An Irreparable Loss
Panorama
Empowering Learners and Teachers
Mind Over Matter
Seminar on Accreditation and Quality Assurance
News Update
Date Palm Trees
and Paper Making
Department of Public
Relations and Information
Sultan Qaboos University
Issue 213
View Point
For a Noble Cause
A novel idea for a noble cause. This is how one of the leading newspapers
described the exhibition and sale of pre-owned books organized by the
students from the College of Commerce at SQU. The most important aspect
of this event is that it was a charity endeavour as the proceeds of the fair will
go to the National Society for Cancer Awareness (NACA).
The three-day event was held in the foyer of Muscat City Centre, one of the
most famous shopping centres in Muscat. The wide grins on the faces of
the young organisers were testimony to the fact that the event fared well
and they resolved to come out with more such events in future. The event
reflected the element of social responsibility that the society expects from all
human beings, especially the educated youth.
Khamis Rajab Al Busaidi
Editorial Supervision
Humaid Al Adwani
Editor -in-chief
M.K. Santhosh
Senior Editor
Younis Al Harrasi
Editor & Translator
Ahlam Al Wahaibi
Design & Layout
Rashad Al Wahaibi
& Photography Dept., CET
The authorities of NACA clarifies that the proceeds of the book fair will go
the Dar al Hanan, a new initiative of the organization to provide temporary
shelter for the relatives of cancer affected children undergoing treatment
in hospitals in Muscat. Cancer is an unfortunate disease. But it is even more
heartbreaking to witness children undergoing cancer treatment. To reach the
oncology centre in Muscat many cancer patients and their families have to
travel vast distances from all over the Sultanate for treatment and access to
care.
Dar Al Hanan’s doors are open to cancer patients, from infancy to the age of
17, and their families, and is open 24-hours a day, all year round. Dar Al Hanan
would provide young cancer patients and family members accommodation,
meals and shuttle service to the hospital for the duration of their treatment. It
will also offer planned, organized and supervised activities for the children. A
children’s library and computers will be available in the playroom.
NACA really needs the financial support from organizations and individuals.
What is more important is voluntary work by the youngsters. Hence the
charity book fair is a highly positive gesture. This should pave way for more
active involvement of SQU community in charity during the years to come.
Photography
Horizon invites contributions from SQU members of staff and faculty. Contributions in the form of articles, news, travelogues, stories of unique and interesting experiences, encounters, etc., are welcome. Contributions may be edited
for the sake of clarity and length. Please send your contributions to horizon@squ.edu.om preferably, as MSWord attachments. Authors will be suitably credited.
Horizon is published three times a month by the Department of Public Relations and Information,
Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 50, P.C. 123, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.
Phone: +968 24141045
E-mail: horizon@squ.edu.om
10 April 2011
P2
Fax: +968 24413 391
Website: www.squ.edu.om
Seminar on Accreditation
and Quality Assurance
The Office of External Cooperation at Sultan Qaboos University organized
a seminar on “Accreditation and Quality Assurance” in collaboration with
AMIDEAST, American non-profit organization engaged in international
education, training and development activities in the Middle East and North
Africa. The panellists and participants included heads of seven US universities
and colleges. From SQU side, senior academicians and administrators from
different colleges and centres, led by Prof. Amer Al Rawas, Deputy Vice
Chancellor for Postgraduate Studies & Research, participated in the one day
event. Jerome B. Bookin- Weiner, Director of Study Abroad and Outreach,
AMIDEAST, facilitated the seminar. The first presentation was given by Prof.
Adel Gastli, Director of SQU Quality Assurance Office.
The aim of the seminar on Accreditation and Quality Assurance was to share
knowledge and expertise in this field by way of interacting with international
experts. Commenting on the event, Zahir al Zakwani, Director of the Office
of the External Cooperation at SQU said: “The seminar gave us a picture of
where we stand and where we want to be in terms of quality standards of
the institution”. Earlier, Dr. Hamed bin Suleiman al Salmi, SQU Deputy Vice
Chancellor for Administrative & Financial Affairs, received the US delegates in
his office.
