report on research at SQU for the period
1986–2009, I am pleased to report on the University
postgraduate studies and research activities for the period
2010–2012. As outlined in this report, good progress has been
made and we aspire to achieve even more under the vision and
guidance of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.
A new Doctoral programme in History and four new Masters
programmes in Petroleum Geoscience, Islamic Studies,
Sociology and Social Work were approved. In 2012, the
number of admitted and graduated Masters students was 420
and 242, respectively. Thirty-eight Doctoral students were
admitted and 97 postgraduate scholarships were awarded in 2012.
In 2010, 74 IG were awarded with a value of RO 465,572. In 2011, 87 IG with a value of RO 441,675
were awarded and in 2012, 63 grants with a value of RO 450,087 were awarded. In addition, TRC
awarded the University 9 grants with a value of RO 890,200 in 2010, 13 in 2011 with a value of
RO 1,292,423 and 18 in 2012 with a value of RO 1,996,964. The number of journal papers produced
by the university in 2012 was 1,027 of which 642 were listed in the international SCOPUS database. In
2012, 27 conferences, symposia and workshops were organised. SQU provided financial support to 579
staff members who participated in conferences abroad in 2012. We are delighted to have strong research
partnerships with several public and private sector organisations, and in particular TRC, which has led to
several projects undertaken by the University.
4
Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the University Council and the Vice-Chancellor for
their continuous encouragement and support. I also thank our staff and students for their efforts and
commitment to enhancing the University’s research profile.
Prof. Amer Ali Al-Rawas
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Postgraduate Studies and Research
Sultan Qaboos University
5
Introduction
1
S
Introduction
QU is the national university of the Sultanate of Oman. Research has received importance since
the inception of the University in 1986. An overview of research at SQU from 1986 to 2009
has already been published providing a comprehensive account of the research accomplishments
for this period. This publication has been well received by international, government and private
sector organisations in the country and abroad, and it also has been an eye-opener for these
institutions to learn about the range of research activities and services available at SQU. The perception
that SQU is primarily a teaching institution has been changed by this publication and the University has
decided to follow it up with regular postgraduate studies and research reports. The present report covers
the period from January 2010 to December 2012.
6
Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
The 2010–2012 Postgraduate Studies and Research report, apart from this Introduction, includes the
following nine Sections:
Section 2 on postgraduate studies outlines its achievements in line with the University Strategic Plan
2009–2013. The status of postgraduate programmes and postgraduate students is provided. The
scholarships awarded and the skills programmes conducted by the Deanship of Postgraduate Studies are
presented. Section 3 on research strategy focuses on achievements for this period in response to both the
University Strategic Plan 2009–2013 and the specific Strategic Plan for Research 2009–2013. Section 4
on funding covers the research support provided through six different funding schemes available at SQU,
while Section 5 on research output provides details of the publication output under various categories.
Research projects with significant impact on the University and the nation are highlighted in Section 6.
Research support related to conferences, symposia, workshops, forums, publication of journals and books
and the research awards conferred to SQU staff and students are presented in Sections 7 and 8. A new
feature of the 2010–2012 report is the inclusion of research reports from the eight colleges and the nine
research centres of SQU in Sections 9 and 10.
SQU continues to offer unprecedented research leadership in the Sultanate. As in the past, the bulk of
the internationally recognised research and research publications in 2010, 2011 and 2012 in Oman were
generated at SQU. SQU continues to be the primary institution in Oman for research experts, research
students, research funds, modern research facilities and research output. We earnestly endeavour to
fulfil the vision of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, in making SQU an outstanding university — a
university that can make the nation proud of its great contribution to higher education and research.
7
Postgraduate Studies
Postgraduate Studies
2
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Strategic Plan 2009–2013
2.3 Postgraduate Programmes
2.4 Postgraduate Students
2.5 Scholarships
2.6 Skills Programmes
2.7Conclusion
2.1Introduction
Prof. Ali Al-Jabri
Dean of Postgraduate Studies
8
T
he Deanship of Postgraduate Studies operates under the supervision
of the DVCPSR. Its main objectives are to implement the
University postgraduate academic guidelines and policies,
support the University and its colleges to produce high-quality
graduates and serve the needs of Omani and international
students who desire to advance their knowledge, innovation and
skills in the workplace. The Deanship has four departments: (i)
Admissions and Statistics; (ii) Academic Affairs; (iii) Programmes; and
(iv) Scholarships and International Students. Each department has a
director who is responsible for all assigned tasks related to that department.
The Deanship of Postgraduate Studies has an overall responsibility for
the administration of Postgraduate Diplomas, Masters and Doctoral
programmes. Masters programmes are available in four options: thesis;
coursework and thesis; coursework; and coursework and comprehensive
Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
examination. Doctoral programmes are by research with the option of limited coursework as required by
the student’s thesis committee. This report contains useful information about the accomplishments of the
Deanship in 2008–2012 and the way to move forward for the years ahead.
2.2 Strategic Plan for 2009–2013
The Deanship of Postgraduate Studies supports the University’s vision and mission statements of the
“Strategic Plan, for 2009–2013” in two areas: (i) teaching and learning and (ii) research. Moreover,
the second strategy in the “Strategic Plan for 2009–2013” for research emphasises the expansion and
strengthening of postgraduate programmes.
2.3 Postgraduate Programmes
Masters programmes are offered in all colleges of the University, with the exception of the CON.
Table 2.3.1 demonstrates the number of postgraduate programmes of all colleges. Doctoral programmes
are offered in the following colleges: Agricultural and Marine Sciences; Engineering; Medicine and
Health Sciences; Science; and Arts and Social Sciences.
Table 2.3.1: Masters and Doctoral programmes (2008–2012)
Colleges
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
PhD
Master
PhD
Master
PhD
Master
PhD
Master
PhD
Master
CAMS
4
8
4
8
4
8
4
8
4
8
CASS
-
6
-
6
-
6
2
8
3
8
CEP
-
1
-
1
-
1
-
1
-
2
CED
-
8
-
8
-
8
-
9
-
10
COE
5
6
6
6
6
7
6
8
6
9
COL
-
4
-
4
4
-
4
-
4
COMHS
-
6
7
7
8
7
8
8
8
8
COS
7
8
7
9
7
9
7
10
7
10
CON
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total
16
47
24
49
25
50
27
56
28
59
9
Postgraduate Studies
Master
PhD
Number of Postgraduate Programmes
70
56
56
49
50
24
25
2009
2010
47
59
42
28
27
28
2011
2012
16
14
0
2008
Year
Figure 2.3.1: Number of Masters and Doctoral programmes in 2008–2012
Table 2.3.2: Masters and Doctoral programmes in science-based colleges
Natural Resource Economics
Agricultural Engineering
Animal and Veterinary Sciences
Crop Production
Crop Protection
Food Science and Nutrition
Marine Sciences and Fisheries
Soil and Water Management
PhD
Crop Sciences
Food Sciences and Human Nutrition
Soil and Water Management
Marine Sciences and Fisheries
College of Engineering
Civil Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Petroleum Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Masters
Masters
PhD
College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences
Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering (Water Resources)
Civil Engineering (Environmental Engineering)
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering
Geometrics Engineering
Chemical and Process Engineering
10
PhD
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Medical Microbiology
Epidemiology and Medical Statistics
Clinical Pharmacy
Physiology
Human and Clinical Anatomy
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Biochemistry
College of Science
Biology
Earth Sciences
Mathematics
Physics
Statistics
Chemistry
Computer Science
Masters
Masters
PhD
College of Medicine and Health Sciences
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Medical Microbiology
Epidemiology and Medical Statistics
Clinical Pharmacy
Physiology
Human and Clinical Anatomy
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Genetics
Biology
Computer Science
Chemistry
Applied Mathematics
Pure Mathematics
Physics
Statistics
Environmental Science
Earth Sciences
Petroleum Geosciences
Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
In 2011, new Doctoral programmes were approved in the CASS. Figure 2.3.1, Table 2.3.2 and
Table 2.3.3 present all postgraduate programmes offered in the science- and humanities-based colleges.
Between 2008 and 2012, ten Masters programmes and four Doctoral programmes were approved.
In 2008 there were 47 Masters programmes on offer and in 2012 this figure increased by 20% to 59
programmes. Similarly, there were 16 Doctoral programmes in 2008 and in 2012 the number of offered
Doctoral programmes was 28, an increase of 75%. The addition of new postgraduate programmes after
2008 has been steadily increasing in line with the overall Strategic Plan 2009–2013 of the University and
the Strategic Plan for Research (Figure 2.3.1).
Table 2.3.3: Masters and Doctoral programmes in humanities-based colleges
PhD
Arabic Language and Literature
Translation
History
Geography
Mass Communication
Social Work
Sociology
Library and Information Science
College of Education
None
Masters
PhD
History
Arabic
Information Studies
Masters
College of Arts and Social Sciences
Curriculum and Methods of Teaching Arabic Language
Curriculum and Methods of Teaching English Language
Curriculum and Methods of Teaching Islamic Education
Curriculum and Methods of Teaching Science
Curriculum and Methods of Teaching Mathematics
Curriculum and Methods of Teaching Social Studies
Educational Administration
Education Psychology (Learning and Measurement)
Islamic Studies
Sport Sciences
PhD
None
PhD
None
Public Law
Private Law
Commercial Law
Criminal Law
Masters
College of Commerce and Economics
Masters
College of Law
Business Administration
International Relations and Security Studies
2.4 Postgraduate Students
The complete data showing the number of students enrolled and graduated from all colleges offering
Doctoral and Masters programmes are presented in each college report of the present document.
Table 2.4.1: Numbers of enrolled students (2008–2012)
Students
PhD
Masters
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Total
6
22
17
30
38
113
428
417
416
545
420
2226
Table 2.4.2: Numbers of graduated students (2008–2012)
Students
PhD
Masters
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Total
1
1
-
1
1
4
114
169
195
247
242
967
11
Postgraduate Studies
Table 2.4.3: Numbers of enrolled Omani and international students (2008–2012)
Students
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Total
430
430
422
564
450
2296
4
9
11
11
8
43
Omani
International
Enrolled Students
Table 2.4.1 shows a total of 6 Doctoral students registered in 2008. The number increased to 38 students
in 2012 making a total of 113 students during these five years. The average number of Masters students
who registered each year during the period 2008–2012 was even except in 2011 which showed a significant
increase. In 2008 the number of enrolled Masters students was 428 while in 2012 it was 420.
Graduated Students
Table 2.4.2 shows that four Doctoral students completed their degrees in 2008–2012. Also, 967 Master
students completed their degrees in this period.
International Students
Table 2.4.3 presents the number of postgraduate students, both Omani and international. The number
of international students in postgraduate programmes was 43, i.e. 1.8% of the total number of students
registered in 2008–2012.
2.5Scholarships
Figure 2.5.1 presents the total number of Masters scholarships offered by SQU to students during the
years 2008–2012. As shown in Table 2.5.1, from 2008 to 2010 there was a significant rise in the number
of scholarships. The largest share of these scholarships went to the COS (26 scholarships) and the CASS
(24 scholarships). There was a slight fluctuation in the number of scholarships during the period from
2010 to 2012.
Table 2.5.1: Masters scholarships awarded by colleges (2008–2012)
College
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Total
10
8
7
5
8
38
Science
8
19
26
20
15
88
Agricultural and Marine Sciences
3
1
5
6
6
21
Engineering
Economics and Political Science
6
7
8
7
7
35
Medicine and Health Sciences
8
7
5
10
10
40
Arts and Social Sciences
7
10
21
20
24
82
Education
6
5
10
9
9
39
Law
5
5
4
4
6
24
Total
53
62
86
81
85
367
12
Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
35
COS
30
20
20
COS
CASS
21
20
COS
24
CASS
COS
20
15
5
3
0
4
6
6
9
7
COL
7
10
CED
COMHS
8
CAMS
CEP
COE
CED
COMHS
CAMS
CEP
5
9
COL
5
10
COE
7
10
COL
CEP
COE
5 5
CED
CASS
CEP
COMHS
7 7
5
8
COMHS
6
10
CAMS
7
8
CED
COL
6
8
CAMS
CAMS
5
CEP
8
COE
10
COMHS
CASS
CED
COL
10
COE
15
COS
Masters Scholarships
CASS
26
25
6
4
1
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Year
Figure 2.5.1: Masters scholarships awarded to colleges by year (2008–2012)
Table 2.5.2 shows the distribution of the numbers of Doctoral scholarships among colleges during the
period of 2008–2012. The Doctoral scholarships started in 2009 and ranged between 9 and 16 per year
during the period 2009–2012 corresponding to an average of 13 scholarships per year.
Table 2.5.2: Doctoral scholarships awarded to colleges by year (2009–2012)
Colleges
Engineering
2009
2010
2011
2012
Total
4
1
4
-
9
Science
4
4
2
3
13
Agricultural and Marine Sciences
4
3
2
2
11
Medicine and Health Sciences
4
1
3
4
12
Arts and Social Sciences
-
-
4
3
7
16
9
15
12
52
Total
Table 2.5.3 shows the total number of scholarships given to Omani and international students. It indicates
that 11.6%, 11.3% and 8.6% of the total number of scholarships were awarded to international students
in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively.
Table 2.5.3: Total scholarships awarded to Omani and international students
Students
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Total
Omani
50
68
84
86
85
373
International
3
11
11
11
8
44
Total
53
79
95
97
93
417
13
Postgraduate Studies
COMHS
4
4
4
3
3
0 0
2008
1
0
2
2
COE
0
0
2009
2
CASS
1
CASS
CASS
0
CAMS
0
COMHS
COE
0
COS
1
COMHS
2
CAMS
3
CAMS
3
COS
3
CASS
CASS
4
COS
COE
4
COMHS
COS
4
CAMS
CAMS
4
COMHS
COE
4
COE
Doctoral Scholarships
4
COS
5
2010
0
2011
2012
Year
Figure 2.5.2: Doctoral scholarships awarded to colleges by year (2008–2012)
Figure 2.5.2 demonstrates the number of Doctoral scholarships offered by SQU to students during the
years 2008–2012. This figure shows that scholarships started in 2009 with 16 Doctoral scholarships,
whereas nine scholarships were offered in 2010. In 2011, the number was increased to 15 scholarships and
the largest share went to the COE and CASS (4 scholarships). In 2012 the number of scholarships was
decreased to 12.
2.6 Skills Programmes
Since 2009 the Deanship of Postgraduate Studies offered various skills programmes useful to both students
and faculty members in the form of workshops, lectures and training. Table 2.6.1 lists the programmes
and the numbers of participants for the period 2009–2012. There was a 3.6% decrease in the number of
participants in 2010 when compared to 2009 and 8.6% decrease in the number of students between 2010
and 2011. This was expected since the turnover of students and faculty within one year was low. In 2012
the number increased by more than 120% compared to 2011. Therefore, it would be better to conduct
these workshops every two years and alternate them with new skills programmes.
14
Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
Table 2.6.1: Skills Programmes offered and the number of participants (2009–2012)
Programme
2009
2010
2011
2012
Scientific Paper Writing
135
94
65
(Not Offered)
Academic Paper Writing
71
80
20
(Not Offered)
Skills Enrichment - Science Colleges
68
65
74
35
Skills Enrichment - Humanities Colleges
39
60
60
30
Writing for Publication
11
14
14
14
How to Defend Your Thesis? - Science Colleges
(Not Offered)
15
16
46
How to Defend Your Thesis? - Humanities Colleges
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
72
SPSS (English)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
40
SPSS (Arabic)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
68
Endnote (English)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
57
Endnote (Arabic)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
62
Questionnaire Design (English)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
52
Questionnaire Design (Arabic)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
47
Online Questionnaire (English)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
52
Online Questionnaire (Arabic)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
47
Statistical Analysis Using Excel (Arabic)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
51
Using Microsoft Word Software for Preparing Good
Scientific Skills (Arabic)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
48
Skills in using Information Electronic Resources (Arabic)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
40
Skills in using Information Electronic Resources (English)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
38
Thesis Writing (English)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
30
Thesis Writing (Arabic)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
28
Proposal Writing (English)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
29
Proposal Writing (Arabic)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
21
Scientific Paper Writing
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
25
Basic Safety Training
67
51
42
15
Effective Supervision (Faculty)
80
60
30
(Not Offered)
Anti-Plagiarism (Faculty)
(Not Offered)
15
12
(Not Offered)
Advanced Safety
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
22
(Not Offered)
How to Choose Your Topic?
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
30
(Not Offered)
Research and Evaluating Digital Resources
(Not Offered)
(Not Offered)
30
(Not Offered)
471
454
415
947
Total Participants
2.7Conclusion
A major increase in the number of postgraduate programmes, especially Doctoral programmes, was
observed between 2008 and 2012. The number of postgraduate students as well as the number of
scholarships offered by the University significantly increased during this period. Skills programmes
continue to attract large numbers of students and faculty alike. The humanities-based colleges continue
to attract the largest number of postgraduate applicants in comparison to the science-based colleges. This
could be explained by the already available employment opportunities for the undergraduate degreeholders in Engineering, Business, Medicine and Health Sciences and Science. Enrolment data based on
the last five years point to some weak postgraduate programmes in the CAMS, COE, COMHS and COS.
Concerted efforts to better publicise and market these programmes nationally and internationally should
15
Postgraduate Studies
be made. It would also be prudent to merge some programmes and suspend others at least for some years.
The Deanship of Postgraduate Studies made very important strides in the period 2010–2012. It moved into
a new building and went through a major change in its organisational structure. Major accomplishments
were made in all departments including admissions and registration; academic affairs and the monitoring
of student performance; programmes’ publicity and marketing; scholarships; training; and website
development and upgrade. The Deanship will continue to work with the colleges to monitor students’
enrolment, progress and graduation, monitor the quality of existing programmes and develop new
programmes deemed important for the Sultanate’s economic development.
16
Research Strategy
3
3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.1Introduction
Introduction
Strategic Plan 2009—2013 Achievements
Strategic Plan for Research 2009—2013 Achievements
Summary
S
QU has a well-defined Research Strategic Plan for the period
2009–2013. Its research vision is to be a regional research leader,
recognised internationally and its mission is to develop a research
culture and capacity, generate knowledge and find solutions to
strategic issues in Oman. It aims to raise the research profile of
the University to make it a significant player at the international level and
a leader in the region, while at the same time bearing national strategic
needs in mind. This plan identifies strategies to build research capacity, a
culture of research excellence and to benefit the Omani society. This plan
addresses five policies and this report presents what has been achieved as
of 2012.
Prof. Reginald Victor
Dean of Research
17
Research Strategy
3.2 Strategic Plan 2009–2013 Achievements
Research at SQU is guided by the Strategic Plan for Research 2009–2013. Five strategies have been
identified in this plan and, here, the achievements as of 2012 are reported.
The University’s vision as stated in its Strategic Plan 2009–2013 is “to become one of the three best
universities in the region by the year 2013 and to achieve an international reputation that is a source
of Omani pride.” The University’s mission is “to achieve excellence in all areas of teaching and learning,
research and community service by promoting the principles of scientific analysis and creative thinking
and to participate in the production, development and dissemination of knowledge, and interact with
national and international communities.”
The research strategic objective is “to establish a research base capable of contributing effectively to the
development of the Omani economy and enriching human knowledge”. Underlying this strategic objective
are five strategic policies, which are supported by a set of actions. During 2010, 2011 and 2012, a number
of actions that lead to achieving the strategic objective were carried out. These actions in turn support the
University’s vision and mission statements. The tables below present the level of achievement under the
strategic policies.
Strategic Policy A: To adopt an integrated strategy for research in the
university
Table 3.2.1: Achievements under Strategic Policy A
Action
Submit proposals for research
chairs from inside and outside
the Sultanate.
Task
Completion (%)
Remarks
Task 1: Done for TRC, but
continues (5 chairs).
50
TRC nanotechnology chair has been
appointed. New proposals for chairs
under review.
Task 2: Done for UNESCO, but
continues (1 chair).
60
Currently, SQU has a UNESCO chair
in marine biotechnology. New
opportunities to be explored.
Strategic Policy B: Provide sufficient Doctoral grants for Omani and
international students
Table 3.2.2: Achievements under Strategic Policy B
Action
Provide sufficient Doctoral
grants for Omani and
international students.
18
Task
Completion (%)
Remarks
Task 1: Increase the number of
grants from internal funds.
40
Additional funds were allocated to
support IG.
Task 2: Encourage faculty to use
TRC open research grants for
scholarships and research costs.
60
Faculty members and researchers
are recruiting MSc and PhD students
through TRC open research grants.
Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
Strategic Policy C: To strengthen infrastructure and upgrade human
resources for research
Table 3.2.3: Achievements under Strategic Policy C
Action
Create suitable incentives to
enhance human resources
performance.
Task
Completion (%)
Remarks
Task 1: Best paper award for each SQU
journal each year.
100
Done
Task 2: Best researcher award for each
college each year.
100
Done
Task 3: Cash payment per paper in a
good journal.
60
A proposal is under review.
Strategic Policy D: To develop methods of research management that
respond to rapid developments in this area
Table 3.2.4: Achievements under Strategic Policy D
Action
Task
Adopt electronic technology in
the management of research.
Task 1: Develop an electronic
management system for research at
SQU.
Implement a flexible financial
system for the management of
research projects.
Task 1: Establish a one-stop shop for
research purchases.
Completion (%)
Remarks
100
Done
80
Done
A representative from
procurement has joined the
unit.
Strategic Policy E: To develop cooperation with public and private sectors
within and outside the Sultanate to promote research activity
Table 3.2.5: Achievements under Strategic Policy E
Action
Set up a plan to publicise the
University’s research capacity and
its role as a centre of expertise.
Identify areas of research relevant
to national needs and solicit
financial support from the public
and private sectors.
Assess the performance of the
University’s Office of Innovation.
Task
Completion (%)
Remarks
Task 1: Identify vehicles for enhancing
SQU’s research profile (e.g. lectures
to senior management, newspaper
features, etc.).
70
Promotion through
newspapers and exhibitions
is ongoing. A research
magazine, Tawasul, has been
launched.
Task 1: Identify specific areas in
accordance with TRC and SQU plans.
100
Done
Task 2: Encourage TRC and HMTF
proposals in those areas not yet
covered.
100
Done
Task 1: Establish an Office of
Innovation.
100
Done
19
Research Strategy
3.3 Strategic Plan for Research 2009–2013 Achievements
Strategy 1: Strengthen and diversify research capabilities
Table 3.3.1: Achievements under Strategy 1
Action
Completion (%)
Remarks
Establish research chairs in priority areas.
40
Proposals on key areas are under review.
Establish a cadre of full-time researchers.
80
Proposal has been approved in principle by the Academic
Council; minor revision is in progress.
Strategy 2: Streamline institutional infrastructure
Table 3.3.2: Achievements under Strategy 2
Action
Completion (%)
Remarks
Establish a Deanship for Research under DVCPSR.
100
Done
Streamline research regulations to add flexibility and give
PIs more authority.
100
Done
Review procurement regulations and establish a ‘onestop’ procedure for approval and procurement of capital
items and research consumables.
100
Done
A representative from procurement has
already joined the unit in the Deanship.
Raise upper limit on petty cash purchases.
75
Petty cash was increased.
100
A fund under discretion of the College Dean
was established.
Establish discretionary research funds for Deans and
Centre Directors.
Strategy 3: Strengthen physical infrastructure
Table 3.3.3: Achievements under Strategy 3
Action
Completion (%)
Provide the viable research centres with staff, funds and
facilities to attain the critical mass needed to make an
effective contribution.
60
Remarks
The number of PhD holders has increased.
A building plan for a Research Complex
building to house centres is well underway.
Strategy 4: Expand research-funding sources
Table 3.3.4: Achievements under Strategy 4
Action
Completion (%)
Remarks
Increase the budget for IG and include it in the recurrent
budget allocation from the Ministry of Finance (instead of
the University’s revenues).
40
Additional funds were allocated to support
IG, but not as projected.
Encourage and facilitate research proposals which leverage
funds from external agencies, including TRC, in addition to
funds provided by SQU.
70
SQU has 41 TRC projects worth RO 4.1
million at this time.
Strategy 5: Raise research profile
Table 3.3.5: Achievements under Strategy 5
Action
Completion (%)
Remarks
Raise public awareness of the need for research
through print and electronic media.
70
Promotion through newspapers and exhibitions has
been implemented. Documentary films are planned.
Website has been improved; will soon be on Facebook.
Maintain a database of research activities and
outputs.
90
An improved research management system has been
developed and a research database has already been
established.
20
Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
3.4Summary
There was considerable progress in accomplishing the objectives of the strategic policies and strategic plans
during the years 2010, 2011 and 2012. Most policies and strategies, as shown in the previous tables, have
been achieved to 75–100% completeness. The following areas, however, need attention. Currently we
have three Research Chairs and there are plans to appoint at least three more. The recruitment of full-time
researchers for the Research Cadre is awaiting final approval and this is linked to the issue of providing
additional research staff to research centres with postdoctoral qualifications. Requests have been made
to concerned authorities to increase the IG and there has been a considerable increase in the number of
applications made to TRC for Open Research Grants. SQU has been awarded a little more than 50% of
the total budget (approximately RO 4 million) disbursed by TRC for Open Research Grants. External
research cooperation with the University of Qatar in the field of marine sciences is in the planning stages.
A reward system for quality research publications produced at SQU is under review. The availability of
qualified Omani students to undertake Doctoral programmes has been perceived as a problem in all
colleges. There are adequate funds available through in-house Doctoral scholarships, research grants and
TRC Grants to support Doctoral programmes. At present, international students have been admitted into
the postgraduate programmes, mainly for Doctoral studies, and this move has added a new dimension to
the research culture at SQU.
21
Funding and Research Areas
Funding and Research
Areas
4
4.1Introduction
4.2 Internal Grants
4.3 Joint Grants
4.4 His Majesty’s Trust Fund
4.5 The Research Council Grants
4.6 Consultancy Services
4.7 External Grants
4.8 Trends in Funding
4.9Conclusion
4.1Introduction
The Department of Research in the Deanship of Research has six sections. Of these, four sections
manage the research grants and two sections take care of matters relevant to the research expenditure and
administrative affairs, respectively.
22
Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
4.2 Internal Grants (IG)
In 2010, IG were awarded to 74 projects at a value of RO 465,572. Science-based colleges (Medicine
and Health Sciences, Science, Engineering, Agriculture and Marine Sciences and Nursing) received
about 80% of the total budget to support these projects. In 2011, 87 projects received IG at the value of
RO 441,675. Science-based colleges claimed 81% of the total funds in 2011. As for 2012, 63 projects
received IG with total funds of RO 450,087. The share of the science-based colleges was 74%. Further
details are presented in Table 4.2.1.
Table 4.2.1: IG for 2010, 2011 and 2012 (listed by college/centre)
IG Budget Allocation
2010
Projects
2011
Fund (RO)
%
Projects
2012
Fund (RO)
%
Projects
Fund (RO)
%
Agricultural and Marine Sciences
13
70,000
15
12
70,000
16
7
66,000
15
Arts and Social Sciences
3
32,320
7
3
17,700
4
4
24,300
5
Economics and Political Science
3
15,550
3
3
13,800
3
3
17,100
4
Education
3
28,800
6
4
38,875
9
5
40,505
9
Engineering
10
69,999
15
21
70,000
16
3
30,000
7
-
-
-
-
1
8,000
2
Law
-
Medicine and Health Sciences
16
138,703
30
13
137,200
31
16
141,682
31
Nursing
1
11,500
2
1
1,200
-
1
15,000
3
Science
23
80,000
17
28
80,200
18
18
80,000
18
Research Centres
2
18,700
4
2
12,700
3
5
27,500
6
Total
74
465,572
100
87
441,675
100
63
450,087
100
The distribution of all projects among major research themes for the three years is presented in Table 4.2.2.
Table 4.2.2: Number of projects supported by IG for 2010, 2011 and 2012 (listed by research theme)
Research Theme
Educational Research
Energy and Non-Renewable Resources Research
2010
2011
2012
3
3
5
-
3
-
Environmental and Biological Research
11
12
14
Fundamental Research
10
22
9
Humanities and Social Sciences Research
6
6
7
Industry-Related Research
10
13
2
Information and Communication Systems Research
7
2
2
Life and Health Sciences Research
19
22
23
Materials Research
8
4
1
Total
74
87
63
The number of IG-funded projects completed in the three years and their distribution by college/centre
is shown in Table 4.2.3.
23
Funding and Research Areas
22
LHR
LHR
22
23
EBR
0
HSR
FR
6
7
1
ENR
2
ICR
IRR
5
MR
3 3
0
2010
EDR
HSR
4
ENR
3
9
ICR
6
EDR
5
7
EDR
ENR
10
14
13
12
MR
IRR
10
8
HSR
ICR
11
FR
EBR
10
IRR
15
EBR
19
MR
Number of Projects
20
FR
LHR
25
2 2
0
2011
Year
2012
Figure 4.2.1: Number of projects funded by IG in 2010–2012 (by theme)
Table 4.2.3: Number of completed projects funded by IG in 2010, 2011 and 2012 (listed by college/centre)
College/Centre
Agricultural and Marine Sciences
2010
2011
2012
13
12
7
Arts and Social Sciences
3
3
4
Economics and Political Science
3
3
3
Education
3
4
5
Engineering
10
21
3
Law
Medicine and Health Sciences
-
-
1
16
13
16
Nursing
1
1
1
Science
23
28
18
Research Centres
2
2
5
Total
74
87
63
4.3 Joint Grants (JG)
Table 4.3 provides some details about the JG awarded in 2010, 2011 and 2012 in collaboration with the
United Arab Emirates University (UAEU).
Table 4.3: JG at SQU for 2010, 2011 and 2012
Year
College
PI
COMHS
Dr. Said S. Al-Yahyaee (SQU)
and Dr. Bassam R. Ali (UAEU)
COS
CASS
2010
2011
2012
Total
24
COMHS
Title
Fund (RO)
Life and Health
Sciences
Molecular epidemiology and diagnosis
study of common inborn errors of
metabolism disorders in Oman and UAE
40,000
Dr. Valéry Covachev (SQU)
and Dr. Haydar Akça (UAEU)
Fundamental
Neural networks with delays and
impulses
4,200
Dr. Magdy Mohammed
(SQU) and Dr. Riadh
Hamzawi (UAEU)
Humanities and
Social Sciences
Comparative study of the issues facing
humanitarian organisations in Oman
and UAE and how to resolve them
8,500
Life and Health
Sciences
Experimental studies on the interactions
between pulmonary exposure to
particulate air pollution and acute renal
failure: Pathophysiologic mechanisms
and influence of protectant drugs
20,000
Prof. Badreldin Hamid Ali
(SQU) and Prof. Abderrahim
Nemmar (UAEU)
Research Theme
72,700
Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
4.4 His Majesty’s Trust Fund (HMTF)
In 2010, 10 strategic research proposals (2 in Education; 1 in Arts and Social Sciences; 1 in Medicine and
Health Sciences; in Engineering 1; 2 in Economics and Political Science; 3 in Agricultural and Marine
Sciences) were submitted. In 2011, 19 proposals (4 in Education, 3 in Arts and Social Sciences, 1 in
Medicine and Health Sciences, 3 in Engineering, 3 in Agricultural and Marine Sciences, 4 in Science,
1 in Research Centres) were received. As for 2012, 10 proposals were submitted (Education 2; Arts 1;
Agricultural and Marine Sciences 2; Medicine and Health Sciences 1; Science 3; and Economics 1). Based
on the recommendations of external and internal referees and on the presentations given by the principal
investigators and ensuing discussions with the Research Board members, four, six and seven proposals were
selected for the award in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively, as shown in Table 4.4.1. The total amounts of
the grants were RO 381,500, RO 503,485 and RO 456,888 in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. Nine
HMTF projects, all in the thematic area of Environment and Biology (except one project in the Energy
and Non-Renewable Resources field) were completed in 2010, 2011 and 2012 (Table 4.4.2). At present,
22 projects (3 in Agricultural and Marine Sciences; 4 in Medicine; 4 in Science; 2 in Arts; 2 in Economics
and Political Science; 6 in Education; and 1 in Nursing) are on-going.
Table 4.4.1: HMTF research proposals approved in 2010, 2011 and 2012
Year
College
PI
Research Theme
Title
Fund (RO)
120,000
COMHS
Dr. Allal Ouhtit
Life and Health
Sciences
From gene expression analysis of Omani
breast tumors to biomarkers/candidate gene
discovery
CAMS
Abdullah Al-Sadi
Environmental and
Biological
Potential sources of soil-borne plant
pathogenic fungi into farms in Oman
87,500
CAMS
Sergey Dobretsov
Environmental and
Biological
Economical, social and environmental
impacts of marine bio-fouling in the Sultanate
of Oman
80,000
CED
Prof. Maher Abu
Hilal
Educational
Evaluation of teachers in public schools in the
sultanate of Oman: A study in quality
94,000
CASS
Dr. Anwar AlRawas
Humanities and
Social Sciences
The impact of the new media on socialisation:
An interdisciplinary study on Oman
59,800
CED
Dr. Thuwayba Al
Barwani
Educational
Measuring against expectations:
Development of a multidimensional profile of
college readiness of SQU intake 2011–2013
84,985
COMHS
Dr. Yahya Al-Farsi
Life and Health
Sciences
Autism in Oman: Epidemiology and aetiology
90,000
CAMS
Dr. Mohamed
Shafiur Rahman
Environmental and
Biological
Value-added functional products from less
utilised biomaterials locally available in the
Sultanate
89,500
COS
Dr. Osman
Abdalla
Environmental and
Biological
Estimating natural groundwater recharge and
discharge in north Oman
114,300
CED
Dr. Azza Mustafa
Educational
Towards quality early childhood education in
Oman: Moving from licensure to accreditation
64,900
2010
2011
25
Funding and Research Areas
Table 4.4.1: (Continued)
Year
College
PI
Title
Fund (RO)
Educational
Public school graduates and their weakness in
English: Stakeholder perspectives
54,700
Dr. Sundararajan
Narasimman
Environmental and
Sociological
Uranium and associated minerals in the
Sultanate of Oman: Geophysical and
geochemical exploration
105,500
CEP
Dr. Shahid AlBulushi
Life and Health
Sciences
An assessment of the application of lean
thinking in the Omani healthcare sector
58,688
CED
Dr. Mahmoud
Mohamed Emam
Educational
Development of an optimal framework for
the identification and intervention of pupils
with reading disorders in Oman
79,500
CED
Dr. Ali Al Musawi
Educational
Effectiveness of the design and use of new
software in learning Arabic reading at Omani
first basic education cycle’s schools
33,500
COS
Prof. Sobhi Nasir
Fundamental
Characterisation of Oman meteorites
35,000
Industry-Related
Production of polyolefinic materials via
coordination polymerisation
90,000
CASS
Dr. Rahma
Ibrahim AlMahrooqi
COS
2012
COS
Dr. Sarim Dastgir
Research Theme
Total
1,341,873
Table 4.4.2: HMTF Research Projects completed in 2010, 2011 and 2012
Year
College
PI
Dr. Salim
Al Rawahy
CAMS
2010
Title
Fund (RO)
Environmental
and Biological
Management of salt-affected soils and water for
sustainable agriculture
112,000
Environmental
and Biological
Development of management strategies for
pesticide resistance and pesticide residue problems
in Omani agriculture
81,950
CASS
Dr. Yassine
Charabi
Environmental
and Biological
Urban climate and air pollution in Muscat city:
Multi-scale approaches
59,000
COS
Dr. Osman
Salad Hersi
Environmental
and Biological
Surface and subsurface geologic study of the
mesozoic succession of the Jiza - Qamar (Dhofar)
basin: Implications for exploration potential of an
overlooked hydrocarbon system
45,655
COE
Dr. Mahad
Baawain
Environmental
and Biological
Investigating the applications of wastewater
effluents and sludge: environmental risk or
potential energy source?
