Different Regions Of Oman Research Articles

Exploring the influence of artificial intelligence technology on consumer repurchase intention: The mediation and moderation approach

Digital technologies have dramatically changed business practices and consumer buying behavior. This study integrates artificial intelligence technology, consumer engagement on social media, conversion rate optimization, and satisfying consumer experience to examine consumer repurchase intentions in the hospitality industry. Data was collected from 308 hotel customers from different regions of Oman who had an online hotel booking experience. SmartPLS was used to examine the data and proposed hypotheses. The findings of this study revealed that artificial intelligence technology positively influences consumer engagement on social media and conversion rate optimization. Similarly, consumer engagement on social media and conversion rate positively influence satisfying consumer experience, leading to increased consumer repurchase intentions. Finally, consumer habit positively moderates the relationship between satisfying consumer experience and repurchase intention. This study facilitated the understanding of artificial intelligence technology to influence consumer engagement on social media and conversion rate to boost consumer satisfaction and repurchase intention and offers suggestions for developing impeccable service business strategies. Marketers must think about making posts more interesting through videos, images, and animations, which will satisfy consumers, ultimately boosting their desire to use, share, and generate content on social media platforms for hospitality organizations.

Sustainable Waste Management Strategies for Effective Energy Utilization in Oman: A Review.

Due to the adverse effect of energy production from traditional fossil fuels, the move toward renewable and sustainable energy has become imperative. The waste disposal sector offers hope toward environmental sustainability and potential to generate strong income for any economy. The region of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries in the Middle East generates the highest quantity of municipal waste per capita, compared to other countries globally. In the GCC region, waste is usually just dumped at different landfill stations. Effective waste management is imperative for environmental protection and sustainable development. This article presents a review of the sustainable waste management strategies in Oman, in line with the United Nations goal on environmental management of waste. The current waste management strategies in Oman were discussed, and various waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies were proposed. These proposed WTE strategies would help in effective waste management in Oman and also in increasing the power grid capability. The salient part of this article is an overview of the ability of using landfill leachate as feedstock to produce clean and green hydrogen gas using different photo-fermentation processes. The production of hydrogen using single photo-fermentation process using landfill leachate alone, with leachate and addition of inoculum such as sewage sludge, and with substrates such as sucrose, glucose, and landfill leachate was investigated by utilizing a batch bioreactor and anaerobic conditions at controlled temperature, different initial pH, and heat treatment temperature range. Furthermore, a prototype model for the optimization of the inoculum size and the substrate was proposed with 2-level factorial design using Design Expert. The data gathering for this study was carried out by investigating different regions in Oman having the lowest and highest waste produce, the average annual waste for the different governorates, and the total amount of waste for five consecutive years (2015–2020), for the various engineered landfills. The cost of managing waste in the different governorates of Oman was presented, considering the average annual waste produced, in various regions of the country for the duration of the study. Furthermore, some challenges and opportunities in carrying out effective waste management in Oman were addressed.

Seroprevalence of Trypanosoma evansi infections among dromedary camels (Camelus dromedaries) in North Al-Sharqiya governorate, Sultanate of Oman

Trypanosoma evansi is a well-known hemoprotozoa that infects diverse domestic and wild animals worldwide and caused devastating disease called surra. This research aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of Trypanosoma evansi and its associated risk factors in dromedary camels in North Al-Sharqiya governorate in the Sultanate of Oman. A total of 4364 serum samples was collected from three willayat in north governorates of Sultanate of Oman; Ibra (926, 21.2%), Qabil (1119, 25.6%) and Bidiyah (2319, 53.1%). Samples were examined for the presence of antibodies against T. evansi using card agglutination test (CATT/T. evansi). Binary logistic regression was used to study the association of T. evansi seroprevalence and risk factors such as location, gender, purpose and age of camels. The overall seroprevalence of T. evansi detected by CATT/T. evansi test was 38% (1659/4364, CI: 36.6-39.5%). There was a significant difference (p=0.001) between location and T. evansi seroprevalence, whereas highest seroprevalence was found in Ibra (49.9%, CI: 46.7-53.1%) followed by Bidiyah (35%, CI: 33-36.9%) and Qabil (34.5%, CI: 31.8-37%). Camels from Ibra were almost two times more likely to have circulating antibodies of T. evansi than camels from Bidiyah (OR=1.89, CI: 1.591-2.168). Also, the results showed a significant difference between seroprevalence and sex (p=0.023), whereas the age of camels was not (p>0.05). To our knowledge, this is the first research that indicated that T. evansi antibodies were circulating among camels in Oman, and further research needs to be tackled to study the molecular characterization of T. evansi and its prevalence in other animal species. Furthermore, cross-sectional studies of T. evansi from different regions in Oman warrant further investigation.