Media Forum Attracts Students
News Update
Nursing Group Campaigns for
Prevention of Blood Disorders
The Nursing Group of the College of Nursing at SQU recently organized Nursing
Week 2011 based on the theme “blood diseases and disorders”. The event was
opened on March 27 under the patronage of Dr. Said bin Ali al Yahyaee, SQU
Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs & Community Service.
Through the event, the student group emphasised the importance of carrying
out premarital blood test in order to prevent chances of hereditary blood
diseases including Thalassemia, Sickle Cell Anaemia, G6PD deficiency and
others. Nursing Week was organized with the participation and support of
several nursing institutes in different regions of the Sultanate. Students from
Ministry of Health nursing schools in Muscat, Nizwa, Ibra, etc. jointed SQU
nursing students in the campaign against prevention of hereditary blood
disorders.
Ali al Shukaili, Head of the Nursing Group, said that they have set up for different
stalls as part of the exhibition of blood disorders. “The idea is to disseminate
information to the public on the symptoms, signs and management of blood
disorders; gene transmission pattern that leads to incidence of these disorders;
statistics and cost of disease management; and procedures of premarital blood
testing”, he said.
As part of their community activity, paramedical staff from Al Khoudh Health
Centre also joined the students in providing guidance to the people on blood
disorders and the facilities offered by the Ministry of Health for prevention and
treatment of the disorders. On the sidelines of the event, the students reached
Quram City Centre and Al Sahwa Gardens to disseminate information on blood
diseases among the public. The activity included distribution of pamphlets and
face to face counselling.
Art Exhibition Explores
Use of Colour
The Media Society at SQU organised Medium Forum at the Student Service
Centre recently. The event was held under the patronage of Dr. Tahir bin
Abdulrahman Ba Omar, Academic Affairs Advisor to the Vice Chancellor. The
event highlighted the significant role played by media in our daily life and
served as a platform that brought together various private and government
media organizations. The forum delivered the message of media work and
its mission to students and public alike and was successful in bridging the
gap between media institutions and media students.
The forum included a media exhibition in which more than six government
and private media organisations showcased their publications and
programmes. The participating media organisations included Oman
Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA), Oman Radio,
Al Roya for Press and Publication, Al Wisal Channel and others. This event
served as a practical exposure for media students at the university to choose
the right track after graduation. It also helped students to get training
opportunities in the participating organisations.
A five day visual art exhibition that explored the use of colour by
major contemporary British artists was held at SQU. The exhibition was
inaugurated by HE Salim Mohammed al Mahrooqi, Undersecretary for
Heritage Affairs at the Ministry of Heritage and Culture. Organized by
the British Council at the Cultural Centre of SQU, the exhibition titled
“Seeing in Colour” introduced the students to contemporary art from
the UK.
The exhibition explored the use of colour by major contemporary
British artists in their work with pieces from artists such as Damien Hirst,
Patric Caul field and Sir Eduardo Paolozzi. For over 80 years, the British
Council has been collecting works of art, craft and design to promote
the achievements of British artists, craft practitioners and designers
overseas. Paul Doubleday, Director, British Council said that the art
works displayed at the exhibition were from the collection of the British
Council. A variety of art works from 1960s to the present day was on
display and the idea was to encourage Omanis to develop interest in art
and creativity.
10 April 2011 P3
Insight
Date Palm Trees and Paper Making
Dr. El-Said I. El-Shafey
Department of Chemistry
College of Science
Date palm tree is the main fruit crop in Oman and generates large amounts of
palm leaves and leaflets every year. Utilizing date palm leaflets is becoming a
spot of research interest in the Environmental and Analytical Research Group
in the Chemistry Department in areas of water treatment and paper making.
The project of papermaking has won a silver award at the Third International
Invention Fair of the Middle East, hosted by the Kuwait Science Club in November
2010. The project was honored by being presented to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos
during his Royal Visit to Sultan Qaboos University on 18th December 2010.