90,000
CAMS
Dr. Osman
Mahgoub
Environmental
and Biological
Characterisation, evaluation and conservation
of indigenous animal genetic resources in the
Sultanate of Oman
80,000
CAMS
Dr. Rashid AlYahyai
Environmental
and Biological
Rejuvenating lime and mango production in
Oman: Resolving current challenges
114,000
CAMS
Dr. Anesh
Govender
Environmental
and Biological
Stock assessment of kingfish
79,800
COS
Prof. Abdulkadir
Elshafie
Energy and
Non-Renewable
Resources
Microbial-enhanced oil recovery
105,600
2011
2012
Dr. Farid
Talukder
Research Theme
Total
768,005
4.5 The Research Council (TRC) Grants
TRC awarded 9, 13 and 18 grants to SQU projects in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. The total
amounts awarded for these projects were RO 890,200, RO 1,292,423 and RO 1,996,964 in 2010, 2011
and 2012, respectively. Table 4.5 and Figure 4.5 show the distribution of TRC grants by college/centre.
26
Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
Table 4.5: TRC Grants awarded to SQU in 2010, 2011 and 2012 (listed by college/centre)
2010
College/Centre
2011
2012
Project
Fund (R0)
Project
Fund (R0)
Project
Fund (R0)
Agricultural and Marine Sciences
2
278,000
2
310,100
2
304,350
Arts and Social Sciences
-
-
3
169,500
-
-
Education
-
-
1
73,780
2
199,200
Economics and Political Science
-
-
1
41,843
-
-
Engineering
2
250,450
2
266,200
5
766,428
Medicine and Health Sciences
4
237,000
2
253,500
4
242,586
Science
1
124,750
2
177,500
4
384,200
1
100,200
1,292,423
18
1,996,964
Research Centres
-
-
-
Total
9
890,200
13
3
0
0
0
4
COMHS
COS
CAMS
CED
2
2
1
1
1
0
2010
0
2011
Year
0
CEP
1
RC
RC
COE
2
CEP
2
CED
CAMS
2
COS
2
CASS
0
8
RC
COE
2
CED
2
CEP
1
3
CASS
2
4
CASS
4
COS
5
COMHS
4
CAMS
Number of Projects
5
COMHS
COE
6
0
2012
Figure 4.5: TRC grants awarded to colleges/research centres in 2010–2012
4.6 Consultancy Services (CS)
In 2010, the COE was the major participant, procuring 66% of the total funds. The COS, the CAMS and
the Research Centres accounted for the remaining 34% in 2010 (Table 4.6.1). In 2011, again the COE
was the major participant procuring, 43% of the total funds. The COS procured 40% in 2011. In 2012,
the Research Centres acquired the largest share, with 70% of the total funds. In 2012, out of the total
funds, approximately 15% was acquired by the COE, 10% by the CASS, 3% by the CAMS, 2.7% by the
COS and 0.25% by the CEP.
27
Funding and Research Areas
Table 4.6.1: CS at SQU in 2010, 2011, 2012 (by college/centre)
2010
Colleges/Centres
2011
2012
Project
Fund (RO)
Project
Fund (RO)
Project
Fund (RO)
Administration
-
-
1
19,754
-
-
Agricultural and Marine Sciences
6
20,110
5
174,374
2
34,990
Arts and Social Sciences
-
-
-
-
1
95,150
Education
-
-
1
1,920
-
-
Economics and Political Science
-
-
1
5,760
1
2,600
Engineering
20
326,530
20
589,317
9
148,403
Medicine and Health Sciences
-
-
1
654
1
-
Science
3
55,225
3
488,743
3
27,379
Language Centre
-
-
1
15,120
-
-
Research Centre
2
56,719
1
209
4
710,209
Total
31
458,584
34
1,295,851
21
1,018,731
Of the 79 projects in the three years, 41 projects (54%) were in the areas of Energy and Non-Renewable
Resources and Industry-Related and the others were in the areas of Environment and Biology (19%);
Materials (10%); Life and Health Sciences (5%); Education (6%); Information and Communication
Systems (3%); and Humanities and Social Sciences (3%) (Table 4.6.2).
COE
COE
20
20
20
COE
15
10
0
0
2012
RC
COS
1
3
LC
1
COMHS
2
CED
1
CASS
1
CEP
CAMS
2010
3
LC
1
2011
Year
COS
1
COMHS
1
RC
0
CED
2
CEP
0
5
CASS
0
RC
0
COS
0
3
LC
0
COMHS
0
CEP
6
CED
5
CAMS
CAMS
10
CASS
Number of Projects
25
4
0
Figure 4.6.1: CS at SQU in 2010, 2011 and 2012 (by college/centre)
Table 4.6.2: CS at SQU in 2010, 2011 and 2012 (by theme)
Research Theme
Educational
2010
2011
2012
Project
Fund (RO)
Project
Fund (RO)
Project
Fund (RO)
-
-
5
137,554
-
-
Energy and Non-Renewable Resources
3
97,775
14
671,536
-
-
Environmental and Biological
6
20,697
4
83,310
5
54,890
Humanities and Social Sciences
1
55,950
1
9,283
1
95,150
Industry-Related
14
154,412
1
24,000
14
859,741
Information and Communication Systems
1
769
1
24,360
1
8,950
Life and Health Sciences
1
9,728
5
199,648
-
-
Materials
5
119,253
3
146,160
-
-
Total
31
458,584
34
1,295,851
21
1,018,731
28
ENR
IRR
14
14
14
ER
EBR
5
5
0
FR
0 1
2011
Year
1 0
MR
ER
1
LHR
ENR
1 1 0
0
2010
HSR
ICSR
MR
ICSR
HSR
3
FR
1 0
ER
1 1
0
ICSR
FR
LHR
HSR
3
5
4
IRR
5
LHR
6
EBR
5
MR
EBR
10
ENR
Number of Projects
15
IRR
Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
0 0
2012
Figure 4.6.2: CS at SQU in 2010, 2011 and 2012 (by theme)
4.7 External Grants (EG)
EG are received from sponsors, such as national, regional and international agencies, industries,
individuals and philanthropic organisations, to support academic research (Table 4.7). The Deanship of
Research gathers information on such donations and disseminates it to Colleges and Research Centres for
circulation to researchers. In some cases, the researcher may apply directly to the sponsor. However, the
Deanship’s approval has to be obtained.
Table 4.7: EG at SQU in 2010, 2011 and 2012
Year
College
PI
Research Theme
Title
Fund (RO)
COMHS
Dr. Zakiya Al
Lamki
Life and Health
Sciences
Epidemiology of Childhood Acute Leukemia
in Oman : Building excellence in Clinical
Outcome
COMHS
Dr. Abdullah AlManiri
Life and Health
Sciences
Asian Regional Capacity Development
in Research for Health and its Social
Determinants
52,400
CAMS
Dr. Abdullah Al
Sadi
Environmental and
Biological
Studies on citrus diseases caused by citrus
tristeza virus (ctv), phytoplasma and viroids
in Oman.
47,500
CAMS
Prof. Mike
Deadman
Environmental and
Biological
Mango wilt disease in Oman: Resistance,
resistance mechanisms and environmental
interactions.
35,000
CAMS
Dr. Abdullah
Mohammed Al
Sadi
Environmental and
Biological
Role of nurseries and propagation techniques
in spreading citrus pathogens.
30,000
COE
Prof. Ibrahim
Metawally
Industry-Related
Towards establishing a sustainable
collaboration offered by Oman Electricity
Transmission Company S.A.O.C to
Department of Electrical and Computer
Engineering.
60,000
COE
Prof. Ibrahim
Metwally
Industry-Related
Towards establishing a sustainable
collaboration offered by Majan Electricity
Company S.A.O.C. to Department of Electrical
and Computer Engineering.
45,000
COE
Dr. Lazhar Khriji
Life and Health
Sciences
Wireless biotelemetry for ubiquitous
healthcare application.
30,571
2011
2012
24,222
29
Funding and Research Areas
Year
2012
College
PI
Research Theme
Title
Fund (RO)
Industry-Related
Towards establishing a sustainable
collaboration offered by Muscat Electricity
company to Department of Electrical and
Computer Engineering.
60,000
60,000
COE
Prof. Ibrahim
Metwally
COE
Prof. Ibrahim
Metwally
Industry-Related
Towards establishing a sustainable
collaboration offered by Rural Areas Electricity
Company to Department of Electrical and
Computer Engineering.
COE
Prof. Adel Gastli
Fundamental
Oman initial communication to the UNFCCC.
65,620
Industry-Related
Towards establishing a sustainable
collaboration offered by Mazoon Electricity
Company S.A.O.C. to Department of Electrical
and Computer Engineering.
60,000
COE
Prof. Ibrahim
Metwally
Total
570,313
4.8 Trends in Funding
The funds available for IG and HMTF are more or less fixed at about RO 500,000 per annum for each of
the IG and HMTF categories. At times, all the funds not utilised in HMTF and the amount in surplus are
carried over to the following year and are also used for the top-up of projects in need of additional funds
to complete the research work.
25,000,00
RO 2,317,509
Amount in RO
20,000,00
15,000,00
RO 1,314,444
RO 1,295,851
RO 1,018,731
RO 1,033,918
10,000,00
RO 458,584
5,000,00
0
2007 (33 Projects)
2008 (36 Projects)
2009 (25 Projects)
2010 (31 Projects)
2011 (34 Projects)
2012 (21 Projects)
Year (Number of Projects by Year)
Figure 4.8: The trend in CS funding between 2007-2012
TRC funding is a relatively new source and the funds obtained depend on the number of approved
projects. In 2010, TRC funds awarded to SQU were RO 890,200 for nine projects and this increased to
RO 1,292,423 for 13 projects in 2011 and to RO 1,996,964 for 18 projects in 2012.
Table 4.8 shows the funding trend for Joint or Collaborative projects during the period 2007–2012. The
trend in CS funding is shown in Figure 4.8.
30
Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
Table 4.8: SQU and UAE University Joint/Collaborative Projects during 2007–2012
Year
Number of Projects
Research Area
Fund (RO)
2007
1
Life and Health Sciences
40,000
2008
1
Environmental and Biological
40,000
2009
2
Educational
39,900
2010
2
Life and Health Sciences and Fundamental Research
44,200
2011
1
Humanities and Social Sciences Research
8,500
2012
1
Life and Health Sciences
20,000
Total
8
192,600
4.9Conclusion
In general, the funding available for research from all resources is adequate. Funding is not the only
criterion that determines excellence in research and research output. Almost all researchers in SQU are
also teaching and many capable researchers are heavily involved in university service and administration
work. SQU has been fairly successful in attracting and producing good researchers. There is a need
to provide a stimulating research environment for them, including not only research funding but also
ensuring that researchers can allocate enough of their focus, time and efforts to undertake research work,
avoiding overloading them with heavy administrative and service work. Providing teaching assistants to
support researchers with their teaching and grading work will help address this need.
It is very difficult to correlate funding with the quality of research using a metric like research output.
Does the funding provided to SQU researchers give satisfactory returns in terms of publications, patents
and other intellectual property, improvement in infrastructure and most of all capacity building in terms
of training and the number of postgraduate students produced? These are real issues that SQU has to
examine while considering funding scenarios. The IG awarded have been seed-funding for new researchers
and also for preliminary and exploratory research. The average amount of funds received by researchers
is less than RO 10,000. If this ceiling is raised, the scope of the research projects will expand to increase
quality output. Joint and Collaborative projects are very few and the funds do not exceed a total of RO
50,000 per annum. The projects that are currently functional are those with UAE University, Al Ain.
Efforts should be made to initiate collaborative research with other universities in the region.
HMTF has remained at RO 500,000 since its inception in 2001 and an average of four to six projects have
been funded per year. These funds were initially utilised mainly by the science-based colleges; however,
this situation has been changing since 2010, with humanities-based colleges now competing for these
funds. Even if the number of projects awarded increased, the amount has constantly remained the same
and only the sharing equation can be changed. SQU should seriously consider mechanisms for doubling
the amount of this fund. HMTF grants are very prestigious at SQU and, if increased substantially, they
can accommodate research projects requiring funds in excess of RO 100,000.
SQU was very successful in procuring TRC grants, the procedure which started only in 2010. SQU, as a
premier research institution in the country, will continue to claim the major share of TRC funding in the
future.
CS and contract research are opportunistic. The funds depend on the number of research problems that
require solutions delivered by university researchers. Therefore, the irregular fluctuation in the amounts
of funds secured every year is to be expected. CS and contract research also depend on the economic well-
31
Funding and Research Areas
being of the industries and the global economic climate. However, these funds provide better financial
returns to the researchers (60%) and are, therefore, highly sought after. Researchers in the engineering
departments of SQU or those associated with some aspect of industry benefit more from these funds. It
has been noted that there are potential opportunities for consultancy/contract research in other sectors
(e.g. education, food, tourism). In order to realise these, a marketing strategy at the University level needs
to be developed. CS and contracts do not result in high-quality publications since the ownership of results
largely resides with the clients who do not normally give permission for publications to be placed in the
public domain. The Deanship of Research is currently working on resolving issues relating to patents and
intellectual property arising from contract research.
Overall, the funding scenario for research in SQU is healthy, but it should improve, keeping in pace with
the overall growth of the University.
32
Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
Research Output
5
5.1Introduction
5.2 Publication Output by Category
5.3 Internationally Recognised Publications
5.4Conclusion
5.1Introduction
T
he total number of SQU publications (including journal papers, books, book chapters, conference
papers, technical reports and others) increased from nearly 1,500 publications in 2010 to nearly
2,000 publications in 2011, representing an increase of over 33% in one year which is quite
impressive. The total number of journal publications in particular increased from nearly 700
journal papers in 2010 to over 1,000 journal papers in 2011. However, the number of publications
did not change much from 2011 to 2012 (see Table 5.2).
33
Research Output
5.2 Publication Output by Category
Table 5.2 gives the distribution of publications by various categories in each college for the years 2010,
2011 and 2012. This information needs careful interpretation to reflect the true nature of research and
other research-related activities in various colleges. The CAMS and CED publish a large number of papers
categorised as ‘other’ because of their extension activities relating to agriculture, fisheries and education.
These publications inflate the total numbers published in these Colleges. Refereed journal publications and
conference presentations are probably better indicators of research activities than other categories, which
may indicate scholarly activities in general. The total number of publications in all categories substantially
increased in 2011 (1,989) and in 2012 (1,899) when compared to 2010 (1,473). Only three colleges
(Engineering, Medicine and Health Sciences and Science) published more than 100 journal papers
each in 2010. In comparison, five colleges (Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Education, Engineering,
Medicine and Health Sciences and Science) have attained or exceeded 100 journal publications per year
in 2011 and 2012.
In 2010, the total number of refereed journal and conference papers published in SQU was 1,275, while
in 2011 and 2012 it was 1,643 and 1,625, respectively. Of the 1,275 published in 2010, 686 were journal
papers while 589 were conference papers. The combined category of peer-reviewed papers and conference
proceedings accounts for around 85% of all publications.
2010
600
2011
2012
552
Number of Publications
500
400
410
357
366
322
300
316
261 268
259 265
259
252
265
355
252
200
205
164
199
158
150
100
127
80
35
0
5
14
CASS
CAMS
CCE
CED
COE
COMHS
CON
COS
3
5
COL
Colleges
Figure 5.2: Distribution of all publications in 2010–2012 by college
Of the 1,989 publications in 2011, 1,005 were journal papers while 638 were conference papers. The
combined category of peer-reviewed papers and conference proceedings accounted for around 85%
of all publications. In total over the three years 2010, 2011 and 2012, the COMHS led by 28% in the
number of papers published in this combined category, followed by the Colleges of Science, Engineering,
Agricultural and Marine Sciences and Education with 16%, 15%, 14%, and 12%, respectively; the other
34
Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
Table 5.2: Distribution of publication by category for all colleges
College
CASS
CAMS
CED
COE
CEP
COMHS
CON
COS
COL
Totals
Year
Journal
Papers
Books
Book
Chapters
Conference
Papers
Technical
Reports
Others
2010
45
2011
84
2012
61
11
18
44
2010
79
1
19
164
2011
101
3
19
79
2012
99
8
29
108
2010
75
2
11
46
2011
109
9
9
48
Total
8
6
15
6
-
80
12
14
46
8
-
164
9
7
150
18
35
316
13
46
261
18
6
268
2
22
158
13
134
322
2012
158
7
17
105
2
68
357
2010
124
6
7
91
30
1
259
2011
130
5
10
102
18
-
265
2012
143
4
12
78
15
-
252
2010
34
2
5
25
4
-
70
2011
52
2
9
18
1
-
82
2012
50
1
-
22
-
8
81
2010
192
-
-
166
-
8
366
2011
238
-
11
161
-
-
410
2012
364
-
8
180
-
-
552
2010
11
-
-
3
-
-
14
2011
27
-
-
100
-
-
127
2012
20
-
5
6
2
2
35
2010
123
-
5
77
-
-
205
2011
262
1
7
83
2
-
355
2012
128
9
8
54
-
-
199
2010
3
-
-
2
-
-
5
2011
2
-
-
1
-
-
3
2012
4
-
-
1
-
-
5
2010
686
19
53
589
60
66
1,473
2011
1005
32
79
638
55
180
1,989
2012
1027
40
97
598
46
91
1,899
colleges accounted for the remaining percentage (15%). The number of journal and conference papers
published by the science-based colleges (76%) was significantly higher than those by the humanities
colleges (24%).
5.3 Internationally Recognised Publications
Although the total number of publications produced at SQU for the year 2010 was 1,473, the number
recorded in the international database SCOPUS was 406, accounting for only 28% of the total
publications and 32% of the combined category of journal and conference papers. Therefore, 869 journal
and conference papers published at SQU in 2010 were not visible to the international community of
researchers. In 2011, out of the total 1,989 publications by SQU, only 568 were listed in SCOPUS,
accounting for only 28% of all publications. Similarly, in 2012, the total number of publications produced
was 1,899, of which only 642 were listed in SCOPUS, accounting for 32% of all publications. All papers
35
Research Output
700
642
Number of Publications
600
568
500
412
397
400
406
356
300
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Year
Figure 5.3.1: SCOPUS-listed SQU publications from 2007–2012
published in Arabic and in internationally unrecognised journals and conferences would not have been
recognised by SCOPUS (2010, 2011 and 2012).
Figure 5.3.1 shows the SCOPUS data for the period 2007–2012. The number of publications seems to
have stabilised to approximately 400 in 2009 and 2010 after a rise in 2007. The increase in 2011, however,
2010
2011
2012
Number of Published Manuscripts
183
177
109
97
82
70
60 63 61
59
46
MED
ABS
ENG
CS
46
40
48
ES
39 40
47
54
40
MTM
46
34
PHY/
AST
33 32
MS
54
45 46
42
31
CHE
46
39
29
ETS
28
32 35
BIOC/
GEN/
MBIO
28
54
49
36
27 26
25 25
SS
CE
EGY
Major Disciplines in SQU
MED: Medicine; ABS: Agricultural & Biological Science; ENG: Engineering; CS: Computer Science; MTM: Mathematics;
ES: Environmental Science; PHY/AST: Physics/Astronomy; MS: Material Science; CHE: Chemistry; ETS: Earth Science;
BIOC/GEN/MBIO: Biochemistry/Genetics/Microbiology; EGY: Energy; SS: Social Science; CE: Chemistry Engineering.
Figure 5.3.2: The distribution of SCOPUS-recognised publications in 2010, 2011 and 2012 by discipline
36
Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
700
600
642
Number of Published Manuscripts
500
400
300
200
100
64
0
SQU
RH
51
PDO
43
MOH
32
SU
14
CC
12
DU
12
KH
12
MAF
10
UN
Organisation
RH: Royal Hospital; PDO: Petroleum Development Oman; MOH: Ministry of Health; SU: Sohar University; CC: Caledonian College; DU:
Dhofar University; KH: Khoula Hospital; MAF: Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries; UN: University of Nizwa.
Figure 5.3.3: Number of internationally recognised SQU publications by various organisations in Oman (2012)
is phenomenal, indicating significant improvement in research productivity in terms of published papers.
Of the 406 listed for 2010, only 50 publications (12%) were produced by humanities disciplines, while the
remaining 356 (88%) were produced by science disciplines. Of the 568 listed for 2011, 69 publications
(12%) were produced by humanities disciplines, while the other 499 (88%) were produced by various
science disciplines. Of the 601 listed for 2012, 83 publications (14%) were produced by humanities
disciplines and 518 publications (86%) were produced by various science disciplines.
The numbers of SCOPUS-recognised publications by major disciplines in SQU for the years 2010, 2011
and 2012 are given in Figure 5.3.2. Disciplines with less than 25 papers are not included in this figure. The
total number of publications in these datasets exceeds the total number of papers published in a given year
(486 > 402 for 2010, 731 > 564 for 2011 and 892 > 642 for 2012) mainly because several publications
are cross-referenced with more than one discipline, e.g. a paper in Biochemistry is also counted under
Medicine and Biology. Despite these anomalies, this figure clearly shows that the bulk of internationally
recognised research at SQU stems from science-based disciplines: Medicine (inclusive of Immunology,
Microbiology and Biochemistry), Engineering (inclusive of Energy, Chemical and Materials), and
Agriculture/Biology are the major contributors.
For the year 2012, SCOPUS listed 851 research publications for the whole of Oman. This list includes
publications for the institutions in Oman as well as other foreign institutions which have research activities
in Oman. Figure 5.3.3 only compares the number of publications with SQU affiliations against some
other institutions in Oman for the year 2012. As expected, SQU exceeded other institutions by more than
ten-fold in 2012.
37
Research Output
5.4Conclusion
According to the available data, the COL had very low research output in 2010, 2011 and 2012. The
CON was in its infancy as far as research output was concerned, but the 2010 and 2011 output indicates
progress. With more research facilities and the establishment of postgraduate programmes, this college
is likely to join the ranks of other science-based colleges. The research output of science-based colleges is
seven times higher than that of humanities colleges. High teaching loads and high number of students in
most courses in humanities colleges are cited as reasons for this imbalance.
The numbers of internationally recognised publications in 2010, 2011 and 2012 only constitute 28%,
28% and 32% of the total publications, respectively. This situation requires considerable improvement
and researchers should be encouraged to submit papers to journals indexed by international databases
like SCOPUS. Since researchers do strive to publish in internationally recognised journals, it also has to
be assumed that SQU researchers are probably facing high rejection rates from top journals. This directly
reflects the quality of research manuscripts submitted to these journals. Colleges need to look into this
problem more closely and come up with recommendations for producing good-quality publications.
Some critical issues that should be examined are teaching loads, time available for research, funds, facilities
and infrastructure.
The bulk of internationally recognised research at SQU stems from science-based disciplines: among
them, Science and Engineering (inclusive of Energy, Chemical and Materials), Medicine (inclusive of
Immunology and Biochemistry) and Agriculture/Biology are the major contributors. However, SCOPUS
recognises a plethora of humanities-based journals published in English and SQU researchers should
also target these journals in addition to Arabic journals, to gain international exposure and recognition.
Research output in terms of internationally recognised publications increased significantly during
2010–2012. This trend should continue to establish SQU as a research leader in the region. SQU is the
premier research institution in Oman, accounting for 72% of all research publications produced in Oman
for the year 2012.
38
Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
Research Impact
6
6.1Introduction
6.2 Environmental and Biological Research
6.3 Energy and Non-Renewable Resources Research
6.4 Life and Health Sciences Research
6.5 Humanities and Social Sciences Research
6.6 Educational Research
6.7 Information and Communication Systems Research
6.8 Industry-Related Research
6.9 Conclusion
6.1Introduction
A
cademic research for the sake of improving the knowledge base in theoretical and applied
areas of science and humanities is essential. However, the products of research efforts should
go beyond this and must have a positive impact on the society in general and the nation in
particular. This impact is not necessarily in the form of financial returns and benefits alone but
also on any non-material benefits accrued by the Omani society. It is an added value if this
impact ripples through the region and beyond. In 2010, a total of 120 projects were funded from all
resources while 142 projects were funded in 2011 and 134 projects were funded in 2012. However, in
this section, only selected examples of projects with impact from seven research themes are presented.
These are (i) Environmental and Biological Research (EBR); (ii) Energy and Non-Renewable Resources
Research (ENR); (iii) Life and Health Sciences Research (LHR); (iv) Humanities and Social Sciences
Research (HSR); (v) Educational Research (EDR); (vi) Information and Communication Systems
Research (ICR); and (vii) Industry-Related Research (IRR).
39
Research Impact
6.2 Environmental and Biological Research (EBR)
6.2.1 Management of Salt-Affected Soils and Water for Sustainable
Agriculture (2010)
Salem Ali Al-Rawahi and Mustaque Ahmed
Department of Soils, Water and Agricultural Engineering, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, SQU
This project, which was started in 2006 and completed in 2010, aimed at developing scientifically sound
management guidelines for farmers to sustain economically-viable agricultural production in areas
affected with saline groundwater. The significant outcomes reached through this collaborative research
between researchers at SQU and the Ministry of Agriculture are summarised below:
☐☐
GIS and remote sensing techniques helped to identify the areas and estimate the extent of saline
water intrusion into the groundwater and the degree of the salt contamination.
☐☐
Trials have confirmed that salt-tolerant varieties of tomato, sorghum, millet and barley can be grown
successfully in the conditions prevailing in salt-affected areas. These seeds were then multiplied and
distributed to farmers by the Ministry of Agriculture.
☐☐
Mulching the soil surface with shredded date palm resulted in reduced surface evaporation and thus
less salt accumulation, leading to higher crop yields.
☐☐
Feeding salt-tolerant fodder (sorghum in this case) grown in highly saline environments to sheep
showed no adverse effect on either animal health or meat quality.
☐☐
Preliminary experiments to combine freshwater fish aquaculture with hydroponics showed
promising results in the mineral-enriched water.
Economic losses from soil salination were calculated and suggested that the gross margin was RO 2,197/
ha in low saline water (<3dS), RO 1,581/ha for moderately saline water and only RO 638/ha in highly
saline water (>9dS). The introduction of salt-resistant crops increased the gross margin by 40% in low
saline and moderately saline water, but only 6% in highly salinic farms.
The only viable solution to this problem is to stop and possibly reverse seawater intrusion through a better
control of the water use. The majority of farmers (56%) accepted the idea of a water quota.
Several workshops were held in 2010 to disseminate the results of this study to the end-users (farmers) and
practitioners (officials and experts) in the various bodies of the Omani Government.
6.2.2 Urban Climate and Air Pollution in Muscat City: Multi-Scale
Approach (2010)
Yassine Charabi,1 Ali Al-Balushi,1 Abdlhamid Bakhi,1 and Sabah Al-Suleiman2
1
Department of Geography, College of Arts and Social Sciences, SQU; 2Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering,
SQU
The spatio-temporal variability of the canopy-level Urban Heat Island (UHI) of Muscat was examined on
the basis of meteorological observations and mobile measurements during a span of one year. The results
indicate that the peak UHI magnitude occurs from 6 to 7 hours after sunset and it is well developed in the
summer season. The warm core of the UHI is located in the highland zone of Muscat, along a narrow valley
characterised by low ventilation, high business activities, multi-storied buildings and heavy road traffic.
Topographically, this valley is surrounded by mountains formed of dark-coloured rocks such as ophiolites
that can absorb short-wave radiation and contribute, herewith, to the emergence of this warm urban
40
Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
core. In addition, this mountainous terrain tends
to isolate this location from the cooling effect of
the land-sea breeze circulation during the daytime.
In this warm valley, the hottest temperatures are
encountered in the compact districts of old Muscat.
In comparison, the urban thermal pattern in the
lowland zone of Muscat is fragmented and the
urban-rural thermal difference is reduced because of
the lower urban density of the residential quarters.
In addition, the flat alluvial terrains on which these
residential quarters are located are consistently
exposed to the land-breeze circulation. The study
illuminates and emphasises the importance of
Figure 6.2.2: COSMO numerical weather prediction
giving due consideration to the nature of the rural
model
baseline when assessing the urban effect on an area’s
climate. For Muscat City, irrespective of the rural baseline used, a significant difference in the value of the
UHI was registered.
The conditions of stagnation, recirculation and ventilation factors in the main industrialised and urban
areas along the coastal area in Oman were investigated. Four sites (Sohar, Muscat, Sur and Salalah) were
selected. For the calculation of the integral quantities of the ability of the atmosphere dilution, hourly
data of the wind velocity measured at a height of 10 m during five years (2000–2005) were used in the
analysis. The results show that on the northern coast of Oman, along the bay of the Sea of Oman, where
56% of the total population is concentrated and the main heavy industries of the country area massed, the
atmosphere is prone to stagnations 74.4% of the time, while in the southern and eastern parts of Oman,
they occur only 23% and 51% of the time, respectively. The bay of the Sea of Oman is highly affected by
the land-sea breeze circulation that plays a substantial role in the simultaneous occurrence of recirculation
equal to stagnation. This mesoscale effect is altered gradually during the passage of the synoptic scale flow
of the southeast early summer monsoon that enhances the occurrence of the ventilation in Salalah (24.6%
of the time) and Sur (15.5% of the time). On the northern coast of Oman, where the Hajir mountains
suppress the effect of the summer monsoon, a very weak tendency towards ventilations is observed (less
than 6%). The southern summer monsoon over Oman is a source of life in this arid area and a source of
clean air as well.
A COSMO numerical weather prediction model was used to simulate land-sea breeze circulation on the
north coast of Oman and to analyse the variability of the Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) depth. A
typical summer’s day (1st August 2009) and winter day (1st January 2009) were simulated and verified by
surface observations. The COSMO model was initialised using the German global model, which runs at
40 km resolution and 40 verticals layers. The simulations showed differences in the onset, strength and
inland penetration of the sea breeze. The high sea-land thermal contrast in the summer season induces
earlier onset and progression of the sea breeze with larger horizontal and vertical extents. The summer
and winter inland penetration was simulated around 150 km and 65 km, respectively. The PBL depth
was defined from the vertical profiles of the turbulence kinetic energy (TKE). The simulated PBL height
varied at 1,600 m in summer and 700 m in the winter. In general these results were in good agreement
with the simulations of the NCEP-GDAS (National Centres for Environmental Prediction Global Data
Assimilation System) model. The dispersive ability of the atmosphere was tested through the vertical mixing
coefficient (VMC) generated by NCEP-GDAS simulations. The VMC during the summer simulated case
was approximately four times larger than the respective one during the winter case. Consequently, during
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Research Impact
the advection of the winter sea breeze a shallow dome of less than 100 m is shaped and forms an obstacle
to air-pollutant dispersion. The different investigations in Muscat point out that the urban environment
is prone to a degradation of air quality.
The creation of an Ambient Air Monitoring Network to assess the air quality in Muscat is
recommended. This network should determine priorities for reducing air pollution and draw up
an air quality management plan (AQMP). This network should be designed to meet the basic
monitoring objectives listed below:
☐☐
To determine the highest concentrations expected to occur in the area covered by the network;
☐☐
To determine the representative concentrations in areas of high population density;
☐☐
To determine the impact on ambient pollution levels of significant sources or source categories;
☐☐
To determine general background concentration levels.
Avoidance of monitoring stations that require auxiliary equipment for air-cooling and permanent
calibration is recommended.
The management of air pollution in the Sultanate of Oman is based on a standard approach that determines
the critical level of air pollution for public health. Those standards are based on a combination of diverse
factors with scientific, political, and socioeconomic components and do not reflect the real exposure to
air pollution. Revising these standards with data from epidemiological studies to assess the effects of real
exposure to air pollution is also recommended.
The authorities should inform the public about local concentrations of air pollutants, the possible effects
on health and the actions taken to minimise health risks. There are many actions that individual citizens
can take to improve the local air quality and thus their quality of life, but to do so they need to have
information about the pollution levels, the adverse effects of pollution and what they can do to improve
the situation.
6.2.3 Rejuvenating Lime Production in Oman: Resolving Current
Challenges (2012)
Rashid Al-Yahyai,1 Fahad Al-Said,1 Michael Deadman,1 Iqrar Khan,1 Abdullah Al-Sadi,1 Ali AlWahaibi (CoI),1 Said Al-Ismaily,2 Malik Al-Wardi,2 Abdullah Al-Zidjali, Ali Al-Lawati and AbdulRahman Al-Matrooshi
1
College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences; 2 College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, SQU
This research aimed at providing short-term integrated management strategies for sustainable production
from lime trees infected with witches’ broom disease of lime (WBDL) associated with Candidatus
Phytoplasma aurantifolia. Another objective was the development of long-term solutions through
detailed investigation of the causal agents, vectors and hosts of WBDL. Furthermore, the project aimed
at investigating the major biotic and abiotic factors that influence the infection and spread of WBDL.
The project ultimately provided information that is critical for the continued production of limes from
infected trees while long-term resistance is sought.