Structural characterization of polymeric chitosan and mineral from Omani shrimp shells

Shrimp shell waste is a burden nowadays globally due to its environmental pollutions. However, shrimp shells contain various ingredients such as chitosan, chitin, minerals, and proteins, which are essential for biomedical, agriculture, and industrial sectors. Chitosan is a polymer, and it is characterized by its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non-toxicity. This study aimed to isolate a good quality chitosan polymer from the shrimp shells waste and characterize it by using spectroscopic methods. Initially, the collected shrimp shells were dried and ground for chemical treatment, collected from different regions of Oman. The coarse samples were dimerization, deproteinization, deacetylation and discoloration by using 1 M hydrochloric acid, 12.5 M sodium hydroxide, and 12 M hydrogen peroxide solution to give the corresponding products. Finally, the isolated chitin samples were deacetylated by microwaving at high temperature and pressure for 15 min. The yield of chitosan was approximately 53.31%, which 8.46 ± 0.06 gm, 7.02 ± 0.01 gm and 5.31 ± 0.01gm were the average weight yield after the demineralization, deproteinization and deacetylation processes, respectively. The degree of deacetylation of the extracted chitosan from the shrimp shells was very high of about 97.35% as calculated and identified by using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy. The content of calcium and phosphorus minerals of the chitosan was 117.6 ± 0.01 and 119.12 ± 0.09 parts per million (ppm), respectively, which was determined by using Inductive Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy. The morphological feature of the chitosan and standard was examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy and EDX, and the results showed no big morphological difference between the two samples and the elemental compositions were almost the same. The results showed that the obtained isolated chitosan from shrimp shells was highly deacetylated compared to standard chitosan, and it could be useful for the preparation of commercial, industrial products, and pharmaceutical drugs.

Animal rabies situation in Sultanate of Oman (2017-2019).

Successful preventive and control measures of zoonotic diseases require updated epidemiological data. Sylvatic rabies is endemic in Oman since 1990. Studying of the prevalence of animal rabies in Oman (2017-2019) was the goal of the current study besides the clinical-histopathological investigations of rabies in different animal species. A total of 117 whole brains of different animal species from different regions of Oman were examined by fluorescent antibody test (FAT) and histopathology for rabies during 2017-2019. Sixty-four samples (54.7%) were positive for rabies by FAT. The most affected species were goat (53.1%) followed by camel (18.8%), which pose a great risk to farmers and veterinarians. Positive fox cases were (10.9%). Most confirmed cases of animal rabies were submitted from Northern regions of Oman. Rabies was reported recently in Al Wusta among wild ruminants, Central Oman. The seasonal cycle of animal rabies in Oman was year-round with the peak from December to April. The clinical signs and neuropathological findings were nearly similar in different animal species. Histopathology-positive cases had Negri bodies in pyramidal and purkinje neurons, non-suppurative encephalitis features, and neuronal degeneration and necrosis. The sensitivity and specificity of histopathological diagnosis of rabies in different animals were 76.47% and 100.00%, respectively. Finally, sylvatic rabies remains a major challenge to the public and animal health in Oman. Although of the value of histopathological diagnosis of rabies if no other technique is available, other complementary tests must be employed to confirm negative results.