Date palm is the primary crop in the Sultanate of Oman and represents about
82 % of all fruit trees in the country and occupies 49 % of cultivated area in the
country. Oman is currently the eighth’s largest world producer of dates with a
production of about 240, 000 metric tones (MT) of total world production. In 2005,
Sultanate of Oman had more than 7.8 million date palm trees and this number is
increasing gradually. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos issued Royal Directives last year
to plant one million date palm trees in the Sultanate and this would increase the
number of date palm to about 9 million trees.
Date palm trees produce large quantities of waste palm leaves. The leaves
are 3–5 meter long, with spines and about 150 leaflets. The leaflets are 30 cm
long and 2 cm broad. Each date palm tree produces about 20 kg of dry leaflets
yearly as waste. Oman produces around 180 000 tons of waste dry palm leaflets
annually and in the GCC countries, approximately 3 million tones of that waste
are produced every year. Burning in the field is considered as a common practice
for palm leaves in some places posing environmental atmospheric pollution.
The global production of paper and paper board is close to 400 million tones
per year. Nearly 40% of this comes from Asia, 30% from Europe, and 25% from
North America. About 93% of paper originates from trees and 7% from non-tree
sources.
Utilizing date palm waste rather than just destroying them is very important not
only from an environmental point of view, but an economic one as well. The
Environmental and Analytical Research Group, Chemistry Department, initiated
in 2008 research activities regarding the utilization of date palm by-products that
include leaflets and date stones that are considered as waste in preparation of
different adsorbents for hospital wastewater treatment. An SQU funded internal
grant started in January 2010 for utilizing these different adsorbents in hospital
wastewater treatment. The other research activity was paper making from date
palm leaflets.
Plants, in general, possess mainly cellulose, hemicellulse and lignin. The higher
the percentage of cellulose the better the plant as a source for paper making as
paper is basically made from cellulose. For example, cellulose content is 40-45 %
in wood, 90% in cotton fibers, 47 % in rice straw, 30 % in neem tree and 35 % in
10 April 2011 P4
date palm leaflets.
Stages of paper manufacture involve pulping, additives mixing, paper producing
and finishing. Extraction of cellulose fiber from palm leaflets is called pulping
and this can be carried out chemically or mechanically. Chemical pulping
relies on chemical reactants and heat to dissolve lignin in the leaflets, followed
by mechanical refining to separate the fibers. Separating the fiber through
mechanical tools after a pretreatment with steam or weak chemical solution is
known as mechanical pulping. Mechanical pulping has higher pulp yield than
chemical pulping, however, the latter has long fibers and produces stronger
papers. The fiber is usually bleached chemically to produce white papers. Fillers
such as calcium carbonate are then added to improve the characteristics of the
paper for printing or writing. Other additives may be added for paper quality as
for different purposes. The pulp is fed to a paper machine where it is formed as a
paper sheet papermaking can also be obtained manually. Drying involves using
air and or heat to remove water from the paper sheet. Paper finishing is directly
related to the purpose of manufacturing. For example, a thin layer of material
such as calcium carbonate is applied to one or both sides in order to create a
surface more suitable for writing and printing.
Palm leaflets contain approximately 35 % cellulose and this amount is high
enough to be utilized for paper making using a chemical pulping method. Some
of the chemistry group students were involved in the project that won then in
2008 the first position in the Science Festival in the College of Science. However,
the quality of the paper was not good enough as the lignin content was still
high and the paper was slightly brittle. The work has continued seeking better
conditions for removing the lignin from the palm leaflets and the results were
ideal. The process was completely hand made and the paper sheets were made
using woody frames with a wire net that are called mold and deckle. The paper
was pressed and left to dry in the sun. After drying the paper was cut and shaped
for different purposes such as an envelope, paper bag, paper roll and paper sheet
as presented. Mostafa Bramai, a chemistry student, has joined the papermaking
project last year and presented the project products at the Third International
Invention Fair of the Middle East that was hosted by the Kuwait Science Club in
November 2010.
The importance of this project is that about 180 000 tons of palm leaflets are
produced annually in Oman and can be utilized for papermaking, thereby, saving
the environment and achieving an economic purpose. However, proto-type
mechanization, paper quality improvement would involve a more realistic cost
analysis for the scaling up of the production.