The project implementation was divided into several sub-projects: a field survey was conducted to
determine the extent of the spread of the disease throughout Oman, the biological diversity of lime trees,
and the associated diseases of WBDL; the molecular analysis of the collected samples using polymerase
chain reaction (PCR) techniques was undertaken; entomological studies of the disease vectors and hosts
in selected regions of Oman were done; capacitance probes were used to determine the soil and water
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Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
status; physiological studies using infrared gas exchange measurements were undertaken; standard fruit
quality analytical methods were used to evaluate the yield and fruit quality infected trees; and usual
observation and weather data were combined to determine tree phenological cycles.
A survey of limes was conducted in all Governorates of Oman which found the incidence of WBDL to
be 97% in the farms visited, including new areas in Al-Wusta and Dhofar. The survey also found limited
numbers of old non-symptomatic trees, indicating potential for disease resistance. A serious viral disease
called citrus tresteza virus (CTV) was detected in over 85% of the surveyed wilayats. A moderate to high
level of infection with CTV in lime were detected in the Northern part of Oman (15–47%) compared to
the South (0–12%). CTV was found to be introduced into Oman via infected citrus seedlings imported
from Syria, Lebanon, India, Pakistan and Egypt; 45% of the seedlings were found to be infected with the
virus. CTV was detected for the first time in sweet lime, sweet lemon, citron, mandarin and sweet orange
in Oman. Low genetic diversity of the Omani lime, with a similarity index of >95% indicating that Omani
limes are genetically identical meant that little resistance to WBDL was present. Furthermore, gene flow
indicating that limes were exchanged among farms, which may have helped spread the diseases into new
regions. Asymptomatic limes infected with the disease were biochemically different from the symptomatic
limes with high percentages of citral (45%), limonene (7%) and cineole (7%) that may play a role in the
development of the symptoms in infected trees. However, little variation in physiological indicators were
detected among the lime trees. Results from infected trees showed that an economical yield and good fruit
quality can be obtained from WBDL-infected lime trees. The PCR analysis of periwinkle (Vinca rosa),
which is grown in Oman as an ornamental plant and had symptoms of stunted growth, yellowing and little
leaf, showed that it was infected with phytoplasma. This phytoplasma is identical to the one infecting lime
trees and can be transmitted by seed, thus contributing to the spread of WBDL. Forty two morphospecies
of hoppers (leafhoppers, planthoppers and pysllids) were found on lime/citrus and other host plants at
the SQU Agricultural Experimental Station in Al-Khodh, Muscat Governorate. Two species (Hishimonus
phycitus and Diaphorina citri) were commonly found on citrus. Hishimonus phycitus, the hopper species
most suspected as a vector of WBDL, was also collected from different sites in Musandam (Daba and
Madha), Al-Jabal Al-Akhdhar and Salalah. The yield and fruit quality of Omani limes are superior to
that of imported limes and fruiting can extend beyond ten years when proper cultural management is
implemented in lime orchards.
Results from this project indicated that lime biodiversity is low, thus further work on enhancing the
genetic base of the Omani lime is needed. This can be achieved by the introduction of resistant citrus
cultivars for field evaluation. Controlling the spread of the disease by limiting the distribution of infected
materials is important and the eradication of alternative hosts, such as Vinca rosa, is vital. Immediate
actions to limit the spread of CTV are urgently needed and the introduction of resistant rootstocks that
are adapted to Oman’s edaphic and climatic conditions. The mechanism of disease transmission and the
role of infected seeds and insect vectors need further investigation. Practices such as irrigation, fertilisation,
nutrient management and the pruning of symptomatic shoots are essential for the prolonged production
of economic yield and good quality fruit from infected trees.
6.2.4 Heavy Metal Contamination in Fish and Shellfish (2012)
Stephen J. Goddard and Said Mohammed Al-Barwani
Department of Marine Science and Fisheries, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, SQU
This was a collaborative project between SQU and the International Islamic University of Malaysia
(IIUM). It was jointly funded by the two institutions. The main goals for the project were firstly to develop
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Research Impact
analytical procedures at SQU for the determination of trace metal contamination in sediment and living
tissues in accordance with international standards and secondly to establish collaborative research with
IIUM, including the exchange of scientific expertise, researchers and graduate students.
Early attempts to gather representative samples of fish tissues were unsuccessful and the field collections
in Oman focused on the heavy metal content in the rock oyster (Saccostrea canniculata). In Malaysia the
study was extended to other bivalve molluscs including the razor clam (Solen brevis) and the blood cockle
(Anadar granosa). These are commercial species which are commonly used as bio-monitors for heavy
metals in the marine environment.
The results from Oman revealed clear evidence of the accumulation of aluminium, cadmium, copper, iron
and zinc in rock oysters. Of particular interest were the high levels of cadmium (6.9–51.6 ppm). These
have also been reported from previous studies. The highest levels of cadmium were recorded in Sadah,
Salalah. This may reflect strong offshore upwelling during the Southwest monsoon, which is known to
bring deep cadmium-rich water to the surface. Although likely of natural origin, the values recorded were
well in of excess international food safety guidelines (USA 4 ppm; EU 2–5 ppm) for cadmium in oysters.
Of particular concern was the finding that the highest cadmium levels in this study were recorded from
Salalah, which is the main harvesting area.
All of the original objectives for this project were met and successful collaborative research was established
with the Institute of Oceanography and Studies at IIUM. Over the course of the three-year project, five
joint papers were published in peer-reviewed journals and two papers were given at international meetings.
Plans are currently being discussed to extend marine science research collaborations between SQU and
IIUM.
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Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
6.3 Energy and Non-Renewable Resources Research (ENR)
6.3.1 Excellence in Enhanced Oil Recovery: Microbial-Enhanced Oil
Recovery (2010)
Saif A-Bahry,1 Ali Al-Bemani,2 Yahya Al-Wahaibi2 and Abdulkadir Elshafie1
1
Department of Biology, College of Science and 2Department of Petroleum and Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, SQU
Figure 6.3.1.1: Research team including Prof. Saif AlBahry, Dr. Ali Al-Bemani and Dr. Yahya Al-Wahaibi
Figure 6.3.1.2: Collection of a sample during the
research visit to one of the oil fields in Oman
SQU launched a major collaborative initiative with the OGRC and Petroleum Development Oman
(PDO), to solve the issue of the decline in oil recovery of the oil fields of the Sultanate. Use of microorganisms indigenous to Omani oil reservoirs for enhancing the oil recovery is a novel concept in this
region, although it has been successfully reported in some countries. A detailed understanding of the
indigenous microbes and their metabolites, which alter the reservoir conditions and enhance oil recovery,
will provide a better understanding of the use of bacteria in research laboratories under reservoir
conditions. This could lead to improved oil recovery in the field.
Microbial-enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) is one of the most economical and efficient methods for
extending the life of production wells in a declining reservoir. This study involved both in-situ and exsitu MEOR. An indigenous microbial consortium capable of growing under oil reservoir conditions was
isolated and identified from PDO oil fields. All of the species were new records for oil in Oman, and
some of the species were either first or second records in oil reservoirs all over the world. The potential
of this consortium for useful bioproducts of MEOR (biosurfactants, biopolymers and gases) were also
studied. One Bacillus subtilis strain was found to be a promising biosurfactant producer. The effect of
this biosurfactant on MEOR was evaluated by core flood studies at reservoir conditions; 9.7% and
13% additional oil recovery was observed. The combination of chemical surfactant and biosurfactant at
different concentrations each yielded almost 50% additional oil recovery.
Aside from the use of the potential technology, the outcomes of the MEOR will allow University
researchers to learn, understand and implement it in the Omani oilfields and improve the understanding
of the complex interactions of microbes under harsh reservoir conditions. This project was of national and
regional importance.
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Research Impact
6.3.2 Solar and Wind Energy Prospects in Oman (2010)
Adel Gastli1 and Yassine Charabi2
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering; 2Department of Geography, College of Arts and Social
Sciences, SQU
1
Oman and even the GCC region lack accurate data and information about the potential use of renewable
energies. Oman has so far 30 meteorological stations providing measurement of ground wind speed and
only nine stations providing data on solar radiation. Until now, very little research has been conducted
on Oman’s prospects of using renewable energies such as wind and solar energies. This research project
investigated the solar and wind energy prospects in Oman through the analysis of wide geographical and
meteorological data and the development of accurate models and maps.
The project was planned for four consecutive years and involved investigators from SQU and partners from
national public organisations (Ministry of Environment and Climatic Affairs, the Ministry of Transport
and Communications and the Authority for Electricity Regulations) and International organisations
(for example the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in the USA), technicians from SQU, one PhD
student and several undergraduate students from SQU.
The outcomes of this research were very useful to the country and can used as accurate and trustful
references in different categories: research and consultancy, economic growth and energy planning,
and business/investment planning. At the same time, it developed expertise and more awareness about
renewable energies in Oman.
6.3.3 Uranium and Associated Minerals in the Sultanate of
Oman-Geophysical and Geochemical Exploration (2012)
Narasimman Sundararajan,1 Bernhard Pracejus,1 Salah Al Khirbash,1 Talal Al Hosni,1 Ali Al Lazki2
and Mudadem Al Mushani3
1
Department of Earth Sciences, SQU; 2Petroleum Development Oman; 3Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Oman
Uranium is a strategically important mineral with wider applications in the field of energy and other
industrial, research and development sectors. This resource is of exceedingly great future importance to any
developing country and the Government of Oman is keen to evaluate its resources. In general, the strategies
for uranium exploration are guided by geological criteria and contemporary global developments in uranium
exploration techniques. Further exploration involves a multipronged approach based on the application of
sound geological, geochemical, hydrogeological and geophysical methods followed by an integrated analysis
of all the data that may lead to the identification of subsurface targets and precise spatial location. Despite
the fact that there is a sea change in the advancement of instrumentation, the development of tools and
techniques for the processing and interpretation of the acquired data, spatial location of subsurface targets
and geological translation of the available data still poses a formidable challenge to geoscientists. Although
the history of uranium exploration dates back to 1979 with the first discovery of “carnotite” (a secondary
alteration mineral from the primary uraninite), till date no detailed geoinvestigation has been carried out to
estimate the potential of this precious resource. A preliminary/reconnaissance survey employing gamma ray
spectrometer and XRF analysis in a couple of locations of western Dhofar found a concentration of 5-6 times
higher than the crustal average; this needs to be subjected to further detailed investigation. Once locations
with high concentration of radioactive sources/anomalies are identified, an intense geophysical survey with
tools like magnetic and very low frequency electromagnetic (VLF-EM) methods should be carried out to
map the precise spatial location of the basement fractures hosting the uranium mineralisation. This should
be accompanied by geological, hydrogeological, and geochemical studies.
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Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
6.3.4 Formation Damage Control and Mitigation (2012)
Hamoud Al-Hadrami, Yahya Al-Wahaibi and Ali Al-Bemani
Department of Petroleum and Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, SQU
Most of the extended reach horizontal wells and also the vertical wells with permeability heterogeneities
often experience premature and excessive water production from multiple high permeable streaks and
conductive fractures. Bullhead and relative permeability modifier (RPM) treatment often fails to achieve
the desired result, as in most cases the situation warrants isolation and protection of the oil-producing
zones from highly damaging polymeric gels. The protection of oil zones in a highly fractured reservoir is
technically and economically a huge challenge because of the complexity of the fracture network. This
study studied the application of three chemical fluid compositions in sequence as an alternate rigless water
control option; its self-selectivity and effectiveness in controlling water production have been verified
in the laboratory in simulated fractured reservoir condition. The first fluid was designed to protect the
matrix by creating an impermeable filter cake on low permeable oil-saturated zones, keeping the water
swept fractures open for gel treatment. The second fluid was a cross-linkable polymer gelant to shut off
the fractures and the third fluid was an enzyme breaker for cleaning the filter cakes from the matrix zones.
After completion of the treatments, return permeability measurement was carried out which showed a
85–90% reduction of water permeability with less than 15% reduction of oil permeability. Microscopic
investigations on the treated core plug showed very little invasion of the polymer gel into the matrix area,
whereas the fractures were almost completely sealed. The technology could be suitably applied without
rig deployment and at a low cost. However, the fluid composition, pumping pressure and flow rate would
need to be customised according to the candidate well and the actual reservoir parameters.
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Research Impact
6.4 Life and Health Sciences Research (LHR)
6.4.1 The Clinical and Genetic Characterisation of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
in Omanis (2010)
Riad Bayoumi1 and Mohammed Hassan2
1
Department of Biochemistry and 2Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, SQU
A genome-wide case-control association study was proposed to investigate the genetic basis of type 2
diabetes mellitus (T2D), among Omanis at SQUH. The study was based on a two-stage association design,
where 1,000 T2D patients and an equal number of controls from the same ethnic group were examined
and phenotyped. SQUH personnel delivered services to diabetics matching the global guidelines set by
the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) to guarantee the adequacy of the characterisation of the
phenotype. The high prevalence of T2D in Oman and the study design provided sufficient statistical
power to detect gene variants that predispose individuals to T2D. Variants of T2D genes and loci
discovered recently in Caucasians and Arabs were tested. New or rare variants may be Omani-specific.
The cases and controls were genotyped using SNPs microarrays. Single and multipoint analyses were
carried out using χ2 and odds ratio to test for genotype and allelic association with T2D. This study added
to our understanding of the pathophysiology of T2D. It will also help in developing strategies for risk
prediction in susceptible individuals and guide physicians in choosing the appropriate pharmacotherapy
for specific patients. The study was also designed to update and raise the standards of care for diabetics in
Oman and provide new avenues for training young Omani researchers. Further studies will be conducted
with funding from NIH or MRC, in collaboration with Professor Phileppe Froguel of Imperial College,
London, UK, and Dr. Antony Commuzzie of SFBR, Texas, USA.
6.4.2 Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Fruits Grown in Oman
on Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer’s Dementia, Mild Cognitive
Impairment, Vascular Cognitive Impairments and Traumatic Brain
Injury (2011)
Mohammed Essa Mohammed,1 Abdullah Al-Asmi,2 Samir Al-Adawi,3 Ragini Vaishnav,4
Nandhagopal Ramachandiran,2 Jawad Al Lawati5 and Manickavasagan Annamalai6
Departments of 1Food Science and Nutrition and 6Soils, Water and Agricultural Engineering, College of Agricultural and Marine
Sciences, SQU; Departments of 2Medicine, 3Behavioural Medicine and 4Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine and
Health Sciences, SQU; 5Ministry of Health, Oman
The incidence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the related morbidity and mortality in Oman and
other Arab Gulf countries are alarming. There might be an association between moderate TBI and the risk
of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative disorders in later life.
AD is a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by extensive neuronal loss leading to cognitive
impairment and dementia. It affects more than 10% of individuals over the age of 65 and mild cognitive
impairment (MCI) could be a precursor of dementia. The amyloid hypothesis of AD envisages the
generation of insoluble, fibrillogenic amyloid peptides constituting the core of the neuritic plaques
one of histopathological hallmarks of AD as one of the key steps in the disease pathogenesis. Recent
studies suggest that fruits and walnuts improve cognition in transgenic mice models of AD and offer
cyto-protection against amyloid protein-induced toxicity in rat pheochromocytoma (PC-12) cells. We
have recently identified that methanolic extracts of certain Omani fruits (dates, pomegranates, figs and
papayas) promote solubility and inhibit the fibrillation of beta amyloid peptides in vitro (unpublished
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Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
observation).
Recent epidemiological and experimental studies suggest that healthy dietary patterns, including the
increased consumption of natural fruits, can favourably reduce the risk of developing dementia. After
heart disease, stroke is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity including vascular cognitive
impairment (VCI) in Oman and ischemic brain lesions such as leukoariosis often co-exist with Alzheimer
pathology (mixed dementia). There are no previous studies exploring the benefits of Omani fruits against
cognitive decline in MCI, AD, VCI and TBI. The current study was a wake-up call for looking at the
dietary patterns of Omani subjects, with the impending epidemic of obesity and emerging unhealthy
dietary habits looming large in this country. It is hoped that the outcomes of this study will have a positive
impact on promoting healthy dietary patterns and health education in Oman.
Our hypothesis was that the moderate consumption of fruits grown in Oman over the routine baseline
intake would reduce the progression of cognitive impairment in MCI, AD, VCI and TBI. In other
words, we proposed that the natural antioxidants and other protective principles (including anti-amyloid
contents) in these fruits might possess disease-modifying or neuro-protective effects against these
disorders. The study was performed in three phases. In phase 1, we studied the effect of fruit extracts
(dates, figs and pomegranate) grown in Oman on amyloid protein-induced cytotoxicity in PC-12 cell
lines. In phase 2, we attempted to study the effect of these Omani fruit extracts on learning and memory in
TgSW2576-APP transgenic mice models of AD. In phase 3, we explored the clinical effect of these fruits
on the cognitive decline in Omani patients with MCI, AD, VCI (100 subjects in control the arm and 100
in the interventional arm, respectively) and TBI (50 subjects each in the control arm, not receiving fruits
supplementation over the baseline intake and in the intervention arm, along with 100 healthy volunteers).
In contrast to the vast literature available in other populations, there are no well-established measures of
cognitive impairment in the Arab/Islamic population. One theme tackled in this study was to develop and
validate a new objective measure for quantifying the magnitude and severity of these disorders and the
quality of life of the Omani population suffering from these disorders. An essential part of this research
was to identify, and as necessary to develop, instruments to measure indices of emotional, behavioural and
cognitive competency that are critically related when there is diminution of cognitive functioning such as
dementia and related conditions.
Capacity building and training students with the latest technology in the field of nutrition and neurological
diseases was one of the achievements of this project. The outcomes of this study explored the importance
of fruits grown in Oman and the economic impact on Oman.
6.4.3 Effect of Post-Natal Exercise Programmes on the Health-Related
Fitness Status of Omani Women (2011)
1
Raghda Shukri,1 Hashem Kilani,2 Judith Noronha1 and Jothi Clara1
College of Nursing; 2College of Education, SQU
This experimental study was started in 2010 with the purpose of assessing the effectiveness of post-natal
exercise programmes among Omani women in terms of physical health-related fitness and psychosocial
well-being, and also to determine factors such as age and education that might influence health-related
fitness among post-natal women.
A total of 50 primi post-delivery women were recruited to the experimental (exercise) group and 50
women to the control (non-exercise) group. Health-related fitness data was gathered before and after
the implementation of the exercise programme. A standardised questionnaire was used to assess the
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Research Impact
psychosocial well-being of the subjects. A special video-recorded exercise programme and colour-printed
brochures were designed and distributed to the subjects to facilitate the exercise application in their
homes. Participants were also provided with some gifts as incentives.
The process of data collection faced a few unexpected problems. There were no results; the number of
participants who completed the whole programme was much less than expected. There was a problem
in finding samples to complete the whole exercise programme. It was found that some cultural barriers
impeded the arranged follow-up with the exercise routine. The researchers are currently in the process of
finding more participants to increase the sample size and trying to overcome all the barriers.
6.4.4 The Cellular and Clinical Insights of Hyperglycemia on Angiogenic
Factors and their Relationship in Inducing Breast Cancer
Metastasis within Omani Patients (2012)
Sirin AI Adham1 and Mansour Al-Moundhri2
1
Department of Biology, College of Science; 2Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, SQU
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy threatening the life of the Omani female. The alarming
fact is that this disease was found to affect Omani females at younger ages than their counterparts in the
west, with lower survival rates. The other population disease affecting 11% of Omanis is type II diabetes
mellitus.
In our research project, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the incidence of breast cancer
and a prior diagnosis of diabetes mellitus at the molecular level. Our in vitro results indicated that high
levels of glucose enhance the proliferation of the cells and had a different impact on the different cell types.
The brain metastasised breast cancer cells were the most sensitive to glucose reduction accompanied with
a reduction in the levels of secreted VEGF while the parental and bone metastasised breast cancer cells
had no effect on VEGF levels. Therefore, these results might indicate that the metastasis to the brain is
facilitated in conditions with high levels of glucose.
On the other hand, our clinical investigation on sera samples collected from 85 different breast cancer
Omani patients showed that within the study group (n=85) breast cancer was not related with the prior
diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. This conclusion needs further investigation with a bigger sample number.
However the clinical assessment of the serum VEGF levels showed that there was a significant statistical
trend between VEGF-A and survival. The median survival time for patients with high and low levels of
VEGF-A was 88.2 months (95% CI 52.2–124.2) and 131.6 months (95% CI 98.2–165.0), respectively.
The five-year survival rates were 44.6% and 72.5%, respectively (P = 0.02). Multivariate regression analysis
showed that only advanced T stage (Hazard ratio 6.4; 95% CI 2.1–20.1; P = 0.01) was a significant
independent factor.
In conclusion, these data shed more light on the aetiology of breast cancer and hold the promise of finding
better ways to understand how it can be monitored and diagnosed.
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6.5 Humanities and Social Sciences Research (HSR)
6.5.1 Traditional Camel Management in Dhofar, Oman (2010)
Ali Tigani El Mahi
Department of Archaeology, College of Arts and Social Sciences, SQU
This project aimed to study and document traditional camel management in Dhofar. The study
interviewed camel herders and conducted field observations. The study was justified by the fact that
traditional camel management is indigenous knowledge and an integral part of the Omani cultural
heritage. It is an accumulation of empirical knowledge and experience which has evolved over the course
of time. Traditional camel management in the Sultanate of Oman has neither been documented nor
studied. Equally, the archaeology of camel herders remains unaddressed. In Oman, as in many other Gulf
countries, this indigenous knowledge is endangered and will disappear within a decade or two.
Today, the camel raises serious challenges in Dhofar. It renders no more service to the community or its
economy. There is also poor demand for camel meat in the Omani market. Camel’s milk has a very limited
local market also. On the other hand, the increasing camel population density in the region has turned
out to be ecologically ruinous. At present, the only factor that supports this animal is the inherited “camel
culture”.
The methodology of this study was based on informal interviews and field observations. It aimed to
address the following issues related to the camel in the Dhofar region: (i) traditional camel management,
and (ii) the prospects of the camel in this region.
The study documented traditional camel management used by Dhofari camel herders, which is a part
of the Omani cultural heritage. The ways and methods of traditional camel pastoralists cast light on
prehistoric camel pastoralists. The camel population in Dhofar is in essence a national wealth; it requires
further study and economic investment. At present, camels are not properly exploited. In a few words,
it is a wasted potential. This project took the responsibility of making this strategic retardation and the
impediment of a national wealth known.
Thus, the results of this study raise alarm. The camel issue in Dhofar must be addressed immediately.
6.5.2 Economic Convergence and Financial Integration in the GCC
Region (2010)
Almukhtar Al-Abri and Parameswar Nandakumar
Department of Economics and Finance, College of Commerce and Economics, SQU
The purpose of this project was to measure and analyse the degree of financial integration in GCC
countries. To that end, the project attempted to provide answers to the following key questions: (i) Has
there been accelerating financial integration, properly specified in the GCC region in recent years? (ii)
How does the level of regional financial integration in the GCC countries compared with the level of
global financial integration achieved with the rest of the world? (iii) What roles has financial integration
played in economic convergence amongst GCC countries? (iv) Are the financial-real economy linkages
similar for all the GCC countries? In particular, have the increases in financial assets and housing prices
affected inflation, particularly consumer price inflation (CPI) in the GCC countries in a symmetrical
fashion? (v) Do nominal exchange rate changes affect domestic prices in GCC countries similarly?
The study found that the levels of regional as well as global integration differ among GCC countries.
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Research Impact
Various tests for the level of integration reveal that Bahrain, the banking centre of the region, is easily
the country in the region that is most integrated into the global economy. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
(KSA) is closely behind Bahrain in this respect. Kuwait and the KSA lead the group in the move towards
regional financial integration. On asset prices/domestic inflation linkages, the study found that stock
price is seen to have a positive and significant effect on CPI inflation in the case of Oman and Saudi
Arabia. The findings suggest a varying degree of wealth effect on aggregate demand in these countries. On
a third theme, the study estimated the exchange rate pass-through to the quarterly CPI in five of the GCC
countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia) during the period from 1999q1 to 2009q4.
The degree of pass-through was found to vary significantly across the five countries included in the sample.
Consumer prices in Qatar and Oman show higher and faster response to exchange rate fluctuations
compared to the rest of the countries. These findings suggest heterogeneity in market structures related to
cross-subsidisation of essential commodities by respective governments and to differences in distribution
channels.
By focusing on these topics, an attempt was made to provide a dynamic and evolving picture of the
convergence and integration process in the GCC area. Despite the lack of necessary data to empirically
estimate and analyse such relationships, the study managed to use the available data to arrive to some
important conclusions that carry many significant policy implications. The results of this paper have
important policy implications given the GCC countries’ movement towards the common market and
their efforts in staging for prospective monetary policy coordination.
6.5.3 Internet Addiction among Secondary and University Students in
Oman: An Interdisciplinary Investigation (2011)
Abdelmajid Saleh Bouazza, Mohammed Nasser Al Suqri, Neema Jabur, Marwan Al Sharbiti,
Magdy Abd Rabou, Abdelmoneim Al Hassani, Said Bin Hamad Al-Rubai, Hamyar Bin Nasser Al
Marooqi and Suleim Bin Shnun Al-Yaqubi
Department of Information Studies, College of Arts and Social Sciences, SQU
This project studied Internet addiction among secondary and university students in Oman. This segment
of the population was chosen as young people are more prone than others to the use of the Internet.
The research approach was mixed, combining quantitative and qualitative methods in dealing with the
phenomenon, so as to provide rich data. The study was carried out by an interdisciplinary research team
with members from the Departments of Information Science, Social Work and Mental Health of the
SQU, as well as the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education. The research was
completed within four years. Three postgraduate students as well as a number of undergraduate students
from SQU also assisted in the completion of the study.
The study provided some information identifying the causes of Internet addiction among high school and
university students required by several government agencies. Additionally, the study shed light on the
psychological and social effects of this addiction on their behavior and developed appropriate strategies
for dealing positively with them.
With regard to university students, a stratified sample of 5% of students of the following universities were
selected: SQU, University of Nizwa, Dhofar University, Sohar University, Arab Open University and
Oman-German University. Regarding secondary students, a stratified sample of 5% of the students of
two random schools (one male and one female) in the following large cities were selected: Muscat, Sohar,
Nizwa, Ibri, Al Buraimi, Sur and Salalah.
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Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews and observation. Quantitative data were analysed
with SPSS software and qualitative data were summarised and analysed using appropriate software.
6.5.4 An Investigation of the Linguistic, Communicative, and Pragmatic
Needs of Tertiary Education Students: Bridging Tertiary Education
and Employment Fields (2011)
Rahma Al-Mahrooqi1 and Victoria Tuzlukova2
1
Department of English, College of Arts and Social Sciences; 2Language Centre, SQU
The main objective of this study was to identify the necessary linguistic, communicative and pragmatic
skills required in employment to ensure that graduates can work and communicate effectively in different
socio-cultural and multicultural settings. The findings of the study provided clear guidelines to the tertiary
education programmes in Oman regarding the skills needed for employability in Oman. Feedback was
offered based on the field study and empirical data collection concerning how these programmes faired
in terms of preparing their students for the linguistic, pragmatic and communicative requirements of a
competitive, diverse and multicultural marketplace.
The results of the study were also useful in devising guidelines identifying the instructional roles that
teachers should adopt to facilitate students’ development of linguistic, pragmatic and communicative
competence. Additionally, the study yielded essential information on the communicative strategies
students should acquire in order to become effective communicators in general.
Above all, the findings of the study were especially helpful in the identification of strategies that the
higher education institutions in Oman should adopt in order to meet local and global challenges that may
confront universities by the year 2025, as they strive to produce capable and confident graduates who can
participate in the economy with adequate linguistic, pragmatic and communicative skills.
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Research Impact
6.6 Educational Research (EDR)
6.6.1 Evaluation of Teachers in Public Schools in the Sultanate of Oman: A
Study in Quality (2010)
Maher Abu Hilal,1 Said Al Dhafri,1 Hashem Al Kilani,1 Ali Kadhem,1 Ibrahim Al-Qaryouti,1 Hussein
Al Kharousi1 and Salem Al Seketi2
1
Department of Psychology, College of Education, SQU; 2Ministry of Education, Sultanate of Oman
Education represents the cornerstone in shaping the future of the country. Similarly, teachers represent the
cornerstone of education. It is essential that we know the kinds of teachers we have in the country. Without
such knowledge, the education process will never improve. Teachers who expect to impact education and
consequently the future of the generations in the country should be better knowledgeable, self-efficacious,
enthusiastic about teaching and express positive attitudes towards their profession. This kind of teacher
would be expected to receive positive evaluations by the principal and students alike. Also, such a teacher
would reflect his/her enthusiasm on the students; the students of such a teacher would be better achievers
than those of a lower quality teacher.
Fortunately, the results of this study revealed that the relationships among these variables are as predicted.
The CED is planning to gain international accreditation and recognition. It is hoped that the results of this
research will serve this intention. Also, the results will serve the Ministry of Education (MOE) in directing
its efforts to conduct more serious and systematic teacher evaluations and introduce accountability.
Finally, the spirit of this research should help teachers use the results as a knowledge base and the MoE
to use the data as a basis to formulate decisions and policies. It is also important that the public know the
kind of teachers that are prevalent and their quality.
6.6.2 Diagnosing, Documenting and Remedying the Scientific
Misconceptions of 10–12 Graders in the Sultanate of Oman (2010)
Abdullah Ambusaidi, Sulaiman Al-Balushi, Ali Al-Shuaili and Richard Coll
Department of Curriculum and Instruction, College of Education, SQU
The main aim of this project was to diagnose, document and remedy grades 10–12 students’ misconceptions
of scientific concepts in the Sultanate of Oman. To achieve such an aim, the project was run for three years
(2010–2012). In the first year of the project (2010), several previous related studies from the literature
which dealt with learners’ misconceptions in science were reviewed. The conclusions the researchers
reached from these studies showed that there are several common misconceptions in three science subjects
among secondary school students.
In the second year of the project (2011), three tests were designed to evaluate misconception in the three
science subjects of biology, chemistry and physics. The tests were administered to 12th grade students.
More than 3,000 students from four educational regions (Al-Dakhlya, Batinah North, Batinah South and
Al-Sharqyai North) participated in the study. The analysis of the tests confirmed the results of the previous
studies that there are many common science misconceptions among secondary students. For example,
many biology students are not able to distinguish between the chromosome and the chromatin. They also
think that: cholesterol is important to cells life because it repairs the damaged tissues; the colour of white
blood cells are white; and that nerve cell cannot divide because they do not contain nuclei. In chemistry,
some of the students’ misconceptions are: the mass of magnesium is greater than the mass of magnesium
oxide after burning; magnesium releases some of its mass while burning as energy; the accurate model that
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Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
describes the atom and its electrons is the solar system model; and the accurate model of the structure of
lithium bromide is one lithium atom attached to one bromine atom (not as a lattice).
In the third year (2012), a handbook or a guide was designed for the purpose of documenting and remedying
the most frequent misconceptions, which were diagnosed by the researchers after administering the three
tests. The guide provides science teachers with alternative teaching approaches in order to remedy their
students’ misconceptions. Some of these approaches were piloted in some classes to identify their effect in
remedying the identified misconceptions. In addition, an online interactive version of the guide was made
accessible to science teachers and science curriculum developers in the rest of the Sultanate of Oman as
well as the Arab world.
This project had a high impact at the national level because it provided teachers with a handbook that
showed them the common misconceptions among secondary students in the three science subjects. In
addition, it provided them with some teaching approaches that could be used to correct and remedy theses
misconceptions. The impact of the project at the regional and global levels was also high, as it may inspire
many research papers about common misconceptions among secondary school students and the results of
applying teaching approaches in correcting such misconceptions.
6.6.3 Entrepreneurship Characteristics and their Availability in the
Educational System as Perceived by Third Secondary School
Students in the Sultanate of Oman (2010)
Aisha Salim Al-Harthi and Khalfan Nasser Al-Jabri
Department of Educational Foundation and Administration, College of Education, SQU
Youth entrepreneurship is the road to building a thriving solid economy in Oman and worldwide. This is
being signified more so with the saturated employment rate in the government sector. This study investigated
the characteristics of successful young Omani entrepreneurs and their availability in the educational
system, while aiming to reflect the uniqueness of the Omani educational and economic context. Results
from this study could provide informative guidelines for educational policies and programmes about
entrepreneurship education. More specifically, the study aimed to answer the following two questions:
☐☐
What “entrepreneurship” characteristics are needed to participate in the Omani economy based on
the experiences of young Omani entrepreneurs in the Sanad Project?
☐☐
How do Omani secondary school students and teachers rate the availability of these “entrepreneurship”
characteristics in the Omani educational system?
To respond to the first research question, a phenomenological research design was used. Data were
collected using in-depth interviews with 16 entrepreneurs; eight females and eight males. Their age ranged
from 25 to over 40 years old. Their educational level varied from less than secondary education, secondary
education and more than secondary education. Participants were involved in different types of businesses:
a beauty parlour, bookshop, nursery and school, fabric shop, water filtering, car parts and repair, clothes,
service centres and computers retail.
The results of this study revealed the uniqueness of entrepreneurs in terms of their life goals and orientation;
business understanding; and their creativity and passion towards their work as well as their creativity and
mastery in manipulating changing economic conditions. The experiences of these entrepreneurs reflected
qualities of persistence and comfort in dealing with financial and social hurdles. They were goal-oriented
and determined. Although many of them came from low socioeconomic backgrounds, their main
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Research Impact
objective was not necessarily financial gain. They were more internally driven for success and to fulfil a
personal need for achievement.
All research participants indicated their teachers had either no role or a minimal role in influencing their
decision to become entrepreneurs. Participants indicated that many students in the Omani education
system still expect to be offered a job instead of creating their own jobs because they cannot perceive or
realise available opportunities in the labour market. Research participants explained that they gained this
realisation through work experience in the same field of business after schooling. For all, this experience
had been for more than one year. Through this prior work experience research participants had gained
business skills. They had also gained a reality-based understanding of potential financial gain in business
projects, which reduced their fear of taking risk in establishing their own businesses.
The second research question in this study considered to what extent these entrepreneurial characteristics
identified through the interviews are fostered in the current Omani educational system. Answers to
this question were sampled from secondary school students and teachers. Conclusions from the study
provided guidelines for establishing successful entrepreneurship education programmes that are necessary
for the creation of the future Omani workforce.