Mind Over Matter
Empowering Learners
and Teachers
Dr. Saleh
Dr. Victoria
Samar Khammash
By Dr. Saleh Al-Busaidi, Director, Language Center
Oman International ELT Conference 2011 is set to be held during 2021 April 2011. The theme of the conference is “Empowering Teachers
and Learners” covering over 33 subthemes and ELT areas of interest.
The conference aims to provide national and international platform
for discussing the most effective ways to empower both teachers
and learners, especially in the light of the rapid global changes and
challenges. In this column, Dr. Saleh Al Busaidi, Director of SQU
Language Center, underscores the importance of the conference
theme. Dr. Victoria Tuzlukova, Chair, Professional Development
Committee, explores the topic “Professional Development Perspectives
for Teachers” and Samar Khammash, Head of the Academic
Committee, elaborates on the conference activities and main speakers.
foundation program has certainly changed the way learners learn and
teachers teach. Students now get more exposure to the target language
through their math and IT courses. It would be interesting to see the
impact of the foundation program on our learners.
Professional Development Perspectives
By: Dr. Victoria Tuzlukova, Chair, Professional Development Committee
English language teachers’ professional development is traditionally
considered as an essential component of achieving high standards of
professionalism and high-quality education since teachers’ professional
skills, competence, and teaching practice have a strong influence on
the learning environment and students’ achievements.
The 11th Oman International ELT conference this year is rather unique. It
addresses both the learners and teachers. It is well known that learners
and teachers are the main pillars of language acquisition. Without them
no learning takes place. They each bring with them many variables that
affect the learning process one way or another. Learners bring with
their background, beliefs, learning styles, past learning experience, etc.
Teachers also have their own experience, training, teaching style, beliefs,
etc, that have a direct impact on the learning process. These variables
will inevitably affect how learners learn and how teachers teach. But is
there a meeting point between the two parties? Yes, there is, indeed.
This is evident in the classroom where students and teachers interact.
Professional development can assist teachers in creating better
opportunities to fashion and construct new methods and techniques,
borrow and tailor to their students’ needs those approaches that have
been successfully implemented in other educational scenarios. It can also
initiate formal and informal means of helping teachers with acquiring
new skills, developing new insights into pedagogy and promoting the
increased responsibility for excellence in teaching. Moreover, as revealed
in educational research, professional development can help teachers
develop pedagogical content knowledge and provide additional
opportunities for them to reflect critically on their own practice and to
address the new knowledge and beliefs.
We need to find ways to empower learners and teachers. One of them
would be to give them a sense of ownership. Learners need to take
charge of their own learning. They need to be shown how to do that.
Instead of depending on the teacher, learners should realize and utilize
their potential. However, learners cannot do that without some initial
help from teachers. Students who may not be accustomed to being
independent learners cannot be expected to suddenly become so
merely because they have moved to a different academic setting, that
is, college or university. It is easy to say that learners should be held
accountable for their learning, but to what extend does this happen
in reality? Learners may not be equipped with the skills and capacities
required for learner autonomy. They may not also be aware of what is
expected of them. In many western countries, learners develop this
sense of independence throughout their life and so when they leave
home to join college they adapt quite easily. But this may not be true in
this part of the world where learners lack the basic study skills and are
not mature enough in terms of critical thinking. They need to be shown
how to do that.
But how is it better to implement and organize professional development
for it to serve as an efficient tool for enhancing knowledge, skills,
attitudes and professional beliefs of the teachers? What efforts should
be undertaken for professional development to become a critical factor
in teaching rather than a shoddy and limited issue in educational
setting? These and many other questions will be discussed at the 11th
annual international conference.
Teachers also need empowerment in their career. They require
adequate opportunities for professional development. They also need
to be involved in the decision making process where they work. I am
sure that the wide array of presentations and workshops scheduled for
the forthcoming conference will tell us more about how to empower
learners and teachers. Professionals will share their expertise and
experience in this area and others.