6.6.4 Interfacing Microfluidic Chemiluminescence Detector to Micro
HPLC (2012)
Haider A. J. Al Lawati,1 Fakr Eldin Suliman,1 Salma Al-Kindy,1 Ali M. Al Lawati2
1
Department of Chemistry, College of Science; 2College of Engineering, SQU
Figure 6.6.4.1: From left to right: Prof. Fakhr Eldin, Prof.
Salma Al-Kindy, Dr. Haider Al-Lawati and Mrs. Gouri
B. Varma
Figure 6.6.4.2: Interfacing micro HPLC to microfluidics
chemiluminscence set-up
The Microfluidics group of the Department of Chemistry at SQU, in collaboration with TRC initiated
a new research project to develop a novel analytical and bio-analytical instrumental technique on the
platform of miniaturisation concept. The microfluidics-micro HPLC project explored the feasibility of
interfacing various chip-based self-light-emitting (chemiluminescence) chemical detectors into advanced
separation techniques. Researchers aimed to establish diverse applications in pharmaceutical, proteomics
and clinical biochemistry by utilising the following instrumental technique.
Although commercial detection systems based on luminescence by chemical reactions are available,
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Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
its routine applications in industrial laboratories are very limited due to the excessive amounts of
environmentally hazardous and expensive reagents. The research objective of this project was to find
innovative solutions to address these challenges and help the analytical scientists to extensively explore
the scientific attractiveness of this highly sensitive detection methodology for day-to-day applications in
pharmaceutical and clinical laboratories.
Method of investigation were mainly interfacing proven on-chip self-light-emitting chemical systems to
analyse selected drugs and biomolecules with micro-flow HPLC systems. The combination of such systems
and adoption of novel chip designs for enhanced dynamic fluid mixing resulted in the consumption of
hazardous chemical reagents being reduced by ~90%, with added sensitivity at very low flow rates.
In addition to this, the researchers also investigated scientifically differentiated methodologies to reduce
or replace the hydro-organic liquid phases, which are widely used across the globe for pharmaceutical
and biochemical HPLC applications, with eco-friendly aqueous systems suitable for the proposed
instrumental setup. Overall, the group expected to develop a cost-effective, highly sensitive and selective
‘green chemistry’ solution for routine analytical applications.
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Research Impact
6.7 Information and Communication Systems Research (ICR)
6.7.1 Developing a Comprehensive Framework for Evaluating E-learning
Acceptance in Higher Education in Oman (2010)
Kamla Ali Al-Busaidi and Hafedh Al-Shihi
Information Systems Department, College of Commerce and Economics, SQU
Learning management systems (LMS) enable educational institutions to manage their educational
resources, support their distance education and supplement their traditional ways of teaching. Instructors’
and students’ acceptance and use of LMS is critical to its success. Based on the responses of 82 instructors
from an academic institution in Oman, the study found that, first, instructors use of LMS in a supplementary
context was determined by the instructor’s personal characteristics, the LMS’s characteristics and the
organisation’s characteristics. Furthermore, the instructors’ continuous supplementary use intention was
determined by their current supplementary use, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, while the
instructor’s intention to use full e-learning was determined only by their perceived usefulness of the LMS.
Based on 512 learners, the results indicated that each of these factors (the learner, the instructor, the
system, the classmates, the course and the organisation) was critical to one or several success measures.
The results also showed that all success measures were critical to learners’ intention of continuous use of
blended learning, while only LMS-perceived usefulness and blended learning use were critical to learners’
intentions of full e-learning.
In conclusion, the global market of e-learning software is increasing as it is becoming critical for higher
education institutions. The use of LMS is promising for many developing countries, including Oman.
The use of information technologies such as LMS enables governments and organisations, especially in
developing countries, to efficiently build their human resources. This study offered important findings
for researchers and practitioners (instructors, training and academic institutions, LMS developers and
international organisations) on the critical factors to successful LMS deployment.
6.7.2 Reduction of Road Traffic Accidents Using Alert Messages
Dissemination in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) (2012)
Hadj Bourdoucen,1,2 Mohamed Ould-Khaoua2 and Dawood Al-Abri2
Communication and Information Research Centre; 2Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, SQU
1
High-speed road traffic accidents are a serious global concern and large efforts are being expanded to
reduce the number of accidents. For instance, according to the Gulf News, September 15, 2012, road
accidents cost the Omani economy US$1.8b a year. Alert message dissemination protocols using vehicular
ad hoc networks (VANETs) have strong potential to reduce high-speed road accidents by providing
an early warning to the vehicles about an emergency situation ahead. While designing alert messaging
protocols in VANETs, it is crucial to ensure reliable message reception and low end-to-end communication
delays. A number of research works have proposed alert message dissemination protocols with multihop propagation scenarios using relay nodes. In existing studies, a symmetrical range of communication
between vehicles has been assumed, which is not an accurate assumption due to the vehicles high mobility,
adverse channel effects and radio obstacles. In addition, system performance has often been analysed for
non-realistic wireless channel conditions and mobility models.
This research developed a novel alert message dissemination protocol for warning possible endangered
vehicles by utilising real-time single-hop neighbouring nodes information. The new protocol was expected
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Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
15000
1000
14100
15000
13200
12300
800
12300
11400
10,197
681
9600
7800
6900
6000
8,947
9,107
9,460
689
700
10500
9,869
600
9,247
820
798
11400
10500
8700
953
900
14100
13,040 13,101
13200
951
604
637
580
578
8,816
7,571
7,982
500
7,253
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Figure 6.7.2.1: Total number of road traffic accidents
in Oman per annum (1999–2010)
400
492
499
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Figure 6.7.2.2: Total number of road deaths in Oman
per annum (1999–2010)
to improve the accuracy of relay nodes selection and increase alert message reception rate over hostile
mobile radio channels. High reliability was expected to be achieved while end-to-end communication
delays, data traffic redundancy and bandwidth utilisation were kept at accepted levels. By improving
alert message reception, the scheme specifically targeted the reduction of chain accidents by providing
reliable and quick reception of the messages. As a further improvement, a second adapted protocol was
suggested for the selection of an initial alert disseminating node in case of multiple car collision scenarios.
The performance of our protocols was evaluated with respect to the overall reliability and timeliness of an
alert messaging system.
The project was funded by TRC and was planned for three years. It involved investigators from SQU, one
Doctoral student, three Master students and undergraduate students from SQU. The outcomes of this
research were very useful to the country from many perspectives, mainly societal and economical, and will
be used to design systems (both software and hardware) to contribute to reducing accidents on Omani
roads. At the same time it developed expertise and awareness about reducing accidents.
6.7.3 A Framework for Accessibility-aware E-content in the Sultanate of
Oman (2012)
Saqib Ali, Ali Al Badi and Taisira Al Balushi
Department of Information Systems, College of Economics and Political Science, SQU
People with disabilities face a number of challenges in their day-to-day lives with regards to access to
education, health services, employment opportunities, etc. On the other hand, more information and
services are available on the web that offer exceptional opportunities for all users; it is essential that no
culture or segment of society be left out. Therefore, people with disabilities are perhaps the single segment
of society with the most to gain from these technologies; but they face barriers in accessing web contents
due to the way it is presented.
In this research project, the authors investigated the status of those with disabilities in Oman as well
as the type of support and guidance received by people with disabilities in order for them to integrate
with society. This study also provided a starting point for research as it highlights how technologythrough assistive devices, software and the web-can empower people with disabilities by giving them
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Research Impact
access to electronic content. The researchers conducted an exhaustive number of studies and reviews
on international accessibility standards and frameworks. The research shed light on how sufficient
considerations of accessibility guidelines can enable organisations to create accessible websites that can be
easily used by people with disabilities. This is because accessibility is becoming extremely important for
any organisation, especially with the rapid growth of number of people using the Internet, as well as the
type of information that they have access to on the web 2.0.
Thus, the main contribution of this research was the accessibility-aware framework that can be used as a
toolkit for web engineers to develop accessible websites for people with disabilities. This framework was
composed of five main components: user interface, web server, disability profile database, developer role
and composer role. For the purpose of this study only the disability profile (blindness and deafness) was
implemented and tested to prove the validity and the applicability of the proposed framework.
The framework was evaluated using the SQU website and selected webpages were tested for accessibility
using web diagnostic accessibility tools. Upon receiving the results these pages were redesigned using
the proposed framework as a guideline. The redesigned webpages were tested again using the same tools
to evaluate the level of accessibility. To carry out this task the authors performed an intensive technical
analysis on available assistive technology hardware/software and selected the most appropriate for the
purpose of the framework evaluation. The authors conducted a user acceptance testing for both blind
users and those hard of hearing. The end results were analysed and evaluated. It was concluded that the
proposed accessibility-aware framework approach serves as a checklist for web developers and other users
developing websites to include people with special needs.
This project was the first of its kind that catered for a small and yet very important segment of the society:
people with special needs. Through this research, the following direct and indirect benefits to Oman were
achieved:
☐☐
Different types of disabilities were defined and recognised. This was important as different
types of assistive technology were required to help people with different disabilities gain greater
independence and social integration.
☐☐
Computing technology for tasks such as reading and writing documents, communicating with
others and searching for information on the Internet were made available. This allowed people with
disabilities to handle a wider range of activities independently.
☐☐
Awareness was spread among the disabled population that current technologies could let them
achieve anything and that people with disabilities could join the workforce and be effective workers,
as long as the resources and proper training were provided.
☐☐
Accessing the government’s e-services from home made life easier for people with disabilities,
especially if they found it difficult to leave their homes.
☐☐
The pursuit of higher education via e-learning was made possible for those who found the physical
attendance of university/college to be difficult.
☐☐
With the correct tools and technology, an important segment of society was integrated by the
e-Oman project.
☐☐
Framework was developed defining the different levels of accessibility for e-content for all online
services. Furthermore, local businesses could use this research framework to expand their services to
people with special needs.
The high percentages of people with disabilities present a serious problem that can negatively affect
sustainable development in Oman. One of the major challenges faced by individuals with disabilities is
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Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
their impact on society, since most of them are highly dependent on their family, as they are homebound,
and thus have a low quality of life. This project was of great value as it helped to guide policy and decisions
as well as enriched the understanding of disability. Additionally, it helped develop a more effective
approach to the adequate assessment and management of disability.
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Research Impact
6.8 Industry-Related Research (IRR)
6.8.1 Low-Cost Expandable Research (2010)
Tasneem Pervez, Sayyad Z. Qamar, Siegfried E. Trautwein and Saif A. Al-Hiddabi
Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, SQU
Figure 6.8.1.1: Research team: Sayyad Z. Qamar,
Tasneem Pervez, Siegfried E. Trautwein and Saif A.
Al-Hiddabi
Figure 6.8.1.2: Expandable tubular test-rig
A three-year SET research programme initiated in 2005 was successfully completed by the Applied
Mechanics and Advanced MR Group at SQU. As a result of mutual cooperation between SQU and
Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), and seeing that it would be of good value to the specific needs
of PDO and GCC, an expandable tubular test-rig (ETR) capable of handling small to large scale tubular
expansion tests was designed and commissioned. The ETR was built on a safe site within SQU in
compliance with HSE standards required by the oil and gas industry. The facility has been fully functional
since January 2009. The ETR was tubular, of 4” to 12” in outer diameter and 10 m in length, and could
be expanded under various loading and end conditions. The instrumentation and control system was
also designed to monitor, control and store data for system variables. Detailed mechanical testing and
characterisation of the tubular was also carried out before and after expansion. A prominent advantage
of the ETR was to test the cases, which are difficult to model and simulate. Research work is in progress
to find low-cost expandable solutions for PDO as well as the complete characterisation of new 8.1/2”
and 8.3/8” pass-through systems. In addition to the experimental work, simulation work using the finite
element method is being conducted to study the effect of the expansion process on the tubular for different
expansion ratios, friction coefficients and mandrel angles. Simulations have already been completed,
including studies on liner hanger, horizontal expansion, pop-out phenomenon, stick-slip friction between
the cone and the tubular, and expansion in irregularly shaped bore holes.
The facility has already been used by PDO and other international companies for conducting tests on
various types of tubular. The ETR has already resulted in significant cost savings for PDO in conducting
such tests before field application. Recently, the research work has been directed to multi-scale modelling
of expandable steel to improve the material properties so that higher expansions can be achieved without
losing post-expansion tubular strength.
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6.8.2 Internationalisation of Telecom Companies: The Case of GCCBased Mobile Companies (2011)
Golam Mostafa Khan and Darwish Al Moharby
Department of Management, College of Commerce and Economics, SQU
The primary objective of this research project was to develop teaching cases from the GCC countries
that could be used to enhance teaching at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. The research team
identified several companies, including Omantel, Batelco, Saudi Telecom Company, Qtel and Etisalat, to
conduct this research project. The theme in each of the cases centred around the strategy process, industry
environment, leadership and management, internationalisation, strategy development and execution
as well as performance analysis. These are some of the key topics in strategy and international business
courses, which could be elaborated and illustrated with the example of these regional cases.
Relevant data and information for this research were collected from a variety of sources, including
company records, annual reports, and secondary data and literature available from online searches (ABIInform, Proquest and EbscoHost). Regional business journals, newspapers and magazines such as MEED,
Arabian Business, Gulf Business and so on were also reviewed for relevant information. Comparative
financial performance data of regional companies were compiled using the OSIRIS database.
The global telecom industry has witnessed major changes over the last decade and the Middle East and
North Africa (MENA) telecom market is no exception. Profound changes have also been taking place
in the region. Some of the GCC countries have become members of the World Trade Organisation
(WTO) while a few of them have initiated Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States. Such
moves have facilitated the deregulation of industries in the region. As a consequence, foreign operators
are now providing telecom services in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman. Competition is
intensifying, the market is saturating and many operators are now exploring opportunities overseas in an
attempt to maintain their position, market share and reputation.
For many of the GCC-based companies, which were primarily monopoly operators for decades, going
international is proving to be a challenging task. It requires international exposure and experience and
the ability to assess international market opportunities and risks. Although Batelco, Omantel, STC, Qtel
and Etisalat all have international operations, there are variations in their financial performances and the
degree of success. While some companies are doing well, a few are facing great difficulties. For example,
Omantel’s acquisition of WorldCall in Pakistan and Etisalat’s acquisition of Pakistan Telecom Company
Ltd (PTCL) in Pakistan have not produced any profits since these acquisitions were made.
6.8.3 Probabilistic Approach for UWD Budget Incorporating Risk
Analysis (2012)
Mahmood Al-Kindi, Sayyad Z. Qamar and Tasneem Pervez
Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, SQU
The limitations of deterministic practice in cost and duration estimation have necessitated the need of a
predication model, which is capable of representing reality and yet lead to a “better” prediction. In the
journey to construct the model the following methodology was adopted, as shown in Figure 6.8.3.
The model was dynamic and combined many estimation models such as Bayesian theories with the new
vendor model. The approach also incorporated the expert opinion in UWD, which made the model more
generic and practical. The opinion is extracted by answering a few questions to generate a prior distribution
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Research Impact
Figure 6.8.3: Probabilistic Approach for UWD
about actual cost and duration.
Then these opinions are updated
and validated using historical
data. The estimation model is
sequential as the experts are first
advised to check the well-type
summary card that includes
details about the cost and
duration variations, trends on
most likely values and sources
of variation. They then generate
a prior estimation which is
optimised to give future predictions for subsequent years.
6.9Conclusion
To show the importance of research carried out at SQU, 26 selected case studies were presented. Although
they were taken from eight of the nine research themes pursued at SQU, they have one common
characteristic—namely their relevance to Oman and the impact they can have on the socioeconomic wellbeing of the Omani society. SQU further plans to encourage and fund several projects of this kind in to
the future. For further information on projects conducted in the nine Colleges and Research Centres, see
Sections 9 and 10 of this report.
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Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
Research Support
7
7.1Introduction
7.2 Conferences, Symposia and Workshops
7.3 Conference Attendance
7.4 SQU Journals and Books
7.5 Conclusion
7.1Introduction
I
n addition to the research grants that SQU provides annually (Section 4), the University also provides
additional research support through hosting conferences, symposia and workshops, publishing
refereed journals and books and providing financial support to attend conferences abroad. The
conferences, symposia, workshops and forums have been witnessing notable growth over the years
and some of them have been attracting international attention. Similarly the number of researchers
participating in conferences has been increasing annually. The University strives to engage relevant
governmental and private organisations in these scientific events in order to disseminate research findings
and new knowledge to the community.
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Research Support
7.2 Conferences, Symposia and Workshops
SQU organised and hosted 10 conferences in 2010, 12 in 2011 and 17 in 2012. Similarly, SQU hosted
6 symposia in 2010, 3 in 2011 and 3 in 2012. In addition, a total of 13 workshops were held in the
combined period 2010–2012. The details of these conferences, symposia and workshops are given in
Tables 7.2.1–7.2.9. SQU offers substantial funding for these events, which can be supported by
additional funds from TRC and other public and private sector organisations.
Table 7.2.1: Conferences organised at SQU in 2010
Section
Conferences (2010)
7.2.1.1
Management of Soil and Groundwater Salinisation in the Dry Regions
7.2.1.2
Food Security in the Arab Countries: New Challenges and Opportunities in the Face of the Global Price
Uncertainties
7.2.1.3
Second International Conference on Language, Linguistics, Literature and Translation
7.2.1.4
Addressing Sustainable Coastal Management in the Middle East and North Africa
7.2.1.5
New Advances in Applied Mechanics, Materials and Manufacturing 7.2.1.6
Current Perspectives in ELT: New Methodologies, Research and Best Practices
7.2.1.7
Tenth Advanced General Medicine Conference
7.2.1.8
Oman International Conference in Laboratory Medicine
7.2.1.9
International Conference on Analysis and Application
7.2.1.10
Second International Conference on Quality Management in Healthcare
Table 7.2.2: Conferences organised at SQU in 2011
Section
Conferences (2011)
7.2.2.1
The Changing Role of Information Professionals in the Knowledge Economy: Challenges and Opportunities
7.2.2.2
Business and Society in the Middle East: Opportunities and Challenges in the Third Millennium
7.2.2.3
Information Systems for Sustained Business Environments
7.2.2.4
The Legal Aspects of Informatics between Theory and Practice
7.2.2.5
Oman Conference on Controversies in Breast Cancer
7.2.2.6
Eleventh Advanced General Medicine Conference
7.2.2.7
Third International Congress on Infectious Disease
7.2.2.8
Innovations in Nursing Education and Practice/Leading to Quality of Care
7.2.2.9
Second International Conference on Numerical Analysis and Optimisation Theory, Methods, Applications and
Technology Transfer
7.2.2.10
International Conference on Migratory Shorebirds
7.2.2.11
Eleventh Oman International ELT Conference
7.2.2.12
First International Conference on Patient Safety
Table 7.2.3: Conferences organised at SQU in 2012
Section
Conferences (2012)
7.2.3.1
The International Ophthalmology Conference
7.2.3.2
International Conference on the Geology of the Arabian Plate and Mountains of Oman
7.2.3.3
International Conference on the Theory of Radicals, Rings and Modules
7.2.3.4
Third Conference of the International Society of Camelid Research and Development (ISOCARD)
7.2.3.5
Eight GCC International Scientific Conference for Medical Students in GCC Countries
7.2.3.6
Third International Conference of Quality Management in Healthcare
7.2.3.7
Twelfth Advanced General Medicine Conference
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Section
Conferences (2012) Continued
7.2.3.8
Conference Stressing Awareness of Psychiatric Disorders
7.2.3.9
Genomics Studies of Consanguinity for the Discovery of Genes Predisposing to and Protecting from Diseases
7.2.3.10
Third Pan-Arab Rhinology Society Conference
7.2.3.11
Arab-German Medical Conference
7.2.3.12
Twelfth ELT Conference - Quality in ELT
7.2.3.13
Conference on Science, Mathematics and Technology Education
7.2.3.14
Eighteenth International Paediatric and Second Pan-Arab Haematology Conferences
7.2.3.15
Arabic Language and Literature: Contemporary Vision
7.2.3.16
Oman: Presence in East Africa
7.2.3.17
Second International Conference: The Role of Social Sciences in Investigating Contemporary Social Phenomena:
Current Approaches and Future Vision
Table 7.2.4: Symposia organised at SQU in 2010
Section
Symposia (2010)
7.2.4.1
International Symposium on New Technologies for the Food Processing Industry
7.2.4.2
International Symposium on Art Education and Sustainable Development
7.2.4.3
Promoting Research in ELT
7.2.4.4
Third SQU/JCCP Symposium on Environmental Challenges and Mitigation Approaches for Sustainable
Development in the Oil and Gas Industry
7.2.4.5
Symposium on Oman and Yemen: Cultural Interrelations
7.2.4.6
First International Sialendoscopy Symposium (Fifth GCC ORL Society Symposium and Fifteenth ORL Oman Society
National Meeting)
Table 7.2.5: Symposia organised at SQU in 2011
Section
Symposia (2011)
7.2.5.1
First Academic Gulf Forum for Social Work
7.2.5.2
Omani Child Culture Symposium
7.2.5.3
Oman and India: Prospects and Civilisation
Table 7.2.6: Symposia organised at SQU in 2012
Section
Symposia (2012)
7.2.6.1
Bridging the Gap Between Healthcare Professionals and Knowledge: The Unspoken Medical Librarian Role
7.2.6.2
Oman Symposium Addressing Environmental Issues in the Region
7.2.6.3
International Symposium on Whole Grain Products
Table 7.2.7: Workshops organised at SQU in 2010
Section
Workshops (2010)
7.2.7.1
Integrated Approaches to Fruit Production and Post-harvest Management in Arid Climates
7.2.7.2
World Environment Day: Many Species, One Planet, One Future
7.2.7.3
Optical Communication and Sensing Workshop
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Table 7.2.8: Workshops organised at SQU in 2011
Section
Workshops (2011)
7.2.8.1
International Workshop on Fire Safety Engineering and Management
7.2.8.2
Second Workshop on “Medical Research Methodology”
7.2.8.3
Geological Carbon Capture and Storage in Mafic and Ultramafic Rocks
Table 7.2.9: Workshops organised at SQU in 2012
Section
Workshops (2012)
7.2.9.1
Seismic Hazard Assessment
7.2.9.2
International Workshop on Mathematics
7.2.9.3
Workshop on Sustainable Water Use for Food Security
7.2.9.4
Workshop on Nutritional Challenges in the Sultanate of Oman
7.2.9.5
Workshop on Climate Change Scenario in Oman
7.2.9.6
Communication to UNFCCC Workshop
7.2.9.7
Understanding Soils: Inspiring the New Generation towards Agricultural and Environmental Sustainability
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7.2.1 Conference Highlights (2010)
7.2.1.1 Management of Soil and Groundwater Salinisation in the Dry Regions
This international conference was organised by CAMS, SQU, jointly with the Ministry of Agriculture
and Fisheries from 11–14 January 2010. It was held according to the work plan of the Strategic Project
“Management of Salt-Affected Soils and Water for Sustainable Agriculture (2006–2010)”. The sponsors
of the conference included the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources and TRC. The
event was significant since it expanded the partnership and ensured the exchange of experiences with
various countries that suffer from the problem of salinity and aimed to find out the most important
developments and techniques relating to the proper management of saline soil. The recommendations
of this conference are expected to contribute to the application of methodologies to live with salinity
in salt-affected areas of Oman and to ensure sustainable agriculture. One hundred participants from 14
countries attended this event. The total number of participants was 190 of which 70 were from Oman.
The total number of papers and posters presented were 65. The total budget was RO 14,750.
7.2.1.2 Food Security in the Arab Countries: New Challenges and Opportunities in the Face of
the Global Price Uncertainties
This conference was held from 2–4 March 2010 aiming to bring together researchers, experts, policymakers and other practitioners from the Arab region and the world to present and discuss food security
in its domestic and international dimensions in the light of the recent global food crisis. Topics
presented in the conference included conceptual and empirical research papers, as well as case studies
on the food policies of particular Arab countries to alleviate the effects of the global price surge. More
than 100 participants attended the conference. Thirty-one scientific and policy papers were presented
covering various food security issues at the country, regional and international levels. Many international
organisations that are very influential in shaping world and regional food security policies were present,
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for example IFPRI, IFAD, AOAD, GRC, Borlaug and the Centre for International Agriculture (Texas).
The conference recommended a four-pillar strategy to enhance food security in the Arab region, in which
the role of domestic production and trade was highlighted.
7.2.1.3 Second International Conference on Language, Linguistics, Literature and Translation
This conference, organised by the English Department, CASS, from 10–12 March 2010, dealt with four
disciplines: Language, Linguistics, Literature and Translation. The conference was organised in order to
bring together scholars, researchers and teachers in these four disciplines to exchange and share ideas. The
theme of the conference was “Language, Linguistics, Literature and Translation: Centring the Marginal,
Stretching the Boundaries”. Four exceptionally renowned scholars addressed the participants as plenary
speakers. Sixty-six researchers and scholars from the four corners of the world presented research papers
during the three days of the conference, which ended with a very stimulating panel discussion. Fifty-six
papers were presented at the conference. Among its main recommendations, the conference called for the
development of innovative approaches in teaching these four important disciplines.
7.2.1.4 Addressing Sustainable Coastal Management in the Middle East and North Africa
This international conference on Coastal Zone Engineering and Management was held from 31 October
– 03 November 2010. SQU and TRC jointly funded the conference. Over 150 participants attended the
conference and 59 papers were presented. This conference was organised to serve as a venue for engineers,
researchers and administrators from industry, academia and public agencies to discuss and exchange
information on issues important to sustainable coastal development. Among its main recommendations,
the conference called for the development of innovative approaches in the design and management of
coastal structures and stronger collaboration in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region
through joint research projects.
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7.2.1.5 New Advances in Applied Mechanics, Materials and Manufacturing The international conference on Applied Mechanics, Materials and Manufacturing (ICAMMM
2010) was the premier forum for the presentation of new advances and research results in the fields
of Mechanics, Materials, and Manufacturing. The conference was organised by the Mechanical and
Industrial Engineering Department from 13–15 December 2010. In addition to SQU sponsorship,
the conference was also sponsored by TRC, Galfar Engineering and Contracting, Oman LNG, Oman
Gas Contracting SAOG, Oman Cement Co. and Amiantit Oman with a budget of RO 35,461. The
conference boosted the exposure of SQU to the international level as shown by the presence of a large
number of international participants from 30 countries. More than 80 participants presented a total of
140 papers. The outcome of the conference allowed for the free exchange of ideas and challenges faced by
academic and researchers and encouraged future collaboration with international participants.
7.2.1.6 Current Perspectives in ELT: New Methodologies, Research and Best Practices
The LC organised the Oman International ELT Conference from 21–22 April 2010. This conference
is the only international conference in the Sultanate that is dedicated to discussing recent developments
and challenges in the field of ELT. It provides ELT professionals in the Sultanate, the Gulf region and
beyond with a forum to exchange experiences and expertise. The conference highlighted the importance of
encouraging, supporting and promoting a research culture in academic institutions. Furthermore, it also
stressed the importance of creating a platform within the organisation to allow its teachers to exchange
best practices pertaining to teaching and research. Over the last 10 years, the conference has grown to
become the second largest ELT conference in the region. This conference registered 620 participants
and delivered 89 papers and posters. In addition to sponsorship from SQU, it was also sponsored by the
British Council, Al-Watan and Oman Tribune newspapers. The budget of the conference was RO 7,000.
7.2.1.7 Tenth Advanced General Medicine Conference
This conference which was organised from 20–23 February 2010 by the COMHS and Ministry of
Health covered a wide range of general medical topics: professional regulation; genetics; infection and
haematology; gastroenterology; rheumatology and renal disease; respiratory medicine; cardiology; and
neurology. The number of participants and papers presented were 450 and 31, respectively. The Royal
College of Physicians (London) played a major role in its organisation. It was of great interest to consultant
physicians, general practitioners, doctors in training and senior medical students.
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7.2.1.8 Oman International Conference in Laboratory Medicine
In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the COMHS organised this conference from 10-11
November 2010. The main aim of the conference was to update the technical and medical staff in
their respective fields and give them an opportunity to interact with international speakers. Over 700
participants attended this event and 78 papers/posters were presented. The total budget of the conference
was RO 66,750.
7.2.1.9 International Conference on Analysis and Application
The international conference on Analysis and
Application was held on 23–24 January 2010.
SQU and Abdus Salam International Centre for
Theoretical Physics funded the conference. One
hundred and sixty-four participants attended
this conference and 98 papers were presented.
The conference aimed to reflect the current stateof-the-art developments in the study of analysis
and to discuss new developments and future directions. It promoted a spirit of training, learning and communicating through active participation and scientific exchange among analysts
from around the world. The areas of analysis-related mathematics covered were complex analysis; numerical analysis; real and functional analysis; topology; and applications of analysis to other areas of mathematics and science.
7.2.1.10 Second International Conference on Quality Management in Healthcare
This conference was organised by the Directorate of Development and Quality of SQUH and held from
1–3 February 2010. Contributions were presented by highly qualified international and regional speakers
in the field of Quality Management in Healthcare from America, Spain, Australia, Malaysia, Pakistan,
Jordan and Oman. Fifty-two papers/posters were presented at the conference. Many of the papers focused
on the improvement of healthcare and the challenge towards continuous improvement. Other subtitles
included; quality management in healthcare and its importance; achieving excellence; TQM in healthcare;
patient safety; pushing quality to the front; and innovation through quality improvement. Over 500
participants were registered including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, medical staff, healthcare professionals
and staff and administrators from within the Sultanate. The event provided an opportunity to look at other
international experiences of quality in healthcare. The conference cost was approximately RO 24,520.
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7.2.2 Conference Highlights (2011)
7.2.2.1 The Changing Role of Information Professionals in the Knowledge Economy:
Challenges and Opportunities
The Special Library Association Arabian Gulf Chapter in collaboration with SQU held its 17th annual
conference under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Ali Al Bemani, Vice Chancellor of SQU at Al-Bustan
Palace Hotel in Muscat from 8–10 March 2011. The conference aimed at discussing and understanding
key themes including: (1) information professionals as an indispensable workforce in the knowledge
economy; (2) the challenges of the emerging knowledge economy environment and the Library and
Information educational programmes in the Gulf Area; (3) improving the visibility of information
professionals in the digital era; (4) information professions as a bridge to a social and economic society;
(5) information as a strategic economic resource; and (6) knowledge as an intellectual capital and the
information professional’s responsibility. Fifty-three papers were presented in the sessions, round-tables
and panel discussions during the conference. Around 580 librarians and information specialists attended
the conference and visited the exhibition where 85 international publishers and information solution
suppliers were participating.
7.2.2.2 Business and Society in the Middle East: Opportunities and Challenges in the Third
Millennium
This is the first international conference on Business and Society in the Middle East; it was organised by
the CEP from 21–23 February 2011. It aimed at providing an interactive forum for academics, policymakers, practitioners in the public and private sectors, researchers and postgraduate students to discuss
their research, experiences and ideas relating to the conference theme. Topics presented in the conference
included empirical and conceptual papers, case studies and discussions of business and management
practices. The areas included: accounting; business communication; business education; business ethics;
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business statistics; corporate governance; corporate social responsibility; economics; entrepreneurship;
finance; gender issues; human resources management; information systems; leadership; legal issues;
management; marketing; operations management; policy development and strategic planning; supply
chain management and sustainability issues; and risk identification and analysis.
7.2.2.3 Information Systems for Sustained Business Environments
This international information systems conference was organised by the CEP at SQU during 10–
12 October 2011. The aim of the conference was to disseminate state-of-the-art knowledge for the
benefit of mankind, to provide a forum for academics, researchers and practitioners to exchange ideas
and to understand the challenges that lie ahead in the areas of Information Systems and Information
Technology. Thirty-three papers from 14 countries were accepted for presentation at the conference. The
conference had six tracks: trends in information systems; e-commerce and business challenges; trends
in web technologies; knowledge management and its industrial applications; e-government issues and
solutions; and IS security and mobile computing. Six keynote speakers presented the latest trends in their
fields of expertise including: Prof. Janice Sipior of Villanova University, USA; Prof. Patrick Brézillon of
the University Pierre and Marie Curie, France; Prof. Ray Hackney of the Brunel University, UK; Prof.
Khaled Ghedira of the University of Tunis, Tunisia; Mr. Talal Al-Rehbi, Deputy CEO for Operation,
from Information Technology Authority (ITA), Oman; Dr. Amer Al-Rawas, CEO of Omantel, Oman;
and Mr. Martin Farfan of Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), Oman. An exhibition of local IT
organisations was organised. Fifteen organisations participated in the exhibition.
7.2.2.4 The Legal Aspects of Informatics between Theory and Practice
This conference was organised by the COL during the period 13–14 March 2011. The conference aimed
at spreading awareness and legal culture in the Omani society, shedding light on important legal problems
related to informatics and its applications, providing solutions to legal problems caused by informatics,
and promoting law research culture in Oman. It was attended by about 70 participants mainly from
the Sultanate. Sixteen papers were presented in four sessions. The four themes were (1) informatics and
contracts; (2) e-government and general rights and freedoms; (3) informatics and civil responsibility and
settlement of disputes; and (4) informatics and criminal responsibility.
7.2.2.5 Oman Conference on Controversies in Breast Cancer
The Oman Conference on Controversies in Breast Cancer was held between 13–15 February 2011. SQU,
TRC and the Oman Medical Speciality Board (OMSB) supported the conference. The opening ceremony
was under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Rawya Al Busaidi, Minister of Higher Education and President
of SQU Council. The conference was able to secure the participation of prominent speakers, such as
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Prof. Peter Boyle, Head of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, IPRI from France; Prof.
Mike Dixon, Prof. of Surgery and Consultant Surgeon, Clinical Director, Breakthrough Research Unit,
Edinburgh, UK; and Prof. Lajos Pusztai, Prof. of Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Centre, USA. SQUH
residents from different specialities attended this meeting and built up and improved their knowledge
about recent advances in prognostic and predictive factors, epidemiology and treatment modalities in
breast cancer. The greatest achievement of this conference was raising public awareness of breast cancer.
On the third day of the conference, 14 February 2011, a Women Awareness Night Workshop was held
in which about 600 women from different areas of society were invited.