The conference this year comes as part of other developments that have
taken place at the Language Center. A closed IELTS testing center was
launched. The establishment of the IELTS center is part of the Language
Center’s strategic plans to extend its services to the local community.
The introduction of the foundation program was another major event
this academic year at Sultan Qaboos University. It is no longer enough
for learners to pass an English test or course to start college courses.
They also have to pass IT and math courses. The introduction of the
Presentations and Workshops
By: Samar Khammash, Head of the Academic Committee
This year the organizers have received 195 applications for 236
applicants. The Conference’s Academic Committee has reviewed all the
applications, and has accepted a total of 77 presentations/workshops for
95 presenters and co-presenters. The conference will host three expertplenary speakers covering various areas in the ELT domain, namely and
arranged alphabetically: Mr. David Little concentrating on Learner
Autonomy, Dr. Martha Nyikos concentrating on Learning Strategies,
and Mr. Scott Thornbury concentrating on Methods and Methodology.
The conference is also exploring the area of Professional Development
through the presentation by the two features speakers, Dr. Simon Borg,
and Dr. Saleh Al-Busaidi. Five different Certified Workshops are also
planned for this year covering the main and most prominent subthemes
of the conference. There are presenters from the Language Centre, SQU,
different colleges and schools from different regions in Oman, also a
big number is coming from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Iran,
Malaysia, Palestine, Algeria and England.
10 April 2011 P5
News Round Up
Charity Book Fair
to Help Cancer Patients
The Information Centre Group, a student group based in the College of
Commerce & Economics at Sultan Qaboos University , organized a charity
fair of pre-owned books at Muscat City Centre in support of the Dar Al
Hanan initiative of the National Association for Cancer Awareness (NACA).
The organizers said that the proceeds of the book fair would be donated to
Dar Al Hanan.
The students voluntarily collected hundreds of titles from individuals and
organizations to set up this used book fair. The books were collected by
publicising the event through the local media, internet and other channels
of communication. Books were categorized into ten sections including
medicine, business, Islamic science, computer and information technology,
and so on. The prices of the books ranged from 200 Bz to 3 riyals. The book
fair was opened under the patronage of Sayyid Mutar bin Saif Al Busaidi
in the presence of Yuthar al Rawahi, president of NACA, and officials and
students from Sultan Qaboos University. The chief guest lauded the efforts
of students in raising funds for charity by organizing an exhibition and
sale of pre-owned books. Yuthar al Rawahi said that she is proud of this
extracurricular activity of SQU students and welcomed the idea of donating
the profit to NACA. She appealed the students to be more and more involved
in charity activities.
SQU Observes World Water Day
SQUMJ Evaluated
for Inclusion in Scopus
Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal (SQUMJ), a refereed multidisciplinary
journal, has been evaluated for inclusion in Scopus by the Content Selection &
Advisory Board (CSAB). The review of this title is now complete and the CSAB has
advised that the title will be accepted for inclusion in Scopus. SQUMJ publishes
original articles three times per annum in print and on line with free public access
to full text articles.
The Scopus team has informed that the editorial board of SQUMJ will be contacted
by the source collection department in due course. The title will be added to
Scopus as soon as Scopus have access to the title. Scopus, owned by Elsevier,
is the largest abstract and citation database of research literature and quality
web sources. It is designed to find the information scientists need. Quick, easy
and comprehensive, Scopus provides superior support of the literature research
process. Updated daily, Scopus offers Over 16,000 peer-reviewed journals from
more than 4,000 publishers.
The reviewer comments is as follows: “This journal is well written and presented,
with an excellent web site, and I enjoyed reading the articles. I am concerned that
an institutional based approach is too parochial, but I believe that this particular
journal sets a regional standard to which others could aspire. I would encourage
the editors to be ambitious in their regional scope and courageous in their
coverage of regional health and socio-medical issues”.
SQU Student Group Holds
Human Resources Gathering
Sultan Qaboos University and the Ministry of Regional Municipalities &
Water Resources jointly observed World Water Day 2011 on March 22
under the patronage of HE Dr. Hilal bin Ali al Hinai, Secretary General of the
Research Council. The event included a number of presentations on water
related issues and challenges delivered by noted scientists from abroad and
SQU.