7.2.2.6 Eleventh Advanced General Medicine Conference
This conference was organised by the COMHS at SQU and the Ministry of Health, Oman, between
23–24 February 2011. This conference for top medical professionals from Oman and around the world
promised to further the College’s reputation for excellence in undertaking and promoting advanced
medical research. Eight of the world’s top medical practitioners and researchers presented the results of
their latest work in fields of both local and universal significance. Topics such as liver transplantation,
demyelinating disorder and the hormonal control of obesity were discussed. Associated with top
universities and hospitals, the eight medical professors from the UK were outstanding speakers as well as
world authorities in these critical fields and have published extensively in their areas of interest. They were
Prof. Steve Bloom, Prof. Alastair Compston, Prof. Graham Hughes, Prof. Stuart Ralston, Prof. Farida
Fortune, Prof. Gordon Duff, Prof. Elwyn Elias and Dr. Charles Gourley. More than 400 medical doctors
and allied health professionals attended the conference.
7.2.2.7 Third International Congress on Infectious Disease
This congress was organised by the Ministry of Health, SQU and TRC in collaboration with the
GCC Ministries of Health and WHO and held at SQU on 5–8 December 2011. The objectives of the
congress were to: (1) present international, regional and local perspectives on infectious diseases and
their prevention in control both in the community and healthcare settings; (2) explore current methods,
emerging evidence-based practices and challenges associated with the elimination of infections; (3) discuss
current developments and future directions for patient safety and infection prevention and control; (4)
review clinical features and management of infection-compromised hosts; (5) discuss public health and
clinical best practices in preparedness and response to pandemic-prone infections; (6) discuss healthcare
-associated infections (HALs) and their impact on patient safety health systems; and (7) discus quality
improvement (Q1) methods that impact healthcare epidemiology and safety in healthcare settings. More
than 20 international speakers and six speakers from the GCC in addition to local Omani speakers
participated in the accomplishment of the congress theme and objectives.
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7.2.2.8 Innovations in Nursing Education and Practice/Leading to Quality of Care
This international conference was organised by the CON, SQU jointly with the Ministry of Health
and Armed Forces Hospital in Oman on 28–29 November 2011. The opening keynote speech was
presented by HRH Princess Muna Al-Hussein, WHO Patron for Nursing and Midwifery in the Eastern
Mediterranean Region and the President of the Jordan Nursing Council. The event was highlighted by
two prominent keynote speakers: Dr. Rosemary Bryant, President, International Council of Nurses and
Dr. Naeema Al-Gasser, WHO Assistant Regional Director, and other keynote speakers. The event was
significant since it allowed the exchange of experiences with participants from 22 countries representing
all continents. The total number of participants was 1,200, of which 1,000 were from Oman. The total
number of papers and posters presented was 161. Recommendations of the conference are expected to
contribute to the utilisation of nursing research, which will develop nursing care in Oman. The sponsors
of the conference included: Diwan of Royal Court, TRC, Qalhat LNG, Khimji Ramdas, Petroleum
Development Oman, Muscat Pharmacy, Consolidated Contractors Company, Ministry of Health and
Oman Liquefied Natural Gas.
7.2.2.9 Second International Conference on Numerical Analysis and Optimisation Theory,
Methods, Applications and Technology Transfer
The COS at SQU organised the above international conference during the period 3–6 January 2011.
The opening ceremony was under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Hilal Bin Ali Al-Hinai, Secretary General
of TRC, Oman. The Conference focused on theory; methods; applications and technology transfer;
algorithms; software; optimisation and programming models; challenging applications in science,
engineering, technology and industry. The conference programme consisted of 14 plenary talks and 39
contributed talks. The number of participants was about 140 from 27 countries. The plenary speakers
were from Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, UK and USA. The
objective of the conference was achieved. The event was sponsored by the Abdusalam International
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Centre for Theoretical Physics (Trieste, Italy), Microsoft Company, British Council, Bank Muscat, AlAnan Press and Al Roya Newspaper.
7.2.2.10 International Conference on Migratory Shorebirds
An international conference on “Oman as a
Gravitational Centre in the Global Flyway
Network of Migratory Shorebirds” was held
from 14–16 November 2011, organised by the
CESAR at SQU in association with Royal
Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Ministry
of Environmental and Climate Affairs, Shell
Development Oman and Centre for Field
Research on Environment, Diwan of Royal
Court, Oman. The inaugural function was held
under the patronage of Hon. Prof. Khalifa Al
Jabri, member of the State Council. The objective of this conference was to raise awareness about wetlands
and to stress their importance for the world’s biodiversity. The conference focused on the West AsianEast African flyway and Barr Al Hikman, a large pristine coastal wetland in the Sultanate which is an
important stopover point in this flyway. It included oral presentations about wetland ecology and the
importance of Oman within a worldwide bird migration network. Speakers from Europe, USA, South
Asia and GCC countries presented papers about their work on the global connectivity of shorebirds and
ecological research. Over 100 people attended and 21 papers were presented in five technical sessions, .
Out of the 21 oral presentations, about 17 presentations made were focused on Sultanate and the region.
A set of recommendations was adopted in the concluding session and a field trip was organised to Al
Ansab Wetland and Al Jabal Al Akhdar Mountain region. RO 3,000 was received from SQU to support
this conference.
7.2.2.11 Eleventh Oman International ELT Conference
The LC at SQU organised this conference on 20–21 April 2011 focusing on the theme of “Empowering
Teachers and Learners”. During the two-day conference, a total of 75 concurrent sessions took place.
About 113 presenters from more than 10 countries shared their research, best practices and new ideas
discussing important topics pertaining to the concept of empowerment in ELT. The conference hosted
three highly accomplished plenary speakers: Mr. Scott Thornbury from the New School in New York,
USA, shed light on the secret history of teaching methods; Professor David, from the School of Linguistics,
Speech and Communication Sciences at Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, gave a talk on the what, why
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and how of language-learner autonomy; and Dr. Martha Nyikos, Director of World Languages and the
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher Education Programme at Indiana University, Bloomingdale,
USA, spoke on enhancing language learning through learner autonomy. The three plenary speakers also
followed their talks with two-hour certified workshops in areas related to their plenary presentations. In
addition to these three certified workshops, there were also two additional certified workshops by two LC
teaching staff members. An ELT exhibition accompanied the conference and featured a range of the latest
ELT publications and products.
7.2.2.12 First International Conference on Patient Safety
SQUH organised the First International Conference on Patient Safety on 31 January – 02 February
2011, attended by H.E. Dr. Ahmed Al Saeedi, the Minister of Health and many official attendees
from the Ministry of Health, World Health Organisation, Armed Forces, Royal Oman Police and
more. The aim of this conference was to raise awareness of the importance of improved patient safety
everywhere in the healthcare system and its impact on the community satisfaction. Emphasis was put
on the development of the patient’s own safety knowledge and engagement to improve their hospital
experience. This event attracted speakers from Australia, Switzerland, Ireland, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia,
Qatar and the Sultanate of Oman, bringing a total of 81 papers and posters to the event. The participants
exceeded 500 including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, medical staff, healthcare professionals, technicians,
biomedical scientists, engineers, paramedics and administrators from Muscat and regional areas across
Oman and the Gulf Regions. This conference gave the opportunity to benchmark with international
experiences in improving the safety of the patient throughout the healthcare delivery process and other
enhancements such as patient empowerment, utilising the media for improved experience and the active
role legal regulation has in controlling the relationship between the patients and the healthcare system.
The budget was RO 25,000.
7.2.3 Conference Highlights (2012)
7.2.3.1 The International Ophthalmology Conference
The COMHS organised the International Ophthalmology Conference on 1–3 January 2012. The
conference was attended by experts from outside the country and various ophthalmologists in the
Sultanate representing their institution. The Ministry of Health and other Ministries also took part in
the conference. Several numberS of participants including medical students were present.
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7.2.3.2 International Conference on the Geology of the Arabian Plate and Mountains of Oman
The International Conference on the Geology of the Arabian Plate and the Oman Mountains, organised
by the Earth Sciences Department of the COS, was held on 7–12 January 2012. The three-day conference
presented the latest developments across a broad spectrum of Earth sciences professions including
sedimentary and hard rock geology; base and precious metals industry; petroleum geology; ground water;
geophysics; meteorites; and environmental sciences. As many as 280 participants from different countries
participated in the conference which covered around 200 paper presentations, 42 poster demonstrations
and seven field trips.
7.2.3.3 International Conference on the Theory of Radicals, Rings and Modules
The eleventh conference in the series on the theory of radicals was held at the Department of Mathematics
and Statistics, SQU, between 20–26 January 2012. This conference takes place every three years. The
previous conferences took place in Hungary, Austria, China, Hungary, Japan, Moldova, Poland, South
Africa and Ukraine. The main topics of the conference were on the theory of radicals and its applications,
rings and modules. Participants were from Oman and other countries.
7.2.3.4 Third Conference of the International Society of Camelid Research and Development
(ISOCARD)
The International Conference of the Society of Camelid Research and Development (ISOCARD
2012) was held on 29 January – 01 February 2012 at SQU under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Fuad
Jaafar Mohammed Al Sajwani, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries with the theme “Challenges
facing Camelids in a changing world and climate”. The event was organised by the Department
of Animal and Veterinary Sciences of the CAMS, SQU. The conference attracted more than
200 participants from 39 nations. The other features included 100 oral presentations, 80 poster
presentations and an exhibition of institutions and organisations from Oman and other parts of the world
which deal with camels in one way or the other. The conference covered camel health and diseaseS; camel
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products (meat, milk, fibre and work); farm management and development; physiology; pharmacology;
biochemistry; nutrition and behaviour; reproduction; anatomy; surgery; genetics; and camel racing.
7.2.3.5 Eight GCC International Scientific Conference for Medical Students in GCC Countries
The conference was attended by more than 1,200 students from GCC states and delegations from other
countries and held at the SQU Cultural Centre. It was organised by the medical students from the
COMHS from 28 January – 01 February 2012. The Eighth International Scientific Conference aimed
at expanding and conveying the available sources to the medical students in lectures and presentations
of scientific papers. The conference, which was themed “Year of the Child”, accepted more than 180
research scientific papers prepared by medical students from various institutions to be presented in this
conference. In addition, 50 workshops were conducted in two consecutive days. The conference also
recognised the best papers, posters, etc. during the closing ceremony.
7.2.3.6 Third International Conference of Quality Management in Healthcare
The Third International Conference of Quality Management in Healthcare organised by the SQUH
between 6–8 February 2012 with three themes: “Quality Improvement, Quality Monitoring/Evaluation,
and Risk Management”. Five hundred participants from healthcare institutions in the Sultanate and
GCC with prominent speakers from other countries attended the conference. The conference aimed at
improving the quality in healthcare institutions, risk management in healthcare institutions and quality
assessment among others.
7.2.3.7 Twelfth Advanced General Medicine Conference
The Advanced General Medicine Conference was organised by the COMHS, SQU, in collaboration with
the Ministry of Health. Eight main speakers took part in the conference and 300 participants attended
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from Oman hospitals and other GCC and international institutions. The conference discussed the
causes and management of obesity; haematological disorders; the use of oxygen therapy; management of
respiratory failure; and endocrine disorders of the thyroid and parathyroid glands. Skin diseases, severe
sepsis and a variety of disorders affecting the lungs were also discussed. Around 500 people registered for
this two-day conference.
7.2.3.8 Conference Stressing Awareness of Psychiatric Disorders
The COMHS in collaboration with Arabian Gulf Psychiatrist Association organised the first psychiatric
conference in the Sultanate with the theme “No Health without Mental Health” held on 3–5 March
2012. The conference focused on the mental health, psychiatric care and challenges faced by mental
care providers in the 21st century. It was attended by representatives from the Gulf countries, UK and
various institutions in the Sultanate of Oman. The three-day conference included presentations from
eight invited speakers from the UK and the Arab world that discussed drug abuse and elderly child
and adolescent psychiatry. Topics on personality disorders and mental health during pregnancy and
childbirth were also discussed.
7.2.3.9 Genomics Studies of Consanguinity for the Discovery of Genes Predisposing to and
Protecting from Diseases
The International Conference on Consanguinity (ICC 2012) with the theme "Towards the Discovery
of Genes Predisposing to and Protecting from Disease," was held at the Al-Bustan Palace Hotel on
17–19 March 2012. The COMHS organised this conference in collaboration with the University of
Bologna Medical School in Italy. The conference discussed the advancement in research on consanguinity
and its impact on healthcare in the Middle East region.
7.2.3.10 Third Pan-Arab Rhinology Society Conference
The Third Pan-Arab Rhinology Society (PARS) Conference was organised by the Surgery Department
of the COMHS in collaboration with PARS and Oman ORL Societies on 5–7 April 2012. With the
conference theme “Advances in Rhinology Research and Surgeries”, lectures and instruction and live
dissection were conducted by renowned experts in the field from other countries and from the Sultanate.
Experts from various hospitals and ministries from the GCC attended the conference.
7.2.3.11 Arab-German Medical Conference
The First Arab-German Medical Conference organised by the COMHS was held on 14–15 April 2012
at the Al-Bustan Palace Hotel. This conference was expected to identify and add new medical information
in the field of surgery. A number of researchers and physicians from other countries and from the Sultanate
participated in the conference in which 42 working papers were discussed. This conference was the first
in the Sultanate and believed to open opportunities to research. It will also enhance the collaboration
between SQU, other universities in the Sultanate and with German universities. German and Oman
iexperts, ministries and institutions from the Sultanate attended.
7.2.3.12 Twelfth ELT Conference - Quality in ELT
The Twelfth ELT Conference with the theme “Quality in ELT: Raising Pedagogical Standards” was
organised by the LC between 18–19 April 2012. The conference included 54 working papers and
14 workshops. Experts speakers from many countries, among them GCC Countries, the UK, the
USA, Malaysia and Japan, shared their views, experiences and expertise with ELT specialists in the
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Sultanate. An exhibition was also held along with the conference that included participants from the
British Council, Cambridge University Press, Oxford University Press and Al-Manahil for Educational
Consultancy. Among the experts who gave talks were Dr. Rebecca Oxford who focused on strategic
learning in a paper entitled “Ten Strategic Ways To Help Your Students Gain Power in Learning and
Communicating in English’, and Dr. Peter Grundy, who discussed professional development in his paper
entitled “Professional Integrity and Management of Learning.” Dr. Jayakaran Mukundan presented a
paper entitled “Creating Teacher-Writer through Professional Development" and Dr. Peter Lucantoni
also presented a paper entitled “Raising Pedagogical Standards through Observation and Feedback.”
7.2.3.13 Conference on Science, Mathematics and Technology Education
The Seventh International Conference on
Science, Mathematics and Technology
Education, organised by the CED at SQU, in
association with the Science and Mathematics
Education Centre at Curtin University, Perth,
Australia, was held on 4–7 November 2012. The
successful four-day conference’s theme
“Transformation through Science, Mathematics
and Technology Education: Towards and
Innovative and Sustainable Society”. It was
attended by representatives from various
institutions in the Sultanate and over 150 papers were presented. Workshops covering many research
topics related to the theme were also conducted.
7.2.3.14 Eighteenth International Paediatric and Second Pan-Arab Haematology Conferences
The Eighteenth International Paediatric
Conference and Second Pan-Arab Haematology
Conference with the Paediatric conference
theme: "The Paediatric in the New Millennium:
Striving towards Excellence" was organised by
the COMHS on 13–15 November 2012. The
paediatric conference focused on community
and general paediatrics; intensive care (neonatal
and paediatrics); cardiology and cardiovascular
gastroenterology; hepatology and nutrition;
neurology and developmental medicine;
pulmonology; allergy and immunology; nephrology; quality improvement; genetics; infectious diseases;
endocrine/diabetes; rheumatology; and child protection. The Pan Arab Haematology Conference
discussed haemostasis and thrombosis; haemoglobinopathies; acute leukemia; lymphoproliferative
disorders; plasma cell dyscrasias; stem cell transplantation; transfusion medicine; haematopathology;
research methodology; and haematology nursing practice. Around 600 participants from Oman and
abroad including physicians, trainee doctors, resident doctors, nurses, technologists and dieticians
attended the conferences. Workshops on child safety, child rights and dealing with children with epilepsy
were also conducted.
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7.2.3.15 Arabic Language and Literature: Contemporary Vision
The Arabic Department at the CASS at SQU organised the Arabic Language and Literature Conference
with the theme “A Contemporary Vision” from 2–3 December 2012. The conference aimed to outline the
Arab scholars through contemporary Arab sciences in the fields of linguistic, literature and critical studies
and apply new approaches. The conference attracted participants from institutions in the Sultanate and
Ministries. Several papers were presented and publications in the Arabic language were exhibited.
7.2.3.16 Oman: Presence in East Africa
The three-day international conference on “The Omani Role in East Africa” organised by the OSC in
collaboration with the National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) between 11–13 December
2012 was attended by 40 participants from the Sultanate and representatives from other countries. The
three-day conference discussed several themes, including the historical, which focused on old Omani
migrations and their impact on the internal and external level and the role of the Al-Ya’aribis in defeating
the Portuguese and enhancing Omani control in East Africa. The theme also dealt with the role of the
Al-Busaidi in the founding of the Omani Empire and subsequent historical and political developments;
the role of Omanis in spreading the Omani culture and Islam on the African mainland, and the role of
Omani scholars in intellectual, scientific and cognitive fields. It also examined some indicators of Oman’s
presence in East Africa (trade, economic, social, political and cultural).
7.2.3.17 Second International Conference: The Role of Social Sciences in Investigating
Contemporary Social Phenomena: Current Approaches and Future Vision
The Second International Conference “The Role of Social Sciences in Investigating Contemporary Social
Phenomena: Current Approaches and Future Vision” was organised by the CASS on 16–18 December
2013. The conference was attended by many researchers, both from Arab and foreign universities. The
deliberations of the conference revolved around reinforcing the role of universities and scientific research
centres in examining contemporary social phenomena by monitoring, explicating and highlighting their
implications and influences, as well as presenting different approaches to dealing with them. It discussed
the cultural and social dimensions of contemporary social phenomena and their historical, geographical
and demographic aspects. Paper presentations and discussions were also held on scientific research and
the production of knowledge and contemporary social phenomena, and the role of education, media and
information practices in shaping social phenomena in addition to its economic dimensions.
The conference recommended the necessity of preserving the identity of the Arabic language and
spreading it globally through various means such as highlighting its unique identity, creating different
mechanisms for interaction within the Arab world and calling upon Arabic research centres to engage in
further standardisation that would protect the Arabic language from the negative influences of cultural
and linguistic globalisation. It stressed on directing academic studies and scientific research towards
contemporary social issues in such a manner as to reinforce intercultural communication.
7.2.4 Symposia Highlights (2010)
7.2.4.1 International Symposium on New Technologies for the Food Processing Industry
This international symposium was organised by the CAMS and La Rochelle University, France from 19–
21 December 2010. The objective of this symposium was to review the new and innovative technologies
emerging around the world in the food processing industry. The event was significant since the processing
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of food is no longer as simple or straightforward as it used to be in the past. It is now moving from being
an art to a highly interdisciplinary science. A number of new preservation techniques are being developed
to satisfy current demands of economic preservation; consumer satisfaction in nutritional, sensory, and
safety aspects; convenience; absence of: preservatives; low demand of energy; and environmental safety.
Recently the food security industry added a new dimension to its food preservation and one of the major
key factors to achieve. People from ministries and food industries attended this symposium. A total of
120 participants were registered and 21 papers were presented. It had a budget of RO 5,000.
7.2.4.2 International Symposium on Art Education and Sustainable Development
The Department of Art Education at the CED
held its first international symposium entitled
“Art Education and Sustainable Development”
during the period of 11–13 April 2010. This
symposium aimed at highlighting the role of art
education in meeting the requirements for
comprehensive
sustainable
development;
providing opportunities for researchers and
practitioners in art education to exchange ideas
and expertise in their relevant areas of
specialisation; and identifying the best teaching
and learning strategies in art education. Thirty-eight papers were presented in the symposium: four
international, 15 regional and 19 local papers. A total of 219 participants attended the symposium (200
from Oman, 15 from the Arab region and 4 international). The main outcome of the symposium was a set
of recommendations for improving human resource competencies pertinent to sustainable development
in Oman.
7.2.4.3 Promoting Research in ELT
This symposium was organised by the LC on 28 January 2010. It was the first event in Oman to address
the issue of research in ELT. The speakers addressed the notion of research and its significance in ELT and
learning. They also talked about the main obstacles that face researchers. There were also presentations on
some of the most popular research methods, such as action research, surveys and interviews. There were
sessions on some interesting research projects. These presentations were very inspiring for the participants.
There was a healthy exchange of ideas and experiences and awareness about the importance of research in
teaching. It also helped to promote the concept of research among practitioners. Seventeen papers were
presented and 195 participants were registered. This symposium had a budget of RO 5,000.
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7.2.4.4 Third SQU/JCCP Symposium on Environmental Challenges and Mitigation Approaches for
Sustainable Development in the Oil and Gas Industry
The Third SQU/JCCP Symposium on “Environmental Challenges and Mitigation Approaches for
Sustainable Development in the Oil and Gas Industry” was organised by the OGRC, CESAR and the
JCCP Technical Cooperation Department from 19–21 December 2010. It was sponsored by Japan
Cooperation Centre Petroleum with a total budget of about USD $50,000. Over 130 academics,
researchers and engineers from GCC countries and Japan participated in this event and 21 papers were
delivered. Results of research and innovative technologies related to environmental problems in the oil
and gas industry were presented. This symposium provided a forum for exchanging views and information
on a multitudes of issues ranging from water treatment, usage and management, to the improvement
of the desert environment. Based on the deliberations that took place during the technical sessions, a
number of general, short-term and long-term recommendations were made.
7.2.4.5 Symposium on Oman and Yemen: Cultural Interrelations
The symposium on “Oman and Yemen: Cultural Interrelations” was organised by the OSC from 7–8
February 2010. It celebrated the strong ties between the two countries and was meant to reinforce cultural
and research cooperation between the OSC and other research centres and institutions in Yemen. All 20
registered participants presented papers. There were also three keynote speakers. The total budget for the
event was RO 13,900. The sponsors for this event were: Raysut Cement, Oman Telecommunications
Company, Salalah Mills, Dhofar Cattle Feed, Oman Oil, WJ Towell, Global Gypsum Company and
Fulaij Company.
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7.2.4.6 First International Sialendoscopy Symposium (Fifth GCC ORL Society Symposium and
Fifteenth ORL Oman Society National Meeting)
This symposium, held from 26–28 October 2010, was organised by the ENT Division of Surgery
Department, SQUH. The objective of this symposium was to introduce the participants to state-ofthe-art technological developments, updating their knowledge on the basic science and epidemiology of
salivary gland diseases and conducting live surgery sessions to demonstrate the surgical technique. The
participants were exposed to new surgical techniques which will allow them to improve their skills and
knowledge on dealing with cases of sialolithiasis. It was also an excellent opportunity for the participants
to interact with world authorities in the field of medicine. The event registered 120 participants. Twentyone papers were presented. The symposium budget was RO 9,550.
7.2.5 Symposia Highlights (2011)
7.2.5.1 First Academic Gulf Forum for Social Work
Omani society has witnessed fast economic, cultural and social developments in recent decades. Such
rapid changes in any society would normally generate a number of social issues and problems that are
caused by the lack of adaptation to new developments. This poses the need for expansion in the field of
social work, curative and preventive social care and the development of its methods and tools. This in
turn demands the creation of new ideas, visions and applications that would contribute to strengthening
the bonds of society, reducing social barriers to development and paving the way for citizens to adapt to
the requirements associated with the process of change. In this context came the idea of organising this
forum. The main focus of this forum, organised by SQU on 15–16 March 2011, was on the potential of
developing the role of social work and its specialists in the GCC countries in order to help individuals
or groups develop their abilities to achieve social adjustment, in ways that assist social systems and other
institutions in society to perform their roles. The forum was the first of its kind in the region with respect
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to addressing this theme. Participants included academics and students from SQU and the University of
Dhofar as well as representatives of social institutions in the Sultanate, and some of the academics and
students from parallel departments in the GCC countries. This facilitated dialogue and the exchange of
experiences as well as the identification of teaching, training and employment needs.
7.2.5.2 Omani Child Culture Symposium
The symposium took place between 16–18 October 2011. It was based on the vision of creating a suitable
environment for Omani children to form an educated, balanced and qualified generation which can
then assume its role in building modern Omani society. The mission was to highlight the elements of
the socialisation process of Omani children and how to take care of them. The symposium aimed at
presenting and evaluating other experiences; in order to propose a practical mechanism to help those
dealing with children-related issues. The main goals of the symposium were to confirm the child’s right
to live and develop; to study and analyse areas of child culture: explore children’s experiences with
technology means; and attract attention to children with special needs and their integration in society.
The symposium included several topics: children’s culture; children’s rights; children with special needs
and the community; and children and technology. The number of papers presented in this symposium
was 35, distributed over eight sessions.
7.2.5.3 Oman and India: Prospects and Civilisation
The OSC and the Office for External Cooperation at SQU, in association with different government
bodies, organised a symposium that shed light on the deeply-rooted ties between the Sultanate of Oman
and its neighbouring country, the Republic of India from 27 February – 1 March 2011. The symposium
addressed past and present relations between Oman and India in different aspects such as culture,
economy and education. The symposium aimed at identifying links between Oman and India in the areas
of economy, science, culture and education; and exploring the economic, cultural, social and historical
dimensions of the exchange between the two countries. In addition, it aimed to recognise Omani and
Indian achievements in various fields. The participants in this conference came from different parts of the
world, including Oman, India, Egypt, Morocco and Saudi Arabia.
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7.2.6 Symposia Highlights (2012)
7.2.6.1 Bridging the Gap Between Healthcare Professionals and Knowledge: The Unspoken
Medical Librarian Role
The Department of Library and Information Science, CASS, in collaboration with Special Libraries-GCC, with the cooperation of Library of
the Royal Hospital, organised a symposium entitled “Bridging the gap between healthcare professionals and knowledge: The unspoken medical
librarian role”. There were 150 delegates from international and local exhibiters, librarians, physicians, hospital administrators, medical students,
nurses and other supporting staff. The symposium also gave opportunities for affiliated healthcare professionals along with medical and health information users to share ideas, hear from experts and see the latest products, as well as giving them a chance to
socialise. It discussed basic themes, including the role of librarians and information professionals within
the healthcare context and their effect in clinical decision-making; the level of medical professional’s information and computer literacy and the delivery of health services; and electronic collection development healthcare and medicine e-libraries.
7.2.6.2 Oman Symposium Addressing Environmental Issues in the Region
The symposium was organised by the CESAR
and the CASS on 26–28 February 2012. It addressed several issues related to the actual environmental situation in the Arab world as well as
the economic, social and environmental changes
it is witnessing, in an attempt to monitor various
aspects of deterioration caused to the ecosystems
and to identify the local and foreign elements
which contribute to this deterioration at the human and natural levels. The event was supported
by TRC and The Association of Arab Universities.
7.2.6.3 International Symposium on Whole Grain Products
The Department of Soils, Water and Agricultural
Engineering, CAMS, organised an “International Symposium on Whole Grain Products” in collaboration with Atyab Food Tech LLC (Oman
Flour Mills Company) and the Industrial Innovation Centre. The symposium discussed themes
on (1) promoting whole grain consumption; (2)
speciality whole grain products; (3) whole grains
for disease prevention and treatment; and (4)
whole grains in international food system. More than 80 participants attended the symposium from Ministries Royal Court Affairs, Oman Fisheries LLC, Oman Flour Mills LLC and SQU.
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7.2.7 Workshop Highlights (2010)
7.2.7.1 Integrated Approaches to Fruit Production and Post-Harvest Management in Arid
Climates
This three-day workshop was inaugurated on 29 May 2010 and held in collaboration with Stellenbosch
University, one of the leading research institutions in South Africa. It was organised under the umbrella of
the Oman-South Africa Scientific and Technical Bilateral Programme and the strategic research project
“Rejuvenating Lime Production in Oman: Resolving Current Challenges” funded by a HMTF grant
at SQU. The main objective of this workshop was to build scientific collaboration between agricultural
research organisations in the Sultanate and their counterparts in South Africa. Thirty-four participants
were registered in this event. There were 13 papers presented in four sessions addressing the challenges
of fruit production and research in Oman and South Africa; advances in fruit production research;
integrated approaches to managing citrus pests, diseases and disorders; post-harvest management; and the
health benefits of fruits. The participants concluded the workshop with the development of a framework
for institutional collaboration on the research of three fruit crops which includes pre-harvest management
and cultural practices; pest and disease management; post-harvest management; and human health issues
of the citrus, pomegranate and banana.
7.2.7.2 World Environment Day: Many Species, One Planet, One Future
The CESAR at SQU and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs jointly organised the World
Environment Day 2010 on 6 June 2010. This event aimed to draw the attention of various stakeholders to
protecting the environment in the Sultanate of Oman and enabling local participants to play an active role
in the management of the environment. A total of 153 participants attended, mainly from Oman. Fifteen
papers and 15 posters were presented. The budget for the event was RO 3,000.
7.2.7.3 Optical Communication and Sensing Workshop
Held on 17 January 2010, this workshop was the
outcome of a collaboration project between the
CIRC at SQU and City University, London,
UK. A British Council grant funded this as a
part of PMi2 programme. The selected audience
was targeted from different institutions in
Oman. The event was attended by 30 engineers
and professionals from OMANTEL, Petroleum
Development Oman, Ministry of Defence and
SQU. Five papers were presented. It was also
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attended by a representative from the British Council in Oman. The workshop opened the way to link
gradually the networking in Optical Sensing, as this appears to be the direction in current research
towards sensor networks. This workshop provided good ideas and important information, which will
stimulate the researchers to work on joint proposals.
7.2.8 Workshop Highlights (2011)
7.2.8.1 International Workshop on Fire Safety Engineering and Management
This international workshop on fire safety engineering and management was organised by the
Civil and Architectural Engineering Department, COE, SQU. The workshop was held from
7–9 March 2011. The growing interest towards fire safety in the GCC region over the past few years
due to the rapid development in infrastructure and industry inspired the organisation of this workshop.
The main aim of the workshop was to share updates on the latest developments, strategies and solutions
for key fire safety issues so as to enable construction professionals to learn more about how to design
and construct for fire safety. The issues discussed during the workshop included: (a) dissemination of
structural fire safety engineering knowledge throughout the Gulf region and worldwide; (b) ways to
design safe innovative buildings by extending the boundaries of engineering design; (c) future changes
to fire safety regulations and their impact on building design; and (d) the latest developments in fire
prevention and protection systems.
7.2.8.2 Second Workshop on “Medical Research Methodology”
Following the success of the first workshop on “Medical Research Methodology” conducted in November
2009, the Office of the Assistant Dean for Postgraduate Studies and Research planned a second workshop
on “Medical Research Methodology” that was conducted during 12–15 November 2011. The facilitators
in the workshop were three Professors from the Medical School of Dusseldorf University, Germany: Prof.
Wolfgang Janni, Prof. Gred Bauerschmitz and Prof. Udo Jeschke. The workshop was designed for both
clinicians and basic scientists actively involved in research in the COMHS and SQUH. Forty participants
took part in this interactive workshop. It was a very useful and interesting workshop that resulted in
research topics, two of which were submitted subsequently to be funded by IG of SQU. Another research
proposal emanating from the workshop is under preparation for submission to TRC.
7.2.8.3 Geological Carbon Capture and Storage in Mafic and Ultramafic Rocks
This workshop, organised at SQU during 8–10 January 2011, brought together scientists associated
with the Integrated Ocean Drilling Programme (IODP) and the International Continental Scientific
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Drilling Programme (ICDP), with specialists from the geothermal, chemical, and mining industries. It
aimed to raise the profile of research on geological carbon capture and storage, with particular focus on
the potential for storage in ultramafic and mafic rocks. Keynote lectures were on natural and enhanced
geological storage of CO2 in mafic and ultramafic rock formations; experimentally determined rates of
CO2 reaction with rocks, processes in which volume expansion due to formation of carbonate minerals
lead to fracture; experience with monitoring permeability and CO2 storage at sea and on land, and
use of ultramafic mine tailings for mineral carbonation for CO2 storage. The workshop was attended
by 87 registered participants from 15 countries including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany,
Netherlands, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Norway, Switzerland, UK and USA. It was sponsored by
IODP-MI, SQU, the US National Science Foundation, the European Science Foundation, UK-IODP,
Inter Ridge and the US Consortium for Ocean Leadership.
7.2.9 Workshop Highlights (2012)
7.2.9.1 Seismic Hazard Assessment
The EMC at SQU organised a workshop on
“Seismic Hazard Assessment for Oman” under
the patronage of H.E. Dr. Ali bin Saud Al
Bemani, Vice Chancellor of the University. This
event was part of a comprehensive seismic hazard
assessment project for Oman led by the EMC.
This national strategic project, sponsored by the
government of the Sultanate of Oman, was
supported by international institutions like
Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research
Institute, Bogazici University in Turkey and the
Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Science at Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
USA.
7.2.9.2 International Workshop on Mathematics
SQU and German University Technology
(GUtech) in Oman jointly hosted the First
International Mathematics Workshop which
discussed the latest developments in number
theory and applied mathematics. The workshop
was held from 18–22 February 2012. The
activities of the first three days were held in
GUtech and for the remaining two days, the
sessions were held in SQU COS. Around 40
mathematicians from Lebanon, Japan, Germany,
France, India, Oman and other countries
participated in the workshop. 91
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7.2.9.3 Workshop on Sustainable Water Use for Food Security
The Department of Soils, Water and Agricultural
Engineering, CAMS, organised a workshop on
“Sustainable Water Use for Food Security” in
celebration of World Water Day. The main
objective of this workshop was to acquaint food
processing and marketing specialists with the
crucial role of water in achieving food security in
order to ensure sustainability by improving onfarm water management, improving the
performance of the irrigation services,
augmenting water supplies and adopting
innovative cultural practices. 7.2.9.4 Workshop on Nutritional Challenges in the Sultanate of Oman
The Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition
at the CAMS, SQU, organised its annual
workshop on “Nutritional Challenges in the
Sultanate of Oman”. The department has been
lauded for their efforts in hosting the workshop
annually. The workshop discussed the impact of
the diet on our body, ‘bad’ and ‘healthy’ diets, as
well as food choices and the importance of
nutritional food labelling. 7.2.9.5 Workshop on Climate Change Scenario in Oman
SQU hosted the second workshop on “Initial
National Communication to United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) - Sultanate of Oman”. UNFCCC
is an international treaty which envisages
member states to cooperatively consider what
they could do to limit average global temperature
increases and the resulting climate change, and to
cope with whatever impacts are inevitable. The
workshop was organised jointly by SQU, the
Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs
and the United Nations Environment Programme. 92
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7.2.9.6 Communication to UNFCCC Workshop
The quality Assurance Office at SQU hosted the
third technical workshop on “Initial National
Communication to United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)”
in collaboration with the Ministry of
Environment and Climate Affairs and United
Nations Environment Programme. The
participants consisted of experts on climate
change from within and outside SQU. They
presented papers on mitigation analysis,
recommendations on greenhouse gas inventory
and climate modeling and assessment model for vulnerability due to sea level rise. The experts reviewed
the work done so far and prepared a list of gaps, issues and actions to be discussed in the final session. The
UNFCCC is an international treaty which envisages member states to cooperatively consider what they
could do to limit average global temperature increase and the resulting climate change, and to cope with
whatever impacts that are inevitable.
7.2.9.7 Understanding Soils: Inspiring the New Generation towards Agricultural and
Environmental Sustainability
The Soils, Water and Agricultural Engineering
Department, CAMS organised a training
workshop for students to encourage them
regarding agricultural and environmental
sustainability.
The
workshop
themed
“Understanding Soils: Inspiring the New
Generation
towards
Agricultural
and
Environmental Sustainability” was held under
the patronage of H.E. Dr. Hamoud Khalfan Al
Harthy, Undersecretary at the Ministry of
Education for Education and Curricula. Two
hundred and fifty students and teachers from 10 schools in Muscat attended the training workshop. The
workshop consisted of real-time scientific models and experiments; displays on topics relevant to soil and
water related to agriculture and environment; and training hands-on skills.
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7.2.10 Trend Analysis
Table 7.2.7 gives the numbers of conferences, symposia and workshops organised during the period
2008–2012. The total number of these events has been increasing over the last four years, jumping from
15 in 2008 to 30 in 2012.
Table 7.2.7: Conferences, symposia and workshops at SQU for 2008–2012
Conferences
Symposia
Workshops
Total
2008
8
3
4
15
2009
11
2
3
16
2010
10
6
3
19
2011
12
3
3
18
2012
17
3
7
27
7.3 Conference Attendance
SQU encourages its staff to attend and present papers at scientific conferences, symposia and workshops
within the Sultanate and abroad. Faculty members and researchers are given financial assistance if their
papers are accepted for presentation. The number of staff participating in conferences, symposia and
workshops abroad was 460 in 2010 and 485 in 2011. The number went up to 579 in 2012. All applications
meeting the criteria were approved.
7.3.1 Trend Analysis
There has been a steady increase in the rate of conference participation by academics over the last five
years. An increase by 90% has been noticed, with the number increasing from 255 in 2007 to 579 in 2012,
as shown in Figure 7.3.1.1. This rise is natural, given the University’s continuous support for all aspects
of academic research.
600
579
485
Number of Participants
500
460
400
375
305
300
255
200
100
0
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Year
Figure 7.3.1.1: Number of participants in local and international conferences during 2007–2012
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Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
2,30,000
OR 198,731
1,94,000
OR 168,111
Total Budget (OR)
OR 167,164
1,58,000
OR 119,430
1,22,000
OR 97,167
86,000
50,000
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Year
Figure 7.3.1.2: Total funds used from the conference central budget during 2007–2012
The Conference Central Budget is the principal source of funding to support conference attendance. The
total expenditure from the Conference Central Budget has increased from RO 97,167 in 2007 to
RO 168,111 in 2012 as shown in Figure 7.3.1.2.
A breakdown of the numbers of researchers attending conferences classified by funding source for 2007
to 2012 is given in Table 7.3.1. The numbers have been steadily increasing over the years. This reflects
both the growth of researchers’ productivity and SQU’s commitment towards supporting its researchers.
Table 7.3.1: Number of researchers attending conferences, symposia and workshops classified by funding source for
2007–2012
Year
By
Invitation
Personal Expense
College Current
Budget
Conference
Central Budget
Funded
Projects
Total
2007
37
20
58
137
3
255
2008
24
20
70
179
12
305
2009
35
12
66
245
17
375
2010
35
47
103
249
26
460
2011
28
44
132
255
26
485
2012
43
66
148
283
39
579
7.3.2 Distribution of Attendance
As an example, Figure 7.3.2.1 shows the distribution of conference attendance in various units of SQU
for the year 2012 as percentages, while Figure 7.3.2.2 demonstrates the number of applications. The data
shows that SQUH and the COS accounted for 47% of approved applications, while the remaining 53%
was shared by other colleges and units. The COL had the least number of applications (2%).
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Agricultural & Marine Sciences
Arts & Social Science
20
47
Commerce & Economics
149
Education
60
Engineering
SQU Hospital
29
Medicine & Health Sciences
28
Science
53
Nursing
81
51
12
Law
9
40
Language Centre
Others
Figure 7.3.2.1: Distribution of conference attendance approved for SQU units and colleges in 2012
160
149
140
120
Number of Applications
100
80
81
60
60
53
40
51
47
40
29
28
20
20
12
0
CAMS
CASS
CCE
CED
COE
SQUH COMHS COS
CON
9
COL
LC
Colleges/Units
Figure 7.3.2.2: Number of funded conference application attendance for SQU units and colleges in 2012
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Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
7.3.3 Way Forward
SQU encourages its staff to participate in conferences and scientific meetings in various parts of the world
by providing them with financial support. Participation in such events is an opportunity to learn about the
latest scientific developments and get in contact with other scholars from around the world to exchange
ideas and have a scholarly dialogue. The present report clearly shows that the number of participants
is increasing every year, and for this reason, it is suggested that the fund allocated for the Central
Conference Budget be increased. In 2012, the fund initally allocated for this budget was RO 100,000,
however RO 168,111 was actually spent, presumably covering costs from other budget items. A budget of
RO 250,000 is recommended for the coming years.
7.4 SQU Journals and Books
7.4.1 SQU Journals
The University's research journals are receiving international attention and thus the number of papers
published in these journals is steadily increasing. In 2012, the University journals published 136 papers
in different specialisations.
Table 7.4.1: Number of volumes and issues published in SQU journals in 2007–2012
Year
Science
Agricultural and
Marine Sciences
Medicine
2007
1 (7)
2 (13)
3 (40)
2008
1 (8)
1 (6)
3 (49)
Engineering
Education
Arts and
Social Sciences
1 (5)
1 (4)
1 (5)
1 (3)
1 (3)
-
2009
1 (7)
1 (9)
3 (53)
2 (7)
2 (10)
-
2010
1 (8)
1 (7)
3 (49)
2 (17)
1 (10)
-
2011
1 (9)
-
4 (25)
2 (18)
2 (13)
-
2012
2 (19)
1 (7)
4 (64)
2 (16)
3 (22)
1 (8)
Examples of papers that made significant contributions are given below.
Sultan Qaboos University Journal
for Science
Kamal Kareem Ali, Salih Muhammad Awadh and Jassim Muhammad Hemad
(2011). “Ground Radiometric Method as a Tool for Determining the Surface
Boundary of a Buried Bauxitic Karst”. Sultan Qaboos University Journal for
Science, 16:57-67.
Abstract:
Forty two ground radiometric measurements along nine traverses within
a rectangular network area were taken across a bauxitic karst within the
Ubaid Formation (Lower Jurassic) in the Western Desert of Iraq. A
4-Channel Gamma Ray Spectrometer (GAD-6) with sodium iodide
NaI (Tl) crystal (GSP-4S) was used in the field to measure the total
radioactivity of the surface soil. Soil samples collected from the surface
at each measurement point and core samples collected from a test well
penetrating the karst were analyzed by Gamma ray spectrometer. The
main objective of this study was to detect the hidden bauxitic karst and determine its surface boundary. The
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radioactivity on the surface of the karst was ranging between 60 and 80 count per second (c/s), while the
background radioactivity of the Ubaid Formation, which hosts the karst, was ranging between 100 and150 c/s.
Chemical weathering, especially dissolution and leaching moved uranium (238U) and thorium (232Th) from
the overburden downward. Accordingly, these elements have been adsorbed on the surface of clay minerals
and bauxite buried at a depth of about 5m causing enrichment with radioactivity. The leached overburden lack
radioelements, so its radioactivity was less than background radioactivity level. The gamma ray spectroanalysis
showed that the radioactivity of 238U and 232Th in the overburden was 0.5 and 3 Bq/Kg, whereas, in the
bauxite and flint clay bed, it was 240 and 160 Bq/Kg respectively. Based on the radioactivity anomaly contrast
on the surface, an isorad map was plotted and the karst diameter which represents low anomaly was determined
to be ranging from 150 to 200m. The current study demonstrates that the ground radiometric method is quite
useful for detecting the bauxitic karst and inferring its surface boundaries.
Agricultural and Marine Sciences A Research Journal
Slim Zekri, Ayoub Fouzai, Ali Naifer, and Tariq Helmi. (2012). “Damage Cost of
Drying of Aflaj in the Sultanate of Oman”, Agricultural and Marine Sciences - A
Research Journal, 17:9-19
Abstract:
Life style changes, population and economic growth, and lack of
institutional innovations are causing noticeable damage to the rural
communities living in and around Aflaj. The Ministry of Regional
Municipalities and Water Resources (MRMWR) reported more than
1,000 dried-up Aflaj out of 4,112 in 1996. This paper presents an
estimation of the damage caused to the rural communities due to Aflaj
dry-up. The production function method and the cost based method
are used to estimate the direct losses incurred by farmers and the local
communities. These are related to (1) losses in marketed agricultural
products, (2) increase in domestic water expenditures per household and (3) capital losses related to changes in
house and land values. The study considered 33 dried-up Aflaj among the 1029 monitored by the MRMWR.
Our results show that on average each family in the dried-up Falaj has lost an income equivalent of OR 320
per month. This highlights the importance of Aflaj as an income generator in the remote rural areas. Live Aflaj
provide fresh vegetables and healthy food as well as drinking water to the rural population without the need for
governmental intervention. The contribution of the supporting wells, whenever provided by the MRMWR,
is estimated at OR 1,478 per family per year. On average the annual financial loss per family due to dry-up is
estimated at OR 3,301 per year. The total damage cost of dried-up Aflaj, at the Sultanate level, is estimated at
more than OR 59 million per year.
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Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
Sultan Qaboos University Medical
Journal (SQUMJ)
Abdullah A. Balkhair, Zakariya K. Al-Muharrmi, Shyam Ganguly and Ali A.
Al-Jabri. (2012). “Spectrum of AIDS-Defining Opportunistic Infections in
a Series of 77 Hospitalised HIV-infected Omani Patients”. Sultan Qaboos
University Medical Journal, 12(4):442–448
Abstract:
Objectives: Most of the morbidity and mortality in human
immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome
(HIV/AIDS) result from opportunistic infections (OIs). Although
the spectrum of OIs in HIV-infected patients from developing
countries has been reported, there is a paucity of data on the natural
history, pattern of disease, and survival of hospitalised patients with
HIV/AIDS, particularly in Arab countries. The aim of this study was
to retrospectively study the spectrum and frequency of various OIs
in a cohort of hospitalised HIV-infected Omani patients. Methods: Included in the study were 77 HIVinfected Omani patients admitted to a tertiary care teaching hospital in Muscat, Oman, between January
1999 and December 2008. They were diagnosed on their first admission and hence were not on highly active
antiretroviral therapy (HAART) at presentation. The frequency of various clinical and laboratory findings
and individual OIs were analysed. Results: In total, 45 patients (58%) had one or more AIDS-defining OIs.
Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) was commonest (25%), followed by cryptococcal meningitis (22%),
cytomegalovirus (CMV), retinitis (17%), disseminated tuberculosis (15%) and cerebral toxoplasmosis
(12.5%). Only one patient with Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAI) was identified and one patient
had disseminated visceral leishmaniasis. The majority of patients (77%) had CD4+ counts <200 cells/µL.
Ten patients (22%) died during hospital stays, with five deaths (50%) being caused by disseminated CMV
infection. Conclusion: A wide spectrum of OIs is seen in hospitalised HIV-infected patients in Oman. P.
jiroveci pneumonia and cryptococcal meningitis were the commonest OIs, while disseminated CMV was the
commonest cause of death. We hope these results will advance the knowledge of specialists treating HIV in
Oman and the Gulf region.
The Journal of Engineering
Research (TJER)
MH Albadi and EF El-Saadany (2012). “Comparative Study on Impacts of
Power Curve Model on Capacity Factor Estimation of Pitch-Regulated
Turbines”, The Journal of Engineering Research, 9(2)36–45
Abstract:
The amount of energy produced by a turbine depends on the characteristics of both wind speed at the site under investigation and the turbine's
power performance curve. The capacity factor (CF) of a wind turbine is
commonly used to estimate the turbine's average energy production. This
paper investigates the effect of the accuracy of the power curve model on
CF estimation. The study considers three CF models. The first CF model
is based on a power curve model that underestimates the turbine output
throughout the ascending segment of the power curve. To compensate
for the aforementioned discrepancy, the Weibull parameters, c and k, which are used to describe wind profile,
are calculated based on cubic mean wind speed (CMWS). The second CF model is based on the most accurate
generic power curve model available in open literature. The third CF model is based on a new model of power
performance curve which mimics the behavior of a typical pitch-regulated turbine curve. As the coefficients of
this power curve model are based on a general estimation of the turbine output at different wind speeds, they
can be further tuned to provide a more accurate fit with turbine data from a certain manufacturer.
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Journal of Education and
Psychological Studies ( JEPS)
Jalal Haj Hussien (2012). “Developing Mathematics Motivation Scale for
the United Arab Emirates”, Journal of Educational and Psychological Studies,
6(3):1-11.
Abstract:
The objective of this study was to develop a valid and reliable mathematics motivation scale (MMS) for UAE students in grades 4 through 12
based on the self-determination theory. A total of 1,481 students (713
boys and 768 girls) from the UAE participated in this study. The process of developing the MMS involved: a) Development of an initial item
pool, b) investigating the item-type of motivation membership, c) examining the appropriateness of the administration instructions and the
items phrasing, d) and exploring various types of validity and reliability
of the MMS. The results indicate that the MMS has acceptable levels of
content validity and structure validity. The results also provided evidence that the MMS has acceptable levels
of internal consistency and temporal stability.
Journal of College of Arts and
Social Science
Musallam Al-Ma'ani (2011). “Cultural Aspects of Arabicisation: Past and
Present”. Journal of Arts and Social Science, 2:22–30
Abstract:
The aim of this article is to examine the cultural dimensions of arabicisation, past and present. The article traces the rise and fall of arabicisation
and its ramifications for science, knowledge, research and education in
and through Arabic. Arabicisation has been at the heart of linguistic and
culture debate since the dawn of Islam, a debate intensified when the
Arabs and their new religion came into contact with different civilizations and cultural. The rise of the Islamic empire in medieval times consolidated Arabic and Arab culture, attracting scholars from around the
world to research different areas of science and knowledge through the
medium of Arabic, which in turn became, and remained for centuries, the global donor language of knowledge and learning. With the decline of the Arab/Islamic Empire, however, Arabic and Arab culture started to
lose their world standing. Today, Arabic and its culture occupy a marginal position when compared to other
languages like English for instance. For different internal and external reasons, Arabic has lost its status as the
major language of innovation and creative thinking. But this is not because it cannot handle the concepts of
modern civilization or is usable to express them; rather the cultural position of Arabs seems to be the main
reason. Instead of being the predominant language of science and technology, Arabic has been competed by
other foreign languages in its own territories. The widespread use of European languages, the languages of the
colonizing powers, has undermined its role. Furthermore, the lack of pan-Arab policies on language planning
has contributed to the emergence of different and often disparate models of arabicisation. Transformation in
the objectives and scope of the process reflects the historical developments and decline of Arab culture from
medieval times to the present day.
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Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
7.4.2 SQU Books
SQU has been encouraging the publication of peer-reviewed scholarly books. The Academic Publication
Board administers this process and authors are given remuneration for their work. Table 7.4.2 gives the
number of published books during the period 2007–2012.
Table 7.4.2: Books published by SQU during the period 2007–2012
Year
Books Published
2007
1
2008
4
2009
-
2010
2
2011
5
2012
2
The peer-reviewed scholarly books published by SQU in 2010 and 2011 are given below.
7.4.2.1 Language and Literature
Book Title: The Relationship between the Omani Poetic Model
and Arab Poetic Models in the Past and Present
Author:
Ahmad Al Tarisi
Issue Year:2010
Pages:94
"The Relationship between the Omani Poetic Model and Arab Poetic Models in the Past and Present" by Dr. Ahmad Al Tarisi is an analytical study of
the relationship between Omani poetic models and their Arab counterparts.
The 94-page book is divided into five chapters. The first chapter deals with the
concept, techniques and mechanisms of the model. The second examines the
salient features of Omani poetry, while the third studies the Omani poetry
within the context of the Arab poetic models of imitation. The fourth chapter
examines the Omani poetic model within the context of the Arab model of
pastiche, while the fifth chapter analyses this within the context of the Arab
model of intertextuality. This is the first academic study of this phenomenon.
Book Title: The Omani ELT Symphony: Maintaining Linguistic
and Socio-Cultural Equilibrium
Author:
Rahma Al Mahrooqi and Victoria Tuzlukova
Issue Year:2011
Pages:537
"The Omani ELT Symphony: Maintaining Linguistic and Socio-Cultural Equilibrium” provides a picture of ELT practices in Oman from different perspectives and is the first of its type. This 537-page publication
consists of four parts. The first part deals with the sociocultural and linguistic aspects of the ELT profile in Oman. The second part examines the
critical factors in teaching and learning English in Oman, while the third
is concerned with materials and curriculum design in the Omani ELT
context. The fourth part deals with independent and computer-assisted
language learning. The book includes a glossary of the most important
terms on language and learning pedagogy as well as a list of contributors.
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7.4.2.2Law
Book Title: Oman Trade Law: Commercial Companies
Author:
Adil Al-Miqdadi
Issue Year:2010
Pages:393
"Oman Trade Law: Commercial Companies" includes a comprehensive
explanation of the laws pertaining to commercial companies that are
stated in the Royal Decree number 4/1974 and all its amendments. It
provides a definition of companies and the conditions of their establishment, their juristic and natural identities and reasons for their dissolution and liquidation. It also surveys the laws and provisions pertaining to
the types of companies in Oman, such as the Joint Stock Company, the
Limited Partnership Company, the Particular Partnership Company,
Limited and Unlimited Liability and Holding Company. It also includes
their characteristics, registration and modes of dissolution. This book is
useful for lawyers, business and law students, banks and companies.
Book Title: The Rules of Commercial Agency
Author:
Abdelrahman Al Nafie
Issue Year:2011
Pages:123
"The Rules of Commercial Agency" by Mr. Abdelrahman Al Nafie addresses
the rules of commercial agency in Omani law. With 123 pages, the book consists of two chapters, each with three sections. The first covers the concept and
conditions of holding a commercial agency, while the second covers its effects.
The book also examines the changes that have occurred over the years in the
rules governing commercial agency as a result of local, political, economic and
global developments. It also studies overlapping between the rules and functions of commercial agency and those of the franchise or trade mark. More
over, the book discusses rules related to the means of settlement of disputes
which may arise between parties involved in commercial agency contracts.
7.4.2.3
Arts and Social Sciences
Book Title: The History of Oman’s Civilisation
Author:
Ali Al Lawati
Issue Year:2011
Pages:245
Dr. Ali Hassan Al Lawati’s book “The History of Oman’s Civilisation” studies the
development of the civilisation in Oman between the fourth and fifth centuries HJ.
It has 245 pages and consists of three chapters. The first chapter deals with social
life by way of introduction to Omani tribes and the powers which influenced their
social norms. The second chapter examines the economy of that era by shedding
light on agriculture, trade, industry and crafts. The third chapter studies intellectual
life by analysing the system of education, its goals, locations, values and ceremonies.
It also deals with the sciences favored by Omanis at that time, their most prominent
scholars and their books. The text also examines Oman’s scholarly ties with Morocco and the general characteristics of Omani intellectual life at that time.
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Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
Book Title: The History of Oman during the Nabhani
Dynasty
Author:
Abdullah Nasser Al Harthi
Issue Year:2011
Pages:228
"The History of Oman during the Nabhani Dynasty" by Dr. Abdul Nasser
Al Harthi discusses political, economic, and literary life during the Nabhani
dynasty which ruled Oman between 1154–1624. Its 228 pages include five
chapters. The first deals with the period before the Nabhanis’ reign, while
the second focuses on their origins, their emergence, their wars and kings,
their relationship with the Ibadi Imamship and external powers. The third
chapter examines aspects of agriculture and the fourth focuses on trade and
marine wealth. The fifth chapter deals with the industry and crafts available
at that time. This is the first book of its kind which deals with the history of
the Nabhani dynasty, which lasted for five centuries, and also touches on the
economic and cultural conditions of that era.
Book Title: Traditional Goat Management in Dhofar and the
Omani Desert
Author:
Ali Tijani El Mahi
Issue Year:2011
Pages:182
"Traditional Goat Management in Dhofar and the Omani Desert" by
Prof. Ali Tijani El Mahi arises from a field study which investigated traditional goat management in Dhofar and the Omani desert. This 182page publication considers goat-raising as a key means of survival in an
arid environment which, with the passage of time, has caused complex
managerial strategies and practices to evolve. The book’s importance
stems from the fact that archeological evidence falls short of fully explaining agricultural strategies and methods of ancient societies. On the
other hand, traditional management comprises indigenous knowledge
that has evolved down the ages. It reveals the adaptation of nomadic
pastoralists to the environment, a process which has become an integral part of the cultural heritage of Oman.
Moreover, development studies confirm that indigenous knowledge is an essential element in formulating policies and programmes. Thus its documentation is a necessity.
Book Title: Halocyprid Ostracods of the Arabian Sea Region
Author:
Inna Drapun and Sharon L. Smith
Issue Year:2012
Pages:223
The taxonomy and distribution of halocyprid ostracods from the
Arabian Sea region is reported, based upon samples collected in the
Northwestern Indian Ocean within the framework of the Netherland
Indian Ocean Programme (NIOP: 1992–1993), the United States Joint
Global Ocean Flux Study. Forty-one species from genera belonging to
the family Halocyprididae are described and illustrated, and representative photographs are presented in this book. Keys to the subfamilies,
tribes, genera and species, and patterns of horizontal and vertical distribution of each described species in the Arabian Sea region are also given.
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Book Title: Calanoid Copepods of the Arabian Sea Region
Author:
Irina Prusova, Sharon Smith and Elena Popova
Issue Year:2012
Pages:240
The book "Calanoid Copepods of the Arabian Sea Region" by Ms. Irina
Prusova, Ms. Sharon Smith and Ms. Elena Popova is based on 965 mesozoplankton sample collected from 1992 until 1995 in the Northwestern Indian Ocean. This work illustrates 60 species of calanoid copepods
found in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden. For each species there is
a short description, detailed original line drawings and photographs of
females and males. Keys to species of the 15 genera are included in the
book, and maps and diagrams illustrating horizontal and vertical occurrences of the described species in the investigated area are also provided.
Descriptions of the samples that were analysed, the overall fauna (including a list of families that were found in the study area), and detailed methods of the 25 calanoid species
of that were employed contribute to this very useful work. This book is an easy-to-use identification guide for
practical taxonomic studies that brings together scattered knowledge of the copepod fauna of the region. Both
advanced taxonomists and beginners will find the book a valuable guide to calanoid copepods of the Arabian
Sea region.
7.4.3 Trend Analysis
Examination of Table 7.4.1 shows that SQUMJ is progressing very well followed by TJER and the JEPS.
Furthermore, the SQUMJ is indexed in SCOPUS and listed in PubMed and the TJER is indexed in
SCOPUS. The Journal of Arts and Social Sciences produced only one issue in 2007 and one issue in 2012
and thus needs special attention to ensure regular annual production.
7.5Conclusion
SQU has been providing research support reflecting its commitment towards promoting research culture
in the University and the Sultanate. In 2010, 2011 and 2012, SQU organised and hosted 39 conferences,
12 symposia and 13 workshops. Renown international speakers from different parts of the world delivered
keynote addresses and papers during these events. The number of researchers attending conferences
during these three years were 460, 485 and 579, respectively, with substantial increase every year. The
Conference Central Budget remains the main source of funding for conference attendance. The journals
SQUMJ and TJER have shown notable growth in their publications. Both are indexed in international
scientific databases such as SCOPUS. However, other journals need to put more effort in promoting their
productivity. In 2010, 2011 and 2012, SQU published nine books which were internationally refereed
books approved by the Academic Publication Board. This number is modest and SQU should strive to
encourage its faculty to produce more refereed books. Researchers in humanities-based colleges value the
publication of books more than those in science-based colleges who prefer to publish papers in peerreviewed journals. Perhaps the humanities-based colleges should play a major role in the publication of
scholarly books.
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Research Awards
8
8.1Introduction
8.2 Best Researcher Award
8.3 Best Paper Award
8.4 Student Research Awards 2010
8.5 Student Research Awards 2011
8.6 Student Research Awards 2012
8.7Conclusion
8.1Introduction
S
QU has always been committed to supporting and promoting research excellence. In recognition
of its staff ’s research quality and productivity, the University annually offers Best Researcher
Awards and Best Paper Awards on the University Day (held on the 2nd May each year). Every
year, the colleges nominate their winning candidates after a thorough selection process. SQU also
offers research awards to students through colleges. Faculty members, researchers and students
also receive research awards from regional and international research organisations, which reflect the
quality of their research performance.
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Research Awards
8.2 Best Researcher Award
In 2010, nine faculty members won the Best Researcher Award. The names of the winners are listed in
Table 8.2.1 below.
Table 8.2.1: The Best Researcher Award winners in 2010
Name
College
Prof. Michael Deadman
Agricultural and Marine Sciences
Dr. Yassine Abdel Rahman Charabi
Arts and Social Sciences
Dr. Saeed Mubarak Al-Muharrami
Commerce and Economics
Dr. Ali Huwaishl Al-Shuaili
Education
Dr. Yahya Mansoor Al-Wahaibi
Engineering
Dr. Usama Roubi El-Roubi
Law
Prof. Samir Hamad Al-Adawi
Medicine and Health Sciences
Prof. Sobhi Jaber Nasir
Science
Prof. Shahid Abrar-ul-Hassan
Language Centre
The winners of the Best Researcher Award in 2011 are listed in Table 8.2.2.
Table 8.2.2: The Best Researcher Award winners in 2011
Name
College
Dr. Sergey Dobretsov
Agricultural and Marine Sciences
Prof. Ali Tigani El Mahi
Arts and Social Sciences
Dr. Kamla Ali Al-Busaidi
Commerce and Economics
Dr. Hussein Ali Al-Kharousi
Education
Dr. Sayyad Zahid Qamar
Engineering
Dr. Saleh Ahmed Al-Sawafi
Law
Dr. Shahina Firdos Daar
Medicine and Health Sciences
Dr. Salim Hamoud Al-Harthy
Science
Dr. Gennady Medvedev
Language Centre
Dr. Mariam Mathew
SQU Hospital
The winners of the Best Researcher Award in 2012 are listed in Table 8.2.3.
Table 8.2.3: The Best Researcher Award winners in 2012
Name
College
Dr. Gholamreza Vakili Nejad Engineering
Dr. Osama Kamal Abou-Zied Science
Dr. Salim Mubarak Al-Hatrushi Arts and Social Sciences
Dr. Mohamed Essa Mohamed
Agricultural and Marine Sciences
Dr. Fahad Issa Al-Zadjali Medicine and Health Sciences
Dr. Abdelhady Mokhtar El-Awady Law
Dr. Farouk Sabri Mjalli Engineering
Prof. Maher Mohammed Abu Hilal
Education
Dr. Amna Mohamed Salim Al-Fataisi SQU Hospital
Dr. Jamila Abdullah Al-Siyabi Language Centre
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Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
8.3 Best Paper Award
SQU has six refereed journals (see Section 7.4.1). In its effort to promote the status of these journals and
to encourage faculty to publish in them, the University honors the author(s) of the best paper from each
journal on the University Day. The Editorial Board of each journal makes the selection of the winning
paper. In 2010, the Best Paper Awards were presented to four papers as shown in Table 8.3.1.
Table 8.3.1: Winners of the Best Paper Award for 2010
Best paper
Nadaf, S.K., S.M. Al-Farsi, S.A. Al-Hinai, A.S. Al-Harthi, and A.N. Al-Bakri. 2009. Effect of spacing on seed yield of indigenous
rangeland and forage grass species grown under drip Irrigation. Sultan Qaboos University Agricultural and Marine Sciences – A
Research Journal 14:1-8.
Al–Rawas, Omar A. Nair, Jayakrishnan B., Ben Abid, Fatma, George, Jojy, Baddar, Sawsan A. and Al–Riyami, Bazdawi M (2009).
Management and control of asthma in patients attending a specialist centre in Oman. Sultan Qaboos University Medical
Journal, 9(2):132–139.
Nasir, Sobhi Jaber (2009). Multiphase mineral inclusions in Ferrikaersutite megacrysts: implications for postmagmatic alteration
of the Kaersutite host. Sultan Qaboos University, Journal of Education and Psychological Studies, 14, 25–43.
A Hossen, B Al–Ghunaimi (2009), A pattern recognition technique based on wavelet decomposition for identification of
patients with congestive heart failure. The Journal of Engineering Research 6(2): 40–46.
In 2011, five papers received the awards for the best papers. Table 8.3.2 presents the names of the winning
authors and the titles of the best papers.
Table 8.3.2: Winners of the Best Paper Award for 2011
Best paper
Ben Salem, I., M. Rekik, M.B. Hamouda, and N. Lassoued. 2010. Live weight changes and their relationship with the ovarian
status of maiden fat-tailed Barbarine ewes. Sultan Qaboos University Agricultural and Marine Sciences – A Research Journal
15:41-46.
Emtanuos Michaeel (2010). A study of the brief multidimensional students’ life satisfaction scale (BMSLSS) with Syrian
secondary and university students, Journal of Education and Psychological Studies, 4(2), 52–73.
Rashid Al-Sukaiti, Lawrence Stein, Nocholas Christou, Benoit Mesurolle, Giovanni P Artho (2010). Imaging of small bowel
obstruction following gastric bypass surgery for morbid obesity: A retrospective review, Sultan Qaboos University Medical
Journal, 10(3):354–360.
Hersi, O.S and Al–Harthy, A. 2010. Lithofacies attributes of a transgressive carbonate system: the Middle Eocene Seeb
Formation, Al–Khod Area, Muscat, Oman, Sultan Qaboos University Journal for Science, 15: 41-45.
K Al–Shamsi, Louay NM (2010), Estimating optimum compaction level for dense–graded hot–mix asphalt mixtures. The Journal
of Engineering Research 7(1):11–21.
In 2012, six papers received the best paper awards as shown in Table 8.3.3
Table 8.3.3: Winners of the Best Paper Award for 2012
Best paper
Mahmoud, A.M. and A.N.Z. Gindy. 2011. Treatment of monogenic parasites in imported hybrid mono sex red tilapia fries
(Oreochromis spp.) in the Sultanate of Oman. Sultan Qaboos University Agricultural and Marine Sciences – A Research Journal
16:35-40.
Al-Belushi, M. Ali K. (2011). The Archaeological Records of Oman: The Challenge of Information Management–SQU Journal for
Arts and Social Sciences, No. 2, pp5–19.
Hussien., & Jalal Haj (2011) The Self–Determination Theory and Mathematics Motivation: Grade Levels and Gender Differences
among United Arab Emirates Students, The Journal of Educational and Psychological Studies, 5(1), 15–31.
T Salama, Nassif HH (2011), Effective flange width for composite steel beams. The Journal of Engineering Research 8(1):28–43.
Al Busaidi, Nasser and Soriano, Joan B (2011). Asthma Control in Oman National Results within the Asthma Insights and Reality
in the Gulf and the Near East (AIRGNE) Study. SQU Medical Journal, 11(1):45–51.
Arafin, S. and Rahman, S.M.M. 2011. Dynamical Properties of Omani Crude Oils for Flow Through a Vertical Annulus and a
Cylindrical Pipe, Sultan Qaboos University Journal for Science, 16:102-117.
107
Research Awards
8.4 Student Research Awards 2010
SQU students brought home four prestigious awards in 2010. The details are given below.
8.4.1 RIBA Award
A group of Architectural Engineering students (Mr. Haitham Mohammed Bousafi, Ms. Alya A Sattar AlHashim, Mr. Ahmed Abdullah Al-Maqbali and Mr. Adi Al-Farei) won the first prize in the Royal Institute
of British Architects (RIBA) competition. The competition was held in Dubai in 2010, and 19 students
from GCC universities vied for the award.
8.4.2 Best Students Research Idea Award
Mr. Mahmoud Al-Ofi and Mr. Abeed Al-Henaishi from the COMHS were awarded the Best Students
Research Idea Award for their project titled “Characteristics and Correlates of Breast Cancer among
Women” attending the National Associations for Cancer Awareness, Muscat.
8.4.3 Imperial Barrel Award
A student team from the Department of Earth Science, COS, won the second position in the 2010
Imperial Barrel Award competition in the GeoArabia, Bahrain, 2010.
8.4.4 Palm Leaves Page Silver Medal Certificate
Mr. Mustafa Salim Barami, a student from the Department of Chemistry, was awarded a Silver Medal
Certificate for his innovative creativity on “Palm Leaves Page” in the Third International Invention Fair of
the Middle East held in Kuwait from 7–9 November 2010.
8.5 Student Research Awards 2011
8.5.1 Imperial Barrel Award
SQU won the third place in the 2011 Imperial Barrel Award. Five students from the Department of
Earth Sciences, COS, (Mr. Ismail Al-Dhahli, Ms. Shaikha Al-Qassabi, Ms. Asya Al-Abri, Mr. Nasser AlHabsi and Mr. Omar Al-Riyami) represented the Sultanate at the international competition, organised in
Houston, Texas, in the United States.
The team won the first place at the regional level contest held in Dubai under the guidance of Mr. Khalil
Juma Mahmood Al Hooti.