During the opening ceremony, Dr. S.A. Prathapar, Director of SQU Water
Research Centre, and Engr. Hamed Al Hatmi, Director General of the Ministry
of Regional Municipalities & Water Resources delivered the welcome address
in which they underlined the importance of organizing UN World Water Day
on March 22 every year. The speakers explained the objective World Water
Day 2011, which is to focus international attention on the impact of rapid
urban population growth, industrialization and uncertainties caused by
climate change, conflicts and natural disasters on urban water systems.
The attraction of the ceremony was a musical concert on the theme
“Juxtaposing fluxes: water and music” rendered by music trainers in the
Department of Music and Musicology at SQU. Ms. Arina Egorova rendered
on piano and Ms. Darya Skryabina played violin leaving the audience
spellbound. In the following session six presentations were delivered by
experts on different topics related to water management. The topics included
water resources challenges in Oman, integrated urban water management
in Al Batinah region, “Constructual Law of Design in hydrology: Nature and
engineering”, etc.
10 April 2011 P6
Oman Management Group, a student group under the Business Society at
Sultan Qaboos University organized the fourth Human Resources Gathering
with a number of activities. The activities including corners disseminating the
importance and different aspects of human resources management, lectures
and seminars. During his address in the opening ceremony of the event, Dr.
Unnikammu Moideenkutty, Assistant Professor in the Management Department
of the College of Commerce & Economics at SQU, observed that young people
are the real resources of any nation including Oman and the challenge lies in
using them in a productive way. Sheikh Khalid al Hosni, Chairman of National
Gas Company gave a talk on different aspects of human resource management
in Oman. Two seminars on Oman Labour Law and Oman Women Labour Law,
lectures by human resources experts on “how to write a smart curriculum vitae”
and “how to market yourself” was also held on the sidelines of the human
resources forum.
Panorama
An Irreparable Loss
Hajj. It is compulsory for every Muslim to make at least one journey in their lifetime to
Makkah for Hajj if they can afford it. Regardless of his ailment, Dr. Shikdar performed
all rituals associated with Hajj very actively. To perform the rituals was a strenuous task
even for young people. However, he did them quite actively in the company of his wife.
Usually, after the pilgrimage, some people would fall sick due to the strenuous journey
as the trip involves walking at least 12 km everyday. Dr. Shikdar did not complain about
any ailments during or after the pilgrimage. According to his close associates, Dr. Shikdar
returned from the Holy Shrine healthier physically, mentally and spiritually.
Dr. Shikdar was very popular among his students and colleagues. During his service
in SQU, he led several important research projects. He was instrumental in introducing
Masters’ program in Mechanical Engineering at the College of Engineering. A few
days before his death, Dr. Shikdar played an active role in successfully organizing the
International Conference on Applied Mechanics, Materials and Manufacturing hosted by
SQU from December 13 to 15. As the chair of the conference organizing committee, Dr.
Shikdar, made outstanding contributions to the success of this high profile event.
Dr. Ashraf Shikdar (1954 to 2011)
Dr. Ashraf Shikdar had a long and distinguished career
in the College of Engineering at SQU. He is remembered
by colleagues and students as gentle, soft-spoken and
hardworking, with an ability to win the hearts of the people
with his tender and positive nature. He died on January 31,
2011, following a cardiac arrest at the University Hospital.
He had reached the hospital from his office by 12 noon to
undergo medical tests for cardiac problems.
Dr. Shikdar was born in Gopalgunj, Bangladesh in 1954 . After
graduating from his home country, he moved to Belarus in
former USSR, to do M.Sc. Eng. in Mechanical Engineering
(Manufacturing) at Belarus Polytechnic University, Minsk,
Belarus. After completing this course in 1980, Dr. Shikdar
pursued another masters degree, M.A.Sc. in Industrial
Engineering at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia,
Canada, and completed the same in 1986. He did Ph.D. in
Industrial Engineering, from DalTech, Dalhousie University,
Nova Scotia, Canada, in 1991.