8.5.2 Second Oil and Natural Gas Exploration Regional Student Awards
Two Omani students from the Department of Earth Science at SQU bagged Regional Student Awards at
the second meeting of the Oil and Natural Gas Exploration, held at King Fahad University of Petroleum
and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
108
Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
8.5.3 Regional Honey Show Award
A student from the COS won the first place in the regional Honey Show competition between UAE and
Oman. She participated in London at the International level with her research entitled: “Selective Dam
through Microbial Biomass”.
8.6 Student Research Awards 2012
8.6.1 International Honey Show Awards
Ms. Aliaa bint Mohammed Sajwani, a Doctoral student at the COS of SQU received the largest number
of awards for her evaluation of Omani honey in the annual International Honey Show in London in 2012.
8.6.2 Society of Petroleum Engineers Regional and International
Competitions
Ms. Raya bint Rashid Al-Hattaliyah from the Petroleum and Chemical Engineering Department, COE,
won the second place at the regional level contest held in Abu Dhabi for her research paper in petroleum
engineering. She also participated in the international competition held in Texas, USA, organised by the
Society of Petroleum Engineers and won the third place.
8.6.3 International Trade Fair Ideas-Inventions-New Products
(iENA2012)
Mr. Omar Said Al Abri, a Doctoral student from the COE, won a gold medal for his research paper
“Down-hole pipe expansion tool” in the iENA held in Germany.
8.6.4 Green Champion Award
Mr. Mustafa Barami from the COS won the Green Champion Award for his invention to recycle a kilo of
palm leaves into 80 sheets of A4-sized paper held in Al Bustan Palace, Ritz Carlton Hotel, Oman.
8.7Conclusion
SQU recognises the efforts of its outstanding faculty members and researchers and provides appropriate
incentives. In 2010 and 2011, 19 faculty members from each college (with the exception of the
CON) and two from the LC and SQUH (one per year) won the Best Researcher Awards. A total of
15 papers—four in 2010 and five in 2011 and six in 2012—were awarded the Best Paper Award. The
participating journals in 2010 were: Agricultural and Marine Sciences, A Research Journal; SQUMJ;
SQU Journal for Science; and TJER. In 2011 and 2012, in addition to the above journals, The Journal of
Educational and Psychological Studies and the Journal of the College of Arts and Social Sciences were
also presented this award. Students of SQU continue to demonstrate their creativity, not only in regional
competitions, but also in international ones. Examples of these awards are the Royal Institute of British
Architects (RIBA) Award, Imperial Barrel Award (IBA) and Palm Leaves Page Silver Medal Certificate.
109
Colleges’ Reports
Colleges’ Reports
9
9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4
9.5
9.6
9.7
9.8
9.9
9.10
Introduction
College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences
College of Arts and Social Sciences
College of Economics and Political Science
College of Education
College of Engineering
College of Medicine and Health Sciences
College of Nursing
College of Science
Conclusion
9.1Introduction
S
QU has nine colleges. Of these, five are science-based and four are humanities-based. All sciencebased colleges, with the exception of the College of Nursing, have postgraduate programmes
and all of them engage in research. All humanities-based colleges except the College of Law
have postgraduate programmes and these colleges are also involved in research. The research
performance of all colleges varies very widely. The major factors impacting research are common
to all colleges and these are funds, infrastructure, graduate programmes and expertise. Some colleges have
easy access to external funds, while some are mostly dependent on internal funding. All colleges have
access to the six types of funding described in this document. It is also a fact that science-based colleges
are far ahead of humanities-based colleges in terms of research. This trend is slowly changing and a new
research culture has taken root in all colleges. The paradigm “publish or perish” has been lately considered
seriously since it is linked to the career progression of individual faculty. SQU’s strategic plans consider
110
Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
academic research as very important since it is linked to the quality of tertiary education, capacity
building and world university rankings.
All colleges produce their own annual reports and provide details of all their activities. Here, brief
reports on the colleges are provided with messages from the Deans, the status of postgraduate studies,
research areas and funding, research outputs and lists of publications.
Prof. Anvar Kacimov, Dean of CAMS
9.2
College of Agricultural and
Marine Sciences (CAMS)
9.2.1
Message from the Dean
The graduate and research programmes of the CAMS are a
direct response to the global missions the college has set for
itself: (i) to develop human resources to meet challenges in
producing food while conserving the natural environment and
biodiversity, processing food to add value and trading food to
ensure food security in Oman; (ii) to find solutions to issues
of strategic importance through basic and applied research
and disseminate knowledge to the Omani and international
communities which will result in continuous improvements
to the quality of life; and (iii) to coordinate career guidance
for students at CAMS, provide continuous education for
professionals in CAMS and the wider community and consult
private and public sector agencies to facilitate progress of a
knowledge-based society.
9.2.2 Research Areas and Funding
CAMS has defined five main research areas: food production and processing; human nutrition; land and
water natural resources management; food security; marine production; and environment. Many research
projects carried out at CAMS are difficult to categorise in a single “research theme”. Food production
and processing research involves aspects of research dealing with biological and environmental issues (e.g.
agronomy) but also has industrial links (e.g. food processing) and is often directly linked to life and health
sciences (e.g. nutritional studies). Similarly, research in natural resource economics often deals with social
as well as industrial issues and research carried out in the Department of Marine Science and Fisheries
has strong relevance to environmental issues (e.g. oceanography) and industry (e.g. fisheries). These
multidisciplinary aspects are essential elements of the research at CAMS and reflect the complexity of
the development of a sustainable food production system. Here the classification provided is based on the
theme that dominates the project, irrespective of links to other themes. In 2010, a total of 22 new research
projects were initiated for a total monetary value of RO 593,062. In 2011, the total number of awarded
research projects were 20 for funds worth RO 688,864, whereas in 2012 the total number of new projects
was 17 for a total of RO 546,668.
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Colleges’ Reports
Table 9.2.2: Research projects awarded in 2010, 2011 and 2012 by area, source and the amount awarded
2010
Department/Grants
Project
2011
2012
Fund (RO)
Project
Fund (RO)
Project
Fund (RO)
Total
Projects
Total
Funds (RO)
Animal and Veterinary Science
CS
-
-
1
164,500
-
-
1
164,500
IG
2
12,400
1
6,000
2
19,100
5
37,500
EG
-
-
-
-
3
112,500
3
112,500
HMTF
1
87,500
-
-
-
-
1
87,500
IG
1
6,000
1
6,500
1
8,850
3
21,350
TRC
1
132,000
-
-
-
-
1
132,000
Crop Sciences
Food Science and Nutrition
CS
-
-
1
4,924
-
-
1
4,924
HMTF
-
-
1
89,500
-
-
1
89,500
IG
3
22,400
5
29,000
-
-
8
51,400
TRC
-
-
1
201,000
-
-
1
201,000
1
310
1
7,990
3
10,460
Marine Sciences and Fisheries
CS
1
2,160
HMTF
1
80,000
-
-
-
-
1
80,000
IG
-
-
1
6,000
2
19,250
3
25,250
TRC
1
146,000
-
-
1
131,000
2
277,000
Natural Resources Economics
CS
4
15,790
-
-
-
-
4
15,790
IG
2
8,000
1
3,500
-
-
3
11,500
TRC
-
-
-
-
1
173,350
1
173,350
Soil Water and Agricultural
CS
1
2,160
2
4,640
1
27,000
4
33,800
IG
5
21,200
3
19,000
2
18,800
10
59,000
TRC
Total
-
-
1
109,100
-
-
1
109,100
23
535,610
20
643,974
14
517,840
57
1,697,424
In line with the University Strategic Plan 2009–2013, the researchers in the College are actively seeking
funding from external agencies (TRC, Agriculture Development Fund, IIC, etc.) to diversify and increase its research budget. In these funds, researchers include significant budgets for postgraduate training
through scholarships and research assistantships which have resulted in a slight increase in the number of
recruited postgraduate students.
9.2.3 Research Output
Table 9.2.3: CAMS research output in 2010–2012
Year
Journal
Books
Book
Chapters
Conference
Technical
Reports
Others
Total
2010
79
1
19
164
18
35
316
2011
101
3
19
79
13
46
261
2012
99
8
29
108
18
6
268
112
Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
9.3
College of Arts and Social
Sciences (CASS)
9.3.1 Message from the Dean
Dr. Abdullah Al-Kindi, Dean of CASS
The present report provides an overview of the postgraduate
and research activities conducted at the CASS in 2010, 2011
and 2012. The College offers seven masters programmes;
three Doctoral programmes; and one Diploma programme.
In addition, the college restructured the MA programme
in Sociology and Social Work and separated it into two
independent MA programmes: one in Sociology and the other
in Social Work. With the approval of the University Council,
the new Doctoral programme in Information Studies will
start in the academic year 2012–2013. The MA programme in
Archaeology is also expected to start in the same year with the
approval of the University Postgraduate Studies Committee.
All these programmes have strong research components.
CASS research outcomes are reflected in the role which the humanities have played in studying various
societal changes. They witnessed an increase in terms of funding and in the number of projects. The data
on research funding and research output for 2010, 2011 and 2012 are given in this report. In order to
encourage the culture of dialogue in research between the faculty members, the College organised a series
of College and Departmental bi-weekly seminars during which the results of the newly conducted research
projects were presented. Furthermore, the College is also in the process of editing a series of departmental
books which adopt an interdisciplinary approach and aim to improve the level of cooperation between
the faculty members and encourage research projects with an interdisciplinary nature.
Finally, I would like to thank all the researchers for their fruitful efforts and commitment. I would also
like to thank the members of the College’s Research Committee for all their efforts in coordinating and
facilitating the research activities and for improving the research culture in the College. Special thanks
are due to the Deanship of Research for the leading role it has played in supporting and consolidating the
research tradition at CASS.
9.3.2 Research Areas and Funding
Research areas in the CASS are very diverse. There are 11 departments; however, in two of these
departments, Music and Musicology and Theatre and Performing Arts, the research component is yet to
be established. Research is carried out in all other departments, but the major research themes are not well
defined. Some departments like Geography have interdisciplinary research that requires the involvement
of other colleges (Engineering; and Agricultural and Marine Sciences). However, the dominant theme
irrespective of other linkages is HSR. In 2010, the College received RO 32,320 from all sources of research
funding. In 2011, CASS had a total funding of RO 247,100 and in 2012, RO174,150.
Table 9.3.2 provides a summary of the number of research projects awarded funding organised by research
area and also by the source of funding. Only three projects were funded from all sources in 2010. Three
from IG formed 100% of the total fund. The number of IG awarded is extremely low when compared to
other colleges. In 2011, 8 projects were funded from all resources.
113
Colleges’ Reports
Table 9.3.2: Research projects awarded in the academic years 2010–2012
2010
2011
2012
Project
Fund (RO)
Project
Fund (RO)
Project
Fund (RO)
Total
Projects
Total
Funds (RO)
1
13,220
-
-
1
7,500
2
20,720
HMTF
-
-
-
-
1
54,700
1
54,700
IG
-
-
-
-
2
9,300
2
9,300
TRC
-
-
1
26,100
-
-
1
26,100
IG
1
15,100
-
-
1
7,500
2
22,600
TRC
-
-
1
61,100
-
-
1
61,100
-
-
1
5,000
-
-
1
5,000
-
-
1
82,300
-
-
1
82,300
-
-
1
59,800
-
-
1
59,800
Department/Grants
Archeology
IG
English Literature
Geography
History
IG
Libraries and Information Science
TRC
Mass Communication
HMTF
CS
-
-
-
-
1
95,150
1
95,150
IG
1
4,000
2
12,700
-
-
3
16,700
JG
-
-
1
8,500
-
-
1
8,500
Total
3
32,320
8
255,500
6
174,150
17
461,970
9.3.3 Research Output
Table 9.3.3 shows the research output in CASS for the years 2010–2012. The total output in 2010 was
80 publications, of these 56% were in refereed journals and 19% were in conference proceedings. The
number of publications in 2011 significantly increased (more than doubled) compared to 2010. As for
2012, the total number of publications was 150 of which 41% were in refereed journals and 29% were
in conference proceedings. Over fifty percent (51%) of the total number of publications (164) in 2011
were in refereed journals and 28% were in conference proceedings. In CASS, the publication of books is
considered important as well; in the three years, 31 scholarly books were published.
Table 9.3.3: Research output in the academic years 2010–2012
Year
Journal
Books
Book
Chapters
Conference
Technical
Reports
Others
Total
2010
45
8
6
15
6
-
80
2011
84
12
14
46
8
-
164
2012
61
11
18
44
9
7
150
114
Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
9.4
College of Economics and
Political Science (CEP)
9.4.1 Message from the Dean
Making intellectual contributions in research and postgraduate
teaching (MBA programme) is the fundamental mission of
the College of Economics and Political Science (CEP), which
until recently had been called the College of Commerce and
Economics (CCE). Research and postgraduate teaching help
attract strong faculty, enhance the University’s reputation and
contribute to the Sultanate’s economy. Our faculty members
aspire to publish academic research that is innovative, to
influence business practice and to tackle issues of importance
to the business community. Through the MBA programme,
we strive to provide a broad business curriculum that promotes
strategic thinking and is responsive to changing demands and
Dr. Fahim Al-Marhubi, Dean of CEP
opportunities. Building on its strengths, capitalising on its
natural advantages and strengthening research administration and management have enabled the College
to achieve growth in research output and in attracting a greater number of MBA students.
The MBA programme, which was initiated in 2006, has grown by leaps and bounds in terms of student
application, student enrolment, courses offered and number of graduates. With respect to research, the
total research funding in 2010 at CEP was RO 15,150. The total amount of research funding at CEP has
jumped to RO 55,643 in 2011 and then to RO 75,788 in 2012.
9.4.2 Research Areas and Funding
Research in CEP takes place in seven areas. These are: Accounting; Management; Information Systems;
Operation Management and Business Statistics; Marketing; Business Communication; and Economics
and Finance. These areas correspond to the departments in the College and the major themes have not
been defined. There are opportunities for interdisciplinary studies. CEP is also well placed to secure
funding from the commercial sector, including banks, private companies and industries.
Table 9.4.2: Research projects funded in 2010, 2011 and 2012
Department/
Grants
2010
Project
2011
2012
Fund (RO)
Project
Fund (RO)
Project
Fund (RO)
Total
Projects
Total
Funds (RO)
Economy and Finance
CS
0
0
1
5,760
0
0
1
5,760
IG
1
1,150
0
0
1
5,000
2
6,150
IG
0
0
3
13,800
1
4,100
4
17,900
TRC
0
0
1
41,843
0
0
1
41,843
CS
0
0
0
0
1
2,600
1
2,600
IG
2
14,400
0
0
0
0
2
14,400
Information Systems
Management
Operation Management and Business Statistics
115
Colleges’ Reports
Table 9.4.2: (Continued)
Department/
Grants
2010
2011
2012
Project
Fund (RO)
Project
Fund (RO)
Project
Fund (RO)
Total
Projects
Total
Funds (RO)
HMTF
0
0
0
0
1
58,688
1
58,688
IG
0
0
0
0
1
8,000
1
8,000
Total
3
15,550
5
61,403
5
78,388
13
155,341
Table 9.4.2 shows the number of funded projects, source of funding and the amounts granted in 2010, 2011
and 2012. In 2010, only three projects received internal funding and these were small grants ranging from
RO 1,000–10,000. In 2011, Information Systems was the only area that procured funding; the project which
was TRC-funded is a real credit for the college. As for 2012, three projects received internal funding for a total
value of RO 75,788. It is obvious that the amount of research carried out in the College is not reflected in the
number of funded projects.
9.4.3 Research Output
Research output in CEP (Table 9.4.3) is low when compared to the science-based colleges and other
humanities-based colleges. In 2010, refereed journal articles accounted for 49% of the publications, while
the conference proceedings constituted 36%. In 2011, the total number of publications increased by 17%
compared to 2010. In 2012, the total number of publications was maintained at the same level as in 2011
(slightly over 80 publications) with journal articles accounting for nearly 62% of the publications and
papers in conference proceedings accounting for 27% of the publications.
Table 9.4.3: Research output for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012
Year
Journal
Books
Book
Chapters
Conference
Technical
Reports
Others
Total
2010
34
2
5
25
4
-
70
2011
52
2
9
18
1
-
82
2012
50
1
-
22
-
8
81
116
Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
Dr. Thuwayba A. Al-Barwani, Dean of CED
9.5
College of Education (CED)
9.5.1
Message from the Dean
In line with its vision and mission, the CED is committed to
producing and disseminating knowledge and expertise to the
broader community of researchers, practitioners and policymakers through its published research and various presentation
platforms. During the past three years of 2010, 2011 and
2012, the College has undertaken enormous steps to enhance
its ability to conduct socially relevant research that tackles
educational issues of societal concern. Similarly, the College has
taken necessary steps to position itself as the house of expertise
in education. Moreover, the College has worked diligently to
encourage and facilitate conference attendance for its faculty
so that their findings can be disseminated both regionally and
internationally. For the past three years we have been exploring
international research collaboration.
The main purpose of this report is to provide a comprehensive account of research activities in the College
as a quality indicator. This report reflects the broad spectrum of research activity at the CED. It summarises
funded research projects and different types of faculty publications, as well as participation in international
conferences. It also offers an overview of the current lines of research in different departments and the
interdisciplinary research teams that have been forged. The data reported here reveal that the College has
made significant improvements since the previous report.
I would like to express my sincere thanks to the DVC for Postgraduate Studies and Research, and the
Deanship of Research for their support and encouragement without which it would not have been possible
to achieve these important milestones. I hope that this research report will foster dialogue between the
College and our stakeholders so that our research can have a role in generating new knowledge that would
have a positive contribution to policy decisions in the Sultanate.
9.5.2 Research Areas and Funding
Research is carried out in all eight departments of the College. These are: Art Education; Curriculum
and Instruction; Early Childhood Education; Educational Foundation and Administration; Islamic
Education; Physical Education; Education and Psychology; and Instructional and Learning Technologies.
No major research themes have been defined within each department and topics depend on the individual
expertise of the faculty members. Table 9.5.2 shows the number of funded projects, source of funding
and the amounts granted in 2010, 2011 and 2012. In 2010, only three projects received internal funding.
One was a small grant, while the other two were relatively large grants. Here also it is obvious that the
amount of research carried out in the College is not reflected in the number of internally funded projects.
One HMTF-awarded grant in 2010 accounts for 77% of the total funds secured by the College. In
2011, the research funds secured were more than double that of 2010. Two HMTF grants and one TRC
project accounted for the bulk of the funds. In 2012 the total amount of research funds has seen another
substantial increase by 34% compared to the previous year (2011).
117
Colleges’ Reports
Table 9.5.2: Research projects funded in 2010, 2011 and 2012
Department/
Grant
2010
Project
2011
Fund (RO)
Project
2012
Fund (RO)
Project
Fund (RO)
Total
Projects
Total
Funds (RO)
Curriculum and Instruction
CS
-
-
1
1,920
-
-
1
1,920
HMTF
-
-
1
84,985
-
-
1
84,985
IG
-
-
1
7,975
2
17,460
3
25,435
-
-
1
64,900
-
-
1
64,900
Early Childhood
HMTF
Educational Foundation and Administration
IG
2
22,550
-
-
-
-
2
22,550
1
6,250
-
-
-
-
1
6,250
Fine Arts
IG
Instructional and Learning Technologies
HMTF
-
-
-
-
1
33,500
1
33,500
IG
-
-
1
4,000
-
-
1
4,000
TRC
-
-
1
73,780
1
72,500
2
146,280
-
-
1
17,100
2
16,045
3
33,145
HMTF
1
94,000
-
-
1
79,500
2
173,500
IG
-
-
1
9,800
1
7,000
2
16,800
Physical Education
IG
Psychology
TRC
Total
-
-
-
-
1
126,700
1
126,700
4
122,800
8
264,460
9
352,705
21
739,965
9.5.3 Research Output
Table 9.5.3 presents the research output in the CED for 2010, 2011 and 2012. In 2010, refereed journal
articles accounted for 47% of the publications while the conference proceedings constituted 29%. In 2011,
the research output in terms of publications more than doubled, but 42% of the publications were outreach
articles (listed under ‘others’ in Table 9.5.3). The refereed journal articles accounted for 34% and papers
in conference proceedings constituted only 15%. As for 2012, the total numbers of publications (357
publications) was 11% higher than that of 2011 ( 322 publications).
Table 9.5.3: Research output for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012
Year
Journal
Books
Book
Chapters
Conference
Technical
Reports
Others
Total
2010
75
2
11
46
2
22
158
2011
109
9
9
48
13
134
322
2012
158
7
17
105
2
68
357
118
Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
9.6
College of Engineering (COE)
9.6.1
Message from the Dean
During the 25 years of existence of the COE as a vibrant
college in SQU, there has never been a more exciting time for
postgraduate education and research.
The steady growth of research from two projects in 1996 to an
average of 20 projects per year for the period 2006–2012 is a
proof of aspiration and dedication to bring the College at the
forefront of research in the region. The beginning of Doctoral
programmes demonstrates the process of transformation to
a new calibre, which will bring it one step closer to realise its
vision and mission of an outstanding college. The Doctoral
programmes will augment our current high-quality Bachelors
and Masters programmes. They will also promote, support
Dr. Ali Al-Harthy, Dean of COE
and advance an all-encompassing community of researchers,
educators and learners who participate in our programmes.
Simultaneously, the applied focus of our research and postgraduate studies will strengthen our role as an
active participant in solving the problems facing our local and regional communities, as well as expanding
the existing knowledge base. Faculty and alumni from our college regularly receive national acclaim
as educators, scholars and professionals. The College’s priority is to put dedicated and focused efforts
towards enhancing the scholarly and creative accomplishments of its faculty and students.
9.6.2 Research Areas and Funding
Research, both fundamental and applied is conducted in all departments of the College. The research
areas are of high importance to Oman and Omani industries. Some significant areas include: low-cost
expandable research; swelling and inert elastomers; eco-house; PVT analysis; nano-enhanced drilling
fluid; waste water treatment; air pollution; high-voltage; communications; microbial-based enhanced oil
recovery; formation evaluation; and solid waste disposal. Projects in engineering are funded both internally
(IG, HMTF) and externally (TRC, Contracts). Table 9.6.2 shows the number of funded projects, source
of funding and the amounts granted in 2010, 2011 and 2012. In 2010, 11 projects received internal
funding and two projects were awarded with TRC grants. Fifteen projects were externally funded and
four contracts were undertaken. The largest fund-generating projects were from Electrical and Computer
Engineering (45%) and Mechanical and Industrial Engineering departments (43%). The number of
externally funded projects (15) is almost the same as that of projects funded from all other sources (17).
In 2011 and 2012, 24 projects were awarded internal funding and five projects each year received TRC
funding. In 2011, each of the four departments generated funds in excess of RO 200,000. The total funding
went past the RO 1 million mark annually for 2011 and 2012, which itself was a significant achievement.
119
Colleges’ Reports
Table 9.6.2: Research projects funded in 2010, 2011 and 2012
Department/
Grant
2010
Project
2011
2012
Fund (RO)
Project
Fund (RO)
Project
Fund (RO)
Total
Projects
Total
Funds (RO)
Civil and Architectural
CS
-
-
1
65,000
-
-
1
65,000
IG
3
26,358
5
15,275
1
10,000
9
51,633
TRC
-
-
1
133,400
-
-
1
133,400
-
-
1
95,000
-
-
1
95,000
CS
9
84,385
7
116,820
2
13,950
18
215,155
EG
-
-
-
-
7
381,191
7
381,191
IG
3
12,267
4
8,725
-
-
7
20,992
TRC
1
152,900
-
-
2
147,228
3
300,128
190,028
6
158,895
3
61,242
17
410,165
Dean’s Office
CS
Electrical
Mechanical and Industrial
CS
8
IG
1
9,121
7
26,925
2
20,000
10
56,046
TRC
1
97,550
-
-
1
283,200
2
380,750
CS
3
52,117
5
153,602
4
47,824
12
253,543
IG
3
22,253
5
19,075
-
-
8
41,328
TRC
-
-
1
132,800
2
336,000
3
468,800
32
646,979
43
925,517
24
1,300,635
99
2,873,131
Petroleum and Gas
Total
Together with the Office of the DVC for Postgraduate Studies and Research, the College will reinforce the
relationship between postgraduate education and research to flourish generations of knowledge with the passion to achieve great goals.
9.6.3 Research Output
Table 9.6.3 presents the research output in the COE for 2010, 2011 and 2012. In 2010, refereed journal articles
accounted for 48% of all publications, while the papers in conference proceedings formed 35%. In 2011,
the percentage of refereed journal articles remained nearly the same ( 49%) while the percentage of papers
in conference proceeding was 38%. In 2012 the percentage of referred journal articles went up to 57%. The
overall outputs of the College over the three years were similar. There is a clear annual increase of refereed
journal papers published by faculty in the College. The COE also has its own refereed journal, The Journal of
Engineering Research, which is indexed in SCOPUS.
Table 9.6.3: Research output of all departments at the COE in 2010, 2011 and 2012
Year
Journal
Books
Book
Chapters
Conference
Technical
Reports
Others
Total
2010
124
6
7
91
30
1
259
2011
130
5
10
102
18
-
265
2012
143
4
12
78
15
-
252
120
Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
9.7
College of Medicine and Health
Sciences (COMHS)
9.7.1
Message from the Dean
The COMHS has been a pioneer in research at SQU, and
nearly all of its faculty and staff are involved in one or more
of the many different aspects of scientific research, be it in the
basic biomedical fields or the different clinical disciplines.
Research productivity, both in quality and quantity, is now
highly regarded in the ranking of universities. It is hoped
that with the increasing involvement of the faculty and staff
of our College, and with increased research productivity, our
University will progress in the ladder of international rankings
and will soon be one of the best universities in the region, as
declared in the strategic plan of the University.
Prof. Omar Al-Rawas, Dean of COMHS
Research in the COMHS is varied, and is mostly of a
collaborative nature across the different disciplines. It encompasses basic research, applied research and
translational research, all conducted to aid and support the body of knowledge in the field of Medicine,
and with the view to improve the health status of the Omani population and the world at large. In research,
we are not only guided by the old adage of “publish or perish”, but by the notion that research should
be targeted and focused towards solving real problems that face the medical and scientific community,
especially in Oman and the region.
It is our pleasure to put in front of you the outcome of our research activity for the years 2010–2012.
Despite some limitations in funding, infrastructure and the availability of free or “protected” time, our
faculty and staff, both at COMHS and SQUH, were successful in producing quality work that has been
published in international, regional and local well-regarded journals.
It is hoped that, as time goes by, our capability to conduct better research will certainly improve, as the
University, guided by the wise words of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, will invest more in this vital
aspect of the University.
9.7.2 Research Areas and Funding
Table 9.7.2: Research projects funded in 2010, 2011 and 2012
Department/
Grant
2010
Project
2011
Fund (RO)
Project
2012
Fund (RO)
Project
Fund (RO)
Total
Projects
Total
Funds (RO)
Accident and Emergency
IG
-
-
-
-
1
11,561
1
11,561
TRC
1
16,900
-
-
-
-
1
16,900
IG
4
31,453
1
10,000
2
18,336
7
59,789
TRC
1
87,800
-
-
-
-
1
87,800
Biochemistry
121
Colleges’ Reports
Table 9.7.2: (Continued)
Department/
Grant
2010
2011
2012
Project
Fund (RO)
Project
Fund (RO)
Project
Fund (RO)
Total
Projects
Total
Funds (RO)
CS
-
-
1
654
-
-
1
654
IG
1
9,600
1
7,500
4
29,393
6
46,493
Child Health
Family Medicine Community Health
CS
-
-
-
-
1
25,387
1
25,387
EG
-
-
1
52,400
-
-
1
52,400
HMTF
-
-
1
90,000
-
-
1
90,000
TRC
-
-
-
-
1
20,765
1
20,765
1
120,000
-
-
-
-
1
120,000
Genetics
HMTF
IG
1
13,500
1
8,000
2
24,628
4
46,128
JG
1
40,000
-
-
-
-
1
40,000
-
-
1
24,222
-
-
1
24,222
Hematology
EG
IG
2
15,500
3
31,700
-
-
5
47,200
TRC
1
68,300
-
-
-
-
1
68,300
IG
-
-
2
22,000
3
16,609
5
38,609
TRC
-
-
1
108,000
-
-
1
108,000
Internal Medicine
Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology
IG
1
4,700
1
9,000
1
13,966
3
27,666
JG
-
-
-
-
1
20,000
1
20,000
TRC
1
64,000
-
-
1
54,321
2
118,321
Microbiology and Immunology
IG
1
2,500
2
20,000
-
-
3
22,500
TRC
-
-
1
145,500
-
-
1
145,500
2
9,600
-
-
-
-
2
9,600
-
-
-
-
3
27,189
3
27,189
IG
4
51,850
1
16,000
-
-
5
67,850
TRC
-
-
-
-
1
83,700
1
83,700
Ophthalmology
IG
Pathology
IG
Physiology
Surgery
IG
-
-
1
13,000
-
-
1
13,000
TRC
-
-
-
-
1
83,800
1
83,800
22
535,703
19
557,976
22
429,655
63
1,523,334
Total
9.7.3 Postgraduate Studies
The Office is responsible for the coordination of postgraduate admission and registration processes with the
Deanship of Admission and Registration and the Deanship of Postgraduate Studies. The ADPSR Office
together with the College Postgraduate Studies and Training Committee (PGST) have the responsibility
of coordinating the running and reviewing of current postgraduate programmes, introducing new
programmes and facilitating the funding for postgraduate students in COMHS.
122
Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
The current Masters (MSc) programmes in the COMHS are two-year full-time programmes. Eight
departments have been granted the option of offering MSc degrees. Of these, four departments in our
College have started MSc programmes about three years ago.
The Doctoral (PhD) programmes are research-based, aimed at developing research expertise in different
specialisations and equipping students with relevant specialised skills. Coursework is only prescribed if
deficiencies are identified. In addition to the participation and oral defence of the thesis, the programmes
also require the presentation of a detailed research plan, at least two departmental seminars and the
acceptance of at least one paper for publication in an international journal.
9.7.4 Research Output
The ADPSR Office is responsible for coordinating the funding processes pertaining to research and
consultancy in the COMHS in association with the Deanship of Research. The Office, together with the
College Medical Research Committee, administers the funding processes of research projects.
Published research is now recognised as the main aspect by which universities are ranked. The higher
administration of SQU is fully aware of this fact and important steps have been taken at different levels to
increase awareness among all the faculty and staff of the University.
Table 9.7.4: Research output at COMHS in 2010, 2011 and 2012
Year
Journal
Books
Book
Chapters
Conference
Technical
Reports
Others
Total
2010
192
-
-
166
-
8
366
2011
238
-
11
161
-
-
410
2012
364
-
8
180
-
-
552
123
Colleges’ Reports
9.8
College of Nursing (CON)
9.8.1
Message from the Dean
At the CON at SQU, we value the importance of high-quality
research not only to answer questions related to nursing
practice but also to recognise its added value in the process of
preparing high-quality graduates who are life-long learners.
From the humble beginnings of a nursing programme which
was established under the umbrella of the COMHS in 2002,
a new college has emerged in 2008. Despite being in the
establishment phase, promising activity has been witnessed in
research with many of our staff taking part in local, regional and
international conferences, presenting their work. I sincerely
hope that this will translate into publications.
Prof. Bazdawi Al-Riyami, Dean of CON
9.8.2 Research Areas and Funding
Table 9.8.2 shows the number of funded projects, source of funding and the amounts granted in 2010,
2011 and 2012. Research is in its infancy in the CON. In 2010, only two IG were awarded funding and
one of these received 87% of the total amount. Only one IG project was awarded funding in each of 2011
and 2012. No major research themes have been identified yet and there are no postgraduate programmes
in the College to support research. This relatively new college has a lot of research potential and it is hoped
that the research activities will increase in the near future.
Table 9.8.2: Research projects funded in 2010, 2011 and 2012
Department/
Grant
2010
Project
2011
2012
Fund (RO)
Project
Fund (RO)
Project
Fund (RO)
Total
Projects
Total
Funds (RO)
11,500
-
-
-
-
1
11,500
-
1
1,200
-
-
1
1,200
Community and Mental Health
IG
1
Adult Health and Critical Care
IG
-
Maternal and Child Health
IG
-
-
-
-
1
15,000
1
15,000
Total
1
11,500
1
1,200
1
15,000
3
27,700
9.8.3 Research Output
Table 9.8.3 provides the research output for the CON in the years 2010, 2011 and 2012. The number of
peer-reviewed journal articles published in 2010, 2011 and 2012 were 11, 27 and 20 respectively.
124
Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
Table 9.8.3: Research output of the CON in 2010, 2011 and 2012
Year
Journal
Books
Book
Chapters
Conference
Technical
Reports
Others
2010
11
-
2011
27
-
-
3
-
-
14
-
100
-
-
127
2012
20
-
5
6
2
2
35
Total
125
Colleges’ Reports
9.9
College of Science (COS)
9.9.1
Message from the Dean
Since the inception of SQU in 1986, the COS has been
spearheading the scientific culture in Oman. Echoing His
Majesty the Sultan’s statement: “Knowledge is renewable,
and we have to add something new to world knowledge”, the
College has been pushing forward the frontiers of scientific
knowledge.
Our anticipated vision is that the COS maintain its standing
as the premier national institute for excellence in research
and teaching. This can only be achieved through conducting
high-quality basic and applied research. The COS aspires to
be at par with the world-class institutions of its kind. This is
certainly reflected in our ongoing research endeavours and
Prof. Saif Al-Bahry, Dean of COS
other related activities. The College has already taken effective
steps to establish new research units, which will simultaneously
reinforce and supplement the ongoing research activities. Once fully operational, these units will facilitate
further the international recognition and ranking of the College and the University.
Our research productivity has been steadily increasing in comparison to the previous years. Our faculty
members have been making proper use of the various grants secured through the HMTF, IG, TRC and
others source of funding. The College organised an Annual Retreat in 2010, inviting all members of the
staff and high-ranking officials of the University and TRC to discuss ideas on exploring more research
avenues. In parallel, the College has also been encouraging researchers to attract research grants through
consultancies and act as advisors for the government and private sectors.
I would like to thank the Assistant Dean (PSR), the College Research Committee members and their
departmental research committees for their sincere commitment and contribution in preparing this
report.
9.9.2 Research Areas and Funding
Table 9.9.2 shows the number of funded projects, source of funding and the amounts granted in 2010,
2011 and 2012. In 2010, a total of 24 projects received internal funding, one project was awarded a TRC
grant, one was awarded a grant through contract research and one was awarded an external grant. The
total amount of research grants in 2010 was RO 387,412, of which 82% was secured by the Department
of Biology. One TRC grant won by Biology was responsible for the difference between this and other
departments. In 2011, the research funds secured by the College more than doubled compared to 2010.
Again the Department of Biology secured 64% of the total funds, followed by Chemistry (16%) and
Earth Sciences (15%). In 2012, the total research funds acquired by the College was RO 686,879, of
which 65% was obtained by the Department of Chemistry and 27% by the Department of Earth Science.
126
Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
Table 9.9.2: Research projects funded in 2010, 2011 and 2012
2010
Department/
Grant
2011
2012
Total
Projects
Total
Funds (RO)
-
2
456,080
25,700
10
62,970
-
2
257,750
1
3,000
2
72,738
1
90,000
1
90,000
1
7,800
8
51,250
3
349,000
4
393,500
2,800
1
2,100
6
17,100
-
1
35,200
1
35,200
1
16,500
2
24,379
5
42,529
1
114,300
2
140,500
3
254,800
11,000
-
-
3
19,700
4
30,700
Project
Fund (RO)
Project
Fund (RO)
Project
CS
1
53,575
1
402,505
-
IG
2
14,700
4
22,570
4
TRC
1
124,750
1
133,000
-
CS
-
-
1
69,738
HMTF
-
-
-
-
IG
4
21,600
3
21,850
TRC
-
-
1
44,500
IG
4
12,200
1
TRC
-
-
-
CS
2
1,650
HMTF
-
-
IG
1
Fund (RO)
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Earth Science
Mathematics and Statistics
IG
11
19,000
17
20,775
6
12,150
34
51,925
JG
1
4,200
-
-
-
-
1
4,200
IG
1
1,500
3
12,205
3
12,550
7
26,255
Total
28
264,175
34
860,743
28
722,079
90
1,846,997
Physics
9.9.3 Research Output
Table 9.9.3 presents the number of publications produced by the College in 2010, 2011 and 2012. In
2010, refereed journal articles accounted for 60% of all publications, while the papers in conference
proceedings formed 38%. The number of published journal articles has jumped from 123 in 2010 to
262 in 2011. Researchers in science seem to have opted more for journal papers with impact rather than
those published through conferences proceedings. A total of 128 journal articles were published in 2012
constituting 64% of the total number of publications.
Table 9.9.3: Research output of the COS in 2010, 2011 and 2012
Year
Journal
Books
Book
Chapters
Conference
Technical
Reports
Others
Total
2010
123
-
5
77
-
-
205
2011
262
1
7
83
2
-
355
2012
128
9
8
54
-
-
199
127
Colleges’ Reports
9.10Conclusion
It is evident from the colleges’ reports that the efforts to conduct research maintain productivity and
achieve quality are commendable. Both fundamental and applied research, especially with reference to
Oman, is well covered. Postgraduate student research also contributes to research productivity. Although
the funding available for research at SQU is adequate, more efforts are required to improve funding. As
is expected, SQU is securing the maximum amount of research funding from TRC. A large number of
applications have been submitted from science-based colleges, but humanities colleges are lagging behind.
This issue is currently addressed in humanities colleges and a significant improvement is expected in the
near future. SQU is also making efforts to increase internal funding. Contract research seems to be an
exclusive domain of science-based colleges and humanities colleges should also try to tap this resource.
Opportunities exist in the education, business and tourism sectors. To improve external funding through
joint and collaborative research, the colleges should considerably increase their efforts to find new partners.
The list of publications may be considered adequate quantitatively, but more emphasis should be placed
on quality. As shown earlier in this report, a large proportion of SQU publications remain invisible to the
global research community. This situation can be remedied if the researchers in the colleges are encouraged
to publish in journals which have impact factors and journals which are listed in international databases like
SCOPUS. Colleges and Research Centres are the main struts that support the research wheel in SQU and
it is hoped that they will remain strong and will improve in strength in the years to come.
128
Research Centres’
Reports
10
10.1Introduction
10.2 Centre for Environmental Studies and Research
10.3 Centre of Excellence in Marine Biotechnology
10.4 Communication and Information Research Centre
10.5 Earthquake Monitoring Centre
10.6 Humanities Research Centre
10.7 Oil and Gas Research Centre
10.8 Omani Studies Centre
10.9 Remote Sensing and GIS Centre
10.10 Water Research Centre
10.11Conclusion
10.1Introduction
S
QU recognises research, innovation and development as a major mission and, therefore, attaches
a lot of importance to such scholarly activities. Research is carried out in the Colleges and in
the research centres. Currently, there are nine research centres which play an important role
in coordinating research at SQU and in the Sultanate. These research centres are continually
evolving as mandated by their strategic plans to reach their full potential as research institutions,
with their own infrastructure, staff and funding, from which strategic research projects can be launched.
Some research centres have already established their leadership in specific research areas. This report is a
summary of the research activities, teaching and community services performed by the research centres in
the period 2010–2012.
The nine research centres are administratively under the DVC for Postgraduate Studies and Research
129
Research Centres’ Reports
(DVC-PSR). The advisory board for all the centres is appointed for a three-year term by the Vice
Chancellor and consists of the DVC-PSR (Chair), two SQU Deans, two Research Centre Directors and
three members from the public and private sectors. Each centre has a Steering Committee consisting of a
Director (Chair), a representative of the DVC-PSR, two faculty members and two representatives from
the private and public sectors. The Steering Committee is appointed for a two-year term by the DVCPSR and their duties, among others, include developing strategies for research and funding. Programme
coordinators are appointed by the Director on a part-time basis and they are responsible for coordinating
research, consultancies, capacity building and training, as well as the publication of results and activities.
Participants in the activities of any of these centres are drawn from the staff, faculty, researchers and
postgraduate students, as well as technical staff in these centres. Members outside SQU may contribute to
the activities of the centre.
10.2
Centre for Environmental
Studies and Research (CESAR)
10.2.1 Message from the Director
Dr. Ahmed Mushtaque, Director of CESAR
The CESAR at SQU aspires to conduct research, raise
awareness on environmental issues locally, regionally and
globally; and help various agencies of the government and
other stakeholders to protect and sustain the management of
the nation’s natural resources through planned environmental
initiatives and research in the Sultanate of Oman. CESAR
strives to become an internationally recognised centre of
excellence for environmental research in the region. The centre
has only one senior researcher, two research assistants and an
executive coordinator. Due to the limited resources available
in the centre, CESAR is currently utilising some facilities and
analytical equipment in several colleges, such as the CAMS,
COE and COS.
10.2.2 Research Areas and Funding
CESAR’s vision is to help various agencies of the government in their efforts to protect and maintain the
nation’s pristine environmental re­sources through planned initiatives and research. Environmental issues
such as coastal zone management; ground­water pollution; over-grazing; de­sertification; climate change
and its consequences; loss of habitat; and biodiversity conservation have been identified as important
areas of ongoing research.
130
Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
Table 10.2.2: Research projects funded in 2010, 2011 and 2012
Number of Projects
Research Area
IG
HMTF
TRC
Total Funds (RO)
Contract
CS
Others
-
-
-
9,000
-
-
-
6,700
2010
Springs Environment
1
-
2011
Climate Change
1
-
2012
Wastewater Treatment
1
-
-
-
1
-
21,000
Total
3
-
-
-
1
-
36,700
Table 10.2.2 shows the number of projects, source of funding and the values of the funds granted in year
2010, 2011 and 2012. Each year CESAR received funding from IG; these are small grants ranging from
RO 6,700 to RO 11,000. Internal and Consultancy funding was received in the year 2012, amounting
to RO 21,000. CESAR is well placed to secure funding from the TRC and other private companies and
industries within the Sultanate of Oman.
10.2.3 Research Output
Research output presented in the Table 10.2.3 covers publications in referred journals, conference
proceedings, etc. In the year 2010, refereed journal articles were three and publications in conference
proceedings were seven. Besides, these publications, CESAR published two newsletters and one book
on environmental research at SQU and a seminar abstract booklet. In 2011, CESAR had the credit of
publishing four articles in refereed journals, two articles in the conference proceedings, three newsletters
and two conference abstract booklets. In the year 2011, number of publications increased with seven
articles in refereed journals, four articles in the conference proceedings, three newsletters and two
conference abstract booklets. Besides this, CESAR was actively involved in organising conferences,
seminars and capacity building workshops.
Table 10.2.3: Research output for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012
Refereed Journal
Articles
Books/Booklets
Book Chapters
Conference
Proceedings
CESAR
Newsletters
Total
7
2
16
2
3
13
4
3
16
2010
3
2
2
2011
4
2
2
2012
7
2
-
131
Research Centres’ Reports
10.3
Centre of Excellence in Marine
Biotechnology (CEMB)
10.3.1 Message from the Director
Whilst marine biotechnology is a relatively new field, the
rapid growth of genetic, cellular and molecular technologies
is enabling scientists to explore and develop marine resources
in many new ways, with widespread applications in the food,
medical, pharmaceutical, environmental and energy industries.
In view of these opportunities and given the abundant marine
resources of Oman, CEMB was established in 2005. Dr. Stephen
Goddard, previously Head of the Department of Marine Science
and Fisheries (CAMS), was appointed Director of CEMB in
2012. Through most of 2012 CEMB operated with a director/
researcher, two research assistants and a coordinator and
Dr. Stephen Goddard, Director of CEMB
continued its close liaison with the Ministry of Agriculture and
Fisheries Wealth (MoAFW) in aquaculture biotechnology and
development. In December 2012, a second senior researcher, Dr. Madjid Delghandi, joined the centre and
brought new core skills in the key biotechnology areas of genomics and molecular genetics. The centre is
now positioned to develop and extend its research activities within this challenging multidisciplinary field.
10.3.2 Research areas and funding
The collaborative research project “Heavy metal contamination of fish and shellfish” (CL/SQU/
IIUM/09/01) between SQU and the Marine Research Institute of Oceanography and Maritime Studies
at the International Islamic University of Malaysia (with Dr. Goddard as PI) was completed in 2012.
This was a successful collaboration and opened the way for further joint research and staff and student
exchanges. Five papers were published, one international conference paper presented in Australia (May
2012) and a poster presented on SQU University Day (May 2012).
In December 2012, a research proposal “Design and testing of an aquaponics (fish/hydroponic plant)
production system for use in a hot arid environment” was funded by the Agriculture and Fisheries
Development Fund of the MoAFW. The value of the grant was OR 45,000. This is a two-year project to
be conducted in collaboration with the CAMS and the MoAFW. The research will be conducted using
facilities at the Rumais Agricultural Station.
10.3.3 Research Output
Table 10.3.3 shows the research output during the period 2010–2012.
Table10.3: Research output for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012
2010
Refereed Journal papers
Book Chapters
Conference Proceedings
Technical Reports
Total
3
-
2
-
5
2011
4
2
3
2
11
2012
2
-
2
1
5
Total
9
2
7
3
21
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Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
10.4
Communication and Information
Research Centre (CIRC)
10.4.1 Message from the Director
The CIRC was established in 2002 with a mission to promote and
enhance research and education through government/university/
industry partnerships in focused and shared competitive ICT
research programmes.
Prof. Hadj Bourdoucen, Director of CIRC
Its vision was to promote joint research and development (R&D)
efforts in various areas of telecommunications and information
technology, with relevance to the needs of the Sultanate. It was,
therefore, intended to be a coordinating hub of ICT initiatives
and research in Oman and evolve as a distinct infrastructure from
which major projects in telecommunications studies and research
could be launched. CIRC would strive to be an internationally
recognised centre of excellence for ICT research in the region.
Its goal is to team with industrial partners and academicians within and outside SQU to generate solutions to
current and future technical challenges in the following areas: development; generation; transmission;
broadcasting; storage; transformation; switching; and networking of information. A number of technological
challenges on the horizon are FOSS; software engineering; broadband access; networking, wireless
communication, mobile multimedia access, quality-of-service identification; routing; differentiated services for
Internet; network management; network security; next-generation-Internet; and mobile communications.
To fulfill its mission, the centre is targeting the following key objectives:
☐☐
Identify relevant world-class technologies and transfer it to industry.
☐☐
Increase the flow of “SQU”-trained researchers skilled in the understanding and application of the
strategic technologies.
☐☐
Sustain collaborative research with the industry to maximise the intellectual capacity deployed to
meet global challenges in Information and Communication sciences and technologies.
☐☐
Organise seminars, symposia, workshops and conferences on telecommunication issues with the
assistance of local, regional and international sponsors.
☐☐
Publish digests, directories, conference proceedings and special issues of existing University journals
to disseminate research results.
10.4.2 Staff
The following table (Table 10.4.2) shows the staff members during the period 2010–2012.
Table 10.4.2: Staff during the period 2010–2012.
Name
Position
Prof. Hadj Bourdoucen
Director
Dr. Mohamed Sarrab
Research Associate
Mr. Osama Rehman
Research Assistant, (PhD Student)
Ms. Maryam Zuhair Al Lawati
Research Assistant, (MS Student)
Mr. Ibrahim Said Al Zakwani
Coordinator
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Research Centres’ Reports
10.5
Earthquake Monitoring Centre
(EMC)
10.5.1 Message from the Director
The mission of the EMC is to operate, manage, and develop
the national Earthquake Monitoring Programme and to
conduct and coordinate multidiscipline research activities
in the University. The EMC is responsible for monitoring
earthquakes that occur in and around the Sultanate, through
many seismic stations deployed in different parts of the
Sultanate to assessing the seismic hazard in the Sultanate by
locating all seismic zones; and determining their characteristics
and effects in all types of civil constructions. The EMC also
develops an earthquake awareness programme through the
Sultanate’s schools and the University.
Dr. Issa El-Hussain, Director of EMC
The short-term vision following the establishment of a
complete seismic network is to develop the needed manpower to formulate the centre as a fully selfdirected independent research entity within the next five years. The long-term vision of the centre is to be
among the best seismological centres in the world. The EMC’s objectives are:
☐☐
The execution of a national monitoring programme that involves the installation of permanent
seismic stations in selected localities according to geological and tectonic considerations.
☐☐
Follow-up the running of the earthquake network and carry out the required developments and
updating of the network.
☐☐
Conduct the required data analysis and evaluate all recorded earthquakes and calculate their
parameters.
☐☐
Publish the seismological data and findings and exchange these with other institutes in and outside
the Sultanate.
☐☐
Provide the planners and structural engineers with the seismological results and participate with
them in developing the necessary measures for the mitigation of earthquake hazards in the Sultanate,
including the preparation of building codes that include earthquake resistance designs.
☐☐
Exchange of data and knowledge with related Arab and international seismological institutes.
☐☐
Preparation for specialised workshops, seminars and conferences on seismology and seismic hazards.
☐☐
Provide advice and consultation on seismological science to all institutes and organisations that seek
such advice.
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Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
10.5.2 Staff
The following table (Table 10.5.2) shows the staff members during the period 2010–2012.
Table 10.5.2: Staff during the period 2010–2012.
Name
Position
Dr. Issa El-Hussain
Director
Dr. Ahmed Deif
Researcher
Mr. Salam Al-Hashmi
Senior Engineer
Mr. Khalfan Al-Tobi
Senior Engineer
Mr. Majid Al-Saifi
Assistant Researcher
Mr. Yousf Al-Shajabi
Assistant Researcher
Mr. Zaid Al-Habsi
Assistant Researcher
10.5.3 Projects and Consultancies
The centre’s projects are presented in the table below (Table 10.5.3).
Table 10.5.3: Projects and Consultancies during the period 2010–2012.
Title
Funding Agency
PI
Budget/RO
Duration
Seismic hazard assessment (SHA) for Oman
Oman Cabinet
Ministry
Dr. Issa El-Hussain
400,000
2010–2011
Microseismic analyses in Yibal oil field of
Northern Oman
PDO
Dr. Issa El-Hussain
76,155
2008–2010
Deterministic seismic hazard assessment
for site 6 at Yibal oil field
PDO
Dr. Issa El-Hussain
15,950
2012
2012
Total
10.5.4 Research Output
Table 10.5.4 shows research output from years 2010–2012
Table 10.5.4: Research output during the period 2010–2012.
2010
2011
Journal Articles
2
3
4
9
Technical Reports
3
2
4
9
Conferences and Seminars
6
2
5
13
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Research Centres’ Reports
10.6
Humanities Research Centre
(HRC)
10.6.1 Message from the Director
The Humanities Research Centre was established in 2010 and
began its activities in early 2012. The Centre hopes to take the
initiative in:
☐☐ Conducting inter-disciplinary research projects by
collaborating with academics that are within humanities
disciplines.
☐☐ Publishing and disseminating the results of research and
presenting in-house papers on social, administrative,
educational, social, legal management and business
problems.
☐☐ Participating in the exchange of information between
academic institutions and social and business organisations.
Prof. Farouk Fawzi, Director of HRC
Since 2012 (the real beginning of the Centre), two projects have been funded by the University’s IG with
support from the Humanities Research Centre.
10.6.2 Staff
The following table (Table 10.6.2) shows the staff members during the period 2010–2012.
Table 10.6.2: Staff during the period 2010–2012.
Staff category
Number
Director
1
Research Assistant
1
Coordinator
1
Administrative Staff
1
Total
4
10.6.3 Research Projects
Table 10.6.3 shows research projects during the period 2010–2012.
Table10.6.3: Research projects during the period 2010–2012
Research Area
2012
Number of Projects
IG
HMTF
TRC
Contract
External
Others
Total Funds
(RO)
English Language
1
-
-
-
-
-
1,000
Total
1
-
-
-
-
-
1,000
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Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
10.6.4 Research Output
Table 10.6.4 shows research output during the period 2010–2012.
Table10.6.4: Research output for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012
Research Area
Refereed Journal
Articles
Book
Book Chapters
Conference
Proceedings
Technical
Reports
Total
2012
English Language
-
1
-
-
-
1
Physical Education
1
-
-
-
-
1
Total
1
1
-
-
-
2
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Research Centres’ Reports
10.7
Oil and Gas Research Centre
(OGRC)
10.7.1 Message from the Director
The SQU OGRC, established in 2002, coordinates research
activities in the oil and natural gas sector. The centre promotes
interdisciplinary research and cooperation between the
University’s various departments and colleges, and provides
expertise in relevant areas of applied studies. In addition to
conducting research, the centre provides training and CS to the
oil and gas industry, utilising the excellent facilities available at
SQU.
The Centre’s functions are to:
☐☐ Facilitate and promote academic/industry collaboration
and support.
Dr. Rashid Al-Maamari, Director OGRC
☐☐
Conduct research in the fields of engineering and sciences in collaboration with the oil and gas
industry in Oman and other colleges at SQU.
☐☐
Provide consultancy and training services for the oil and gas industry.
☐☐
Develop research collaboration with reputable organisations.
☐☐
Support the SQU postgraduate programmes through the teaching of advanced courses and in the
participation of postgraduate students in research projects.
10.7.2 Staff
The following table (Table 10.7.2) shows the staff members during the period 2010–2012.
Table 10.7.2: Staff during the period 2010–2012.
Name
Position
Dr. Rashid Salim Al-Maamari
Director
Dr. Stephen Neville Ehrenberg
Shell Chair (joined SQU in May 2010)
Dr. Khaled El-Zarouk
Researcher (joined SQU in September 2010)
Dr. Asma Al-Saidi
Technician
10.7.3 Projects and Consultancies
The Centre worked on the following three projects (Table 10.7.3):
Table10.7.3: Projects and Consultancies for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012
Title
Funding
Agency
Chemical IOR projects for Omani fields
PDO
Polymer technology for improvement
of oil recovery in Omani fields.
PDO
138
PI/College
Budget (OR)
Duration
Dr. Rashid Al-Maamari
675,577
2012–2014
888,904
2008–2011
Dr. Rashid Al-Maamari
Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
(Continued)
Funding
Agency
Title
Upper Shuaiba reservoirs
Shell Chair
PI/College
Dr. S. N. Ehrenberg
Budget (OR)
Duration
Shell Chair budget
2012–2013
10.7.4 Research Output
Research output from 2010–2012
Table10.7.4: Research output for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012
Referred Journals
Book Chapters
Conferences
Technical Reports
5
1
11
2
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Research Centres’ Reports
10.8
Omani Studies Centre (OSC)
10.8.1 Message from the Director
Dr. Mohsin Al-Kindi, Director of OSC
In a globally changing world, preserving one’s identity and
culture becomes the utmost priority. The preservation of
the country’s cultural heritage ensures a linkage with its past
achievements and future aspirations. The OSC was established
with this objective in mind. Generating modern scientific
and academic knowledge and understanding the historical,
cultural and social specifics of Oman are among the valuable
services that SQU offers to the Omani society and the world.
The mission of the OSC is to conduct and support research
activities; provide CS; and document, preserve and disseminate
knowledge on Omani society, culture and heritage. The Centre
is also coordinating with local and international institutions
of mutual interest to promote research and studies on the
Sultanate of Oman. The objectives of the Centre are to:
☐☐
Conduct studies on arts and culture as requested by any governmental institution.
☐☐
Respond to the developments and needs of the Omani society and the University.
☐☐
Collect and document studies on the history of SQU from its origins to the present.
☐☐
Contact and cooperate with international universities and cultural institutions conducting research
on Oman.
☐☐
Support and promote research in Omani studies.
☐☐
Collect and document Omani manuscripts of social, cultural and scientific value.
☐☐
Collect and document literary traditions, heritage and folk arts of Oman.
10.8.2 Staff
The following table (Table 10.8.2) shows the staff members during the period 2010–2012.
Table 10.8.2: OSC staff during the period 2010–2012.
Name
Job Title
Administration
Dr. Mohsen Humood Al-Kindi
Director
Mr. Ali Nasser Al-Hadhrami
Deputy Director
Mr. Mohammed Sulyman Al-Shili
Clerk
Mr. Hassan Mahmood Al-Bulushi
Clerk
Ms. Asma Mubarak Bani Oraba
Coordinator
Research and Studies Department
Dr. Auhoud Said Al-Bulushi
Head of Research and Studies Department
Ms. Najah Hilal Al-Busaidi
Clerk
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Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
Table 10.8.2: (Continued)
Name
Job Title
Mr. Abdullah Hamed Al-Maani
Assistant Researcher
Ms. Tahani Abdullah Al-Hosni
Assistant Researcher
Ms. Watfa Musood Al-Farsi
Assistant Researcher
OSC Library
Mr. Said Mohammed Al-Rahbi
Librarian (C)
Mr. Saleh Sulieman Al-Zeheimi
Senior Librarian (B), on PhD leave
Ms. Safiya Sultan Al-Hosni
Senior Librarian (B)
Ms. Mariam Khames Al-Araimi
Senior Librarian (B)
Ms. Bushra Said Al-Hadrami
Assistant Librarian
10.8.3 Projects and Activities
The Centre organised a number of activities during the year 2012. These activities varied from conferences,
symposia, lectures, seminars and workshops. Below is a summary of the activities that the centre organised.
Research Projects
The Research and Studies Department in the Centre is embarking on a study entitled “Divorce in Oman”.
The team is headed by Dr. Auhoud Said Al-Bulushi, Head of Research and Studies Department, along
with the department staff and a number of academics from the CASS and CED. Conferences and Symposia
International Conference: Oman - Presence in East Africa
OSC in cooperation with the National Records and Archives Authority organised the international
conference on “Oman: Presence in East Africa”, from 11–13 December 2012, in the Conference Hall,
SQU.
Twenty-seven research papers were presented and 29 scholars attended the event: 17 of them from the
Sultanate and 12 from abroad.
A large number of concerned people attended the sessions of the conference.
The conference aimed to:
☐☐
Identify the political, social and economic aspects of the Omani presence in East Africa.
☐☐
Display the geographical factors that supported that presence.
☐☐
Study the Arabic and Swahili linguistic and literary works in East Africa.
☐☐
Highlight the prevailing social frameworks such as the costume, traditions and lifestyle in Oman
and East Africa and displaying the influence of both cultures.
☐☐
Shed light on Omani journalism and its cultural and educational impact.
☐☐
Identify the status of manuscripts, documents and archaeologies pertaining to the Omani historical
presence in East Africa.
The conference covered the following themes:
Theme 1: History
––
Historical Omani migrations and their influence on external and internal levels.
––
The role of the Ya’robis in expulsing the Portuguese and strengthening Omani rule in East Africa.
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Research Centres’ Reports
––
The role of the Albusaidis in the establishment of Omani Empire and later political and historical developments.
––
The role of Omani people in spreading culture and Islam in the coast and land of Africa.
––
The role of Omani scholars in intellectual, scientific and knowledge fields.
––
Cultural indicators of the Omani presence in East Africa (commercial, economic, social, political and cultural).
Theme 2: Geography
––
Geographical, natural and human factors and their influence in the Omani migration to East Africa.
––
Features of population movement and patterns of architecture between Oman and East Africa.
Theme 3: Language and Literature
––
The influence of Arabic on the Swahili language.
––
Arabic effects on the Swahili literature (standard and colloquial).
––
Arabic poetry in East Africa in the modern age (Albusaidis).
––
Trends of prose discourse in East Africa in the twentieth century.
Theme 4: Social Aspects
––
Omanis’ social and economic conditions in East Africa in the past and present.
––
Forms of social communications between Omani people in East Africa and Oman.
––
Values of Omani people in East Africa.
––
The portrait of the Omani personality in Zanzibari literature.
Theme 5: Media and Journalism
––
History of press and journalism in Zanzibar and East Africa.
––
Components, styles and trends of Omani journalism.
––
Oman in East Africa press.
––
Contributions of Omani journalist pioneers in East Africa.
––
Omani press and its role in highlighting Omani cultural discourse.
Theme 6: Documents, Manuscripts and Monuments
––
Architectural and archaeological evidence of the Omani presence in East Africa.
––
Historical Omani manuscripts and documents in different centres in East Africa (their existence and preservation methods).
––
Archives and documentary files related to Omani (Zanzibari, British, American and German archives).
The Second Forum of Omani and Maghreb Cultural Communication
The Omani Studies Centre participated and supported in the Second Forum of Omani and Maghreb
Cultural Communication, which was held in Al-Albayt University, Amman, Jordan, from 10–11 July
2012, in cooperation with the Omani Studies Unit at Al-Albayt University.
Omani Manuscripts and Documents Symposium: Reality and Future Vision
The Omani Studies Centre organised a symposium on “Omani Manuscripts and Documents: Reality and
Future Vision” in the Grand Hall in SQU Cultural Centre. The symposium was from 22–23 December
2012. The exhibition was from 22–26 December 2012, but upon the great demand of the visitors, the
exhibition was extended to 30 December 2012.
The symposium aimed to raise awareness about Omani manuscripts and documents and to show the
modern techniques used to preserve manuscripts and documents.
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Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
A number of individuals and institutions participated in the exhibition to display their Omani manuscripts
and documents.
Theatrical Experience in the Sultanate of Oman Seminar
The Omani Studies Centre organised a seminar in “Theatrical Experience in the Sultanate of Oman” on
the Al Fahm Stage, SQU Cultural Centre, on 4 April 2012.
10.8.4 OSC Library
The Omani Studies Centre library continues to offer different services to students and researchers,
whether from SQU or beyond. The library has organised and categorised all of the maps in the library and
has prepared a directory for them.
10.8.5 Publications
☐☐
Theatrical Experience in the Sultanate of Oman.
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Research Centres’ Reports
10.9
Remote Sensing and GIS Centre
(RSGISC)
10.9.1 Message from the Director
Dr. Andy Yaw Kwarteng, Director of RSGISC
The RSGISC promotes interdisciplinary research and
projects using remote sensing and GIS. The short-term vision
of the Centre is manpower development which will lay the
foundation for effective research and the teaching of remote
sensing and GIS courses at SQU. In addition to teaching
undergraduate and graduate courses in remote sensing and
GIS, the Centre organises seminars, symposia and workshops.
The Centre is also the World Meteorological Organisation
(WMO) centre for training in satellite meteorology which is
coordinated by the Directorate General of Meteorology and
Air Navigation (Civil Aviation Affairs) and the RSGISC. The
Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art remote sensing and
GIS facilities and software for teaching and research.
10.9.2 WMO Centre for Excellence
The seventh World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Centre of Excellence (CoE), Muscat,
was inaugurated at SQU in February 2006. The CoE’s activities are well supported by the European
Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT). More than 200 weather
forecasters and environmental scientists from the Arab and southwest Asian countries have been trained
since the establishment of the CoE in Oman. Table 10.9.2 shows the number of participants, participating
countries and sponsors for the workshops conducted between 2010 and 2012.
Table 10.9.2: Centre of Excellence workshops in 2010, 2011 and 2012
Date
Title
Organisers
Number of
Participants
Participating Countries
6–17 February 2010
EUMETSAT Satellite
Application Course
(ESAC-ME-VI)
EUMETSAT/CoE
17
Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain,
Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Qatar
and Iraq
5–16 February 2011
EUMETSAT Satellite
Application Course
(ESAC-ME-VII)
EUMETSAT/CoE
16
Oman, Jordan, Yemen, UAE,
Egypt, Morocco, Iraq and
Bahrain
11–22 February 2012
EUMETSAT Satellite
Application Course
(ESAC-ME-VIII)
EUMETSAT/CoE
19
Oman, Jordan, Yemen, UAE,
Egypt, Morocco, Iraq, Kuwait,
Saudi Arabia and Bahrain
10.9.3 Research Areas and Funding
RSGISC has participated in five research projects. In 2010 RSGISC completed two HMTF projects in
conjunction with the CASS and COE (Table 10.9.3). The Centre has been awarded TRC funding for a
project which will start in 2013.
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Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
Table 10.9.3: Research projects funded in 2010, 2011 and 2012
2010
Number of Projects
2
Funding Agency
HTMF
Participation
Co-PI
Total Funds
148,180
10.9.4 Research Output
Research and other activities of RSGISC were performed by the director and a research scientist assistant
who was employed from September 2010 to August 2012. Table 10.9.4 shows the Centre’s publications
from 2010–2012.
Table 10.9.4: Research output for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012
2010
2011
2012
Total
Refereed Journal Articles
-
1
-
1
Book Chapters
2
-
-
2
Conference Proceedings
3
1
2
6
Technical Reports
1
-
-
1
Newspaper Articles
8
13
3
24
Total
14
15
5
34
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Research Centres’ Reports
10.10 Water Research Centre (WRC)
10.10.1 Message from the Director
Fundamental and applied thematic research in water science is
of primary importance to arid and semi-arid areas such as Oman
where water resources are limited and demand is growing.
Such areas are suffering a water deficit and are challenged
by qualitative and quantitative water issues. The main focus
of the WRC at SQU is to establish, develop and coordinate
fundamental and applied thematic research in water science
to overcome these challenges and thereby establish a leading
WRC with international recognition.
The Centre strives to establish solid regional and international
collaborative links as well as lead the coordination between
national water-related bodies to enhance water research and
Dr. Osman Abdullah, Director of WRC
improve knowledge dissemination. The Centre also organises
scientific workshops and seminars and participates in events to
raise public awareness. In addition, consultancy and training are provided by the Centre as important
community services. The Centre also supports the postgraduate programmes in the Colleges by providing
close supervision to graduate students.
10.10.2 Staff
Table 10.10.2 shows the WRC staff in the years 2010, 2011 and 2012. However, all water-related staff
working in the colleges are also affiliated with the Centre.
Table 10.10.2: WRC staff in the years 2010, 2011 and 2012
Position
Director
2010
Dr. S. A. Prathapar
2011
Prof. Anvar Kacimov
2012
Dr. Osman Abdalla
Chair in Nanotechnology
-
Prof. Joydeep Dutta
Prof. Joydeep Dutta
Research Scientist
-
Dr. Mumtaz Khan
Dr. Mumtaz Khan
Coordinator
Ms. Jaquie Carino Pascua
Ms. Jaquie Carino Pascua
Ms.Pamela Kate Magali-Cudal
10.10.3 Research Areas and Funding
The main focus of the WRC is cross-disciplinary and synergic research in the following areas:
☐☐
Groundwater
☐☐
Desalination
☐☐
Surface water
☐☐
Socioeconomics of water in arid climates
☐☐
Agricultural water management
☐☐
Hydroecology.
The WRC strives to acquire grants from local, regional and international funding agencies to help in
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Postgraduate Studies and Research Report: 2010–2012
pursuing research related to water science. Table 10.10.3 summarises the research funds that were obtained
by WRC-affiliated staff in the years 2010–2012, along with the source of funding and the amounts
granted.
Table 10.10.3: WRC projects funded in 2010, 2011 and 2012
Source of Funding
Number of Projects
2010
2011
2012
Total Funds (RO)
1
1
1
11,000
IG
1
1
1
9,000
1
1
-
9,700
Total
3
3
2
29,700
1
1
1
136,000
-
1
-
114,3000
Total
1
2
1
1,279,000
Consultancy
-
-
1
5,900
Grand Total
4
5
3
1,314,600
HMTF
10.10.4 Research Output
Despite the limited number of staff working in or affiliated with the Centre, the number of published peer
-reviewed articles in international journals is quite satisfactory. The Centre also published a newsletter
and participated in local media publications to share the findings of the scientific research with the public
(Table 10.10.4).
Table 10.10.4: Research output for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012
2010
2011
2012
Papers published in Refereed Journals
6
18
19
Refereed Conference Publications
2
-
2
Patent Applications
-
7
-
Books/Book Chapters
-
1
-
Conference Presentations and Attendance
-
-
10
Research Visits
-
-
1
Invited Seminars and Presentations
-
-
7
10.11Conclusion
Research centres at SQU are playing an important role in initiating research activities, attracting research
funding, building capacity, developing the university research infrastructure and providing research and
CS to the government and private organisations. The currently existing nine research centres work for the
development of the national economy and the well-being of the society, including Environmental Studies;
Communication and Information Technology; Earthquake Monitoring; Humanities Studies; Oil and
Gas Research; Omani Studies, such as in arts and culture; Remote Sensing and Geographical Information
Systems; and Water Research. There is a need for continuous review and evaluation of the research centres
activities and achievements and the assessment of the needs of the country and the society for extending
their activities. This may include the establishment of additional needed research centres such as in health
studies and in agriculture and fisheries.
147