He served as Research Associate and Lecturer in the School of
Safety Science and School of Mechanical and Manufacturing
Engineering at the University of New South Wales in Australia
from 1992 to 1995. He worked as Lecturer in the Department of
Mechanical Engineering, University of Technology in Papua
New Guinea during the period from 1995 to 1996. Dr. Shikdar
was appointed Senior Lecturer in the School of Mechanical
Engineering at the University of Science Malaysia in 1996
where he served for two years. He joined SQU as Assistant
Professor in the Department of Mechanical & Industrial
Engineering in 1998 and served in this position until 2005
when he was promoted as Associate Professor. He served as
the Head of the Department until January 31.
Dr. Shikdar’s death was from heart disease. Heart blocks were
diagnosed in 2005 after which he had undergone angioplasty
and vascular stenting. However, traces of blocks were again
detected in 2009 for which he was undergoing treatment. A
devout Muslim, Dr. Shikdar prayed regularly and took active
part in religious services. He was the most selfless of people,
always putting others’ welfare before his own. One month
before his death, Dr. Shikdar expressed his wish to perform
According to his wife, Dr. Shikdar was very attached to his family and was a loving
father. He loved his children so much that he could never say no to any of their demands.
In a situation where, he should say no to his loving children’s demands, he would ask
his wife to do so. His love for Sultanate of Oman was enormous. His wife said that a few
days before his death Dr. Shikdar had expressed the wish that he be buried in Oman. The
wish was fulfilled an he was buried in Al Khoudh graveyard.
Dr. Mushtaque Ahmed, Director of SQU CESAR, was a close friend and associate of Dr.
Ashraf Shikdar. Dr. Ahmed says; “He was one of the finest gentlemen I ever met. He was
always friendly, amiable and courteous. He always had a smile on his face. I never saw
him getting angry or upset. His devotion to his duty was exemplary. It is fitting that even
on the day of his death he went to office as usual. He simply could not stay away from his
job. He dedicated his life for his students.”.
Dr. Tasneem Parvez, Dr. Shikdar’s long time colleague in the college of Engineering
observes: “Dr. Shikdar was a man using kind words, bearing humble character, delivering
duties with dedication, guiding students with diligence and balancing time between work
and family life. Personally, my association with him was unforgettable. The best way to
pay tribute to him is to remember him in our dua and ask Allah’s mercy on him and us. I
pray to Allah to grant him Jannah in the day hereafter (ameen)”.
Prof. Shafiur Rahman, from the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, a friend a
colleague of Dr. Shikdar, recollects: “Dr. Shikdar was such an extraordinary man, I cannot
help but have a good feeling remembering his peaceful and amiable presence. He was
immensely helpful. He was loved and respected by many. His achievements are endless.
He was striving for the highest goals and was a loving family man! Death cannot take his
love because it is seen everywhere, every day I thank God for giving me the opportunity
to have met and been friends with him!”
Dr. Nasser Al Azri, Assistant Professor in the Mechanical & Engineering Department,
had the chance to be a student in Dr. Ashraf’s class and later a colleague in the same
department. “He was of the most patient, accommodative teachers and of the most
well-natured, cooperative colleagues. He will always be missed”. Dr. Khadem, another
colleague says: “He was a humble and good leader as well as good friend. He was a guru
in my career. I miss him a lot”.
Dr. Ashraf Shikdar is survived by his wife Shahan Ara Shikdar, who is a teacher at
SQU Day Care Centre, son Asim Mehdi Shikdar and daughter Tasfia Mila Shikdar. The
university administration was highly supportive to his family after Dr. Shikdar’s death.
High officials, including HE Dr. Ali bin Saud Al Bimani, the Vice Chancellor, visited
his residence and paid condolences. The family is allowed to stay in the university
accommodation until his daughter Tasfia completes her senior secondary in June this
year. His son, studying in Australia, was allowed to do one semester in the College of
Engineering at SQU under credit transfer system.
10 April 2011 P7
Straight Talk
Horizon: Could you elaborate on your areas of interest?
Dr. Lansberg: My focus has been on prevention of
cardiovascular
complications based on atherosclerosis. In the past, I have been part of the
Dutch national program for screening patients with high risk of developing
cardiovascular diseases due to high levels of cholesterol. I was fortunate
enough to be able to set up and organization to screen the whole Dutch
population, a project which has gone almost half the way now. I used to be
the director of this organization. I still participate in some of the international
projects aimed at mitigating cardiovascular risks.
Horizon: Can you explain on the talk that you delivered at SQU?
Dr. Lansberg: My presentation focussed on how life style factors lead to the
development of cardiovascular diseases. I explained some of the features of
the cardiovascular patients in the region. Diabetes is an important risk factor
prevalent in the region that leads to developing cardiovascular problems. It
has been established that chances for developing cardiovascular diseases
can be reduced by controlling the risk factors such as high diabetes, obesity,
cholesterol, hypertension, life style, smoking, age and gender. This the
spectrum of risk factors that lead to the incidence of cardiovascular diseases
in all regions including the Middle East. Fortunately, very efficient drugs
are available which could dramatically reduce the risk factors. In my talk, I
focussed on cholesterol and lipid levels; how we can recognize the patients
with this risk factors and how to manage them properly in the hospitals.
Horizon: Changes is lifestyle is essential for a healthy heart. How would
you substantiate?
Dr. Lansberg: Following a sedentary lifestyle will drive cardiovascular
complications. The fact is that our body is not designed for the lifestyle that
we are adapting today. Human body is designed in an evolutionary point
of view. In the past, man had to do a lot of activity to get very little bit of
food. On the contrary, today we do very little activity and get a lot of food.
Physical activities and sporting for health reasons is indeed a good strategy.
However, the common trend is that people may do regular physical activity
for a short period and not for the rest of their lives. If you are in a high risk
category for developing cardiovascular complications, you should change
your lifestyle and get involved in sport activities. Drugs are really helpful in
reducing the risk factors considerably.
Horizon:
As an expert, how do you correlate between smoking and
cardiovascular diseases?
Dr. Lansberg:
Smoking is one of the most important modifiable risk
factors and is associated with cardiovascular disease and cancer. In many
developed economies more and more restrictions are being implemented
to restrict smoking and access to cigarettes. One of the most important
lessons we learned in the last few years is that so called “second hand
smoke” or being exposed to cigarette smoke carries also a substantial risk
for non-smokers!
Horizon: Can you put forward any comprehensive strategy for reducing
the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in countries like Oman? Is
there any national strategy that has been proved successful in Holland?
Dr. Lansberg: A successful strategy would be focusing on early prevention
where education and awareness of risk factors would be an important task
for health authorities and patient organizations. Also early intervention in
high risk individuals such as patients with type 2 diabetes and predisposing
risk factors as obesity and unhealthy lifestyle. In the Netherlands the
national screening program for finding and treating patients with genetic
cause of very high cholesterol levels has proven the very successful. Finally
in patients with established cardiovascular disease stringent guidelines
and electronic monitoring of the (pharmacological) management of these
important modifiable risk factors would contribute greatly to reduce their
risk dramatically.
Dr. Peter J. Lansberg
Dr. Peter Lansberg is a senior staff member of the department of Vascular
Medicine and CEO of the Durrer Cardiovascular Genetic Research Centre at the
Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam. He conducted research for his doctoral
thesis, “The molecular basis and treatment of Familial Hypercholesterolemia”, at
the University of Amsterdam. His interests include management of patients with
high risk for cardiovascular disease, electronic patient data management and
atherosclerosis research, such as vascular biology, lipids, and genetics. Dr. Lansberg
is the former Director of the Dutch foundation for tracing patients with Familiar
Hypercholesterolemia, and now acts as an ambassador for this organization. He is
a frequently invited lecturer on the topics of cardiovascular risk management and
lipid lowering interventions. Of late he gave a talk at SQU College of Medicine &
Health Sciences on the topic “Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: Current Status and
Future Hopes”.