Composition and Biological Activities of different Date Seed varieties (<em>Phoenix dactylifera</em>) of Oman: Cultivation Zone Influence

<p>Date (<em>Phoenix dactylifera</em> L.) seeds (pits) account for ca. 10% of the date fruit and it is the date pits that present a major problem to the date palm industry in the USA as a waste product. Currently date pits are employed as a food source for animals and poultry, as a soil fertilizer and also as a road base gravel In order to understand the varietal effects of Omani date seeds on the nutritional properties of dates and to explore the use of this waste product from the food industry, twenty two native date seeds (<em>Phoenix dactylifera</em> L.) including the varieties; Qushbu Narenjahn, Fardh, Naghal, Manhi, Qush Balquan, Helali Oman, Khasab, Seedi, Qush Jabrin, Khalas, Qush Basrah, Qushbu Maan, Handal, Khunaizi, Qush Mamoor, Barshi, Barni, Azad, Zabad, Qush Tabak, Qush LuLu, and Halali Alhasa were collected from six regions of the Sultanate of Oman and were examined for their nutritional value, antioxidant and urease properties. Energy values, dry matter, and carbohydrate level were the predominant components examined in the date seeds , followed by fiber, moisture, along with small amounts of ash, protein, and fat. The results of the 22 varieties of date seeds showed a significant energy value of between 283.0 to 407.9 kcal/100g, dry matter of between 93.3%-96.3%, carbohydrate content of between 43.8%-80.6%, moisture in the range of 4.3%-6.6%), fat in the range of 5.0%-10.9%, ash content of between 0.73%-1.08%, protein content of 0.2%-6.9% and fiber content of between 5.0%-32.5%. Furthermore the antioxidant potential ranged between 7.4 - 88.3% depending upon the type of date seeds and location of samples. In this regard the Handal date seeds collected from Al-Hamra showed the highest antioxidant potential with 88.3% inhibition. Similarly urease inhibition ranged from 0.94-70.3% and Qush Tabak date seeds collected from Al-Hamra demonstrated the highest urease potential with 70.3% inhibition. It is noteworthy that Qush Basrah, Seedi, Qush Balquan, and Handal date seeds have significantly higher nutritional attributes compared to the rest in the study group. Moreover Fardh, Khasab, Khalas, and Handal date seeds collected from more than one region of Oman showed variation in some nutritional values. The nutritional analysis further demonstrated the correlation of proximate parameters in different regions of Oman. Results of the current investigation indicate a promising and significant potential for date seeds to be used as a supplementary source of a healthy diet as well as in specific pharmaceutical applications.</p>

Factors influencing the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus in Omani patients

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk factors identification and modifying them appropriately will assist in reducing the incidence of maternal and fetal complications for high-risk individuals. Aim: The present cross-sectional case–control multicentered study was conducted with an objective to understand the modifiable risk factors in GDM patients of different regions in Oman. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted by involving 291 women diagnosed with GDM and 300 normal pregnant women with euglycemia. Primary information including body weight, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), history of pregnancy complications, diet, lifestyle, exercise, occupation, education, and use of steroids was collected by face-to-face interview with an assistance of staff nurse working at respective hospitals. Secondary information was collected from hospital records. Results: GDM cases on an average have 5.47 kg body weight significantly (P < 0.001) higher than the control group. A maximum number of GDM cases were seen in women with waist circumference of more than 99.9 cm having a significant (P < 0.001) mean difference of 6.4 cm between GDM and normal population.;Deg;BM;Deg;I of GDM population was significantly (P < 0.001) higher 30.59 ± 7 kg/m2 compared to 27.89 ± 6.93 kg/m2 of normal population with a likelihood ratio of 300.85. The use of corticosteroids significantly is seen to be associated with an increase in the incidence of GDM (P < 0.001). Physical inactivity has significantly (P < 0.001) increase the risk of GDM by 3.7 times. Whereas walking for more than 30 min/day has significantly reduced the GDM risk by 0.356 times. Prior history of stillbirth is significantly (P < 0.05) associated with GDM cases compared to control. Conclusion: Screening of patients for GDM and following a strategy to modify the identified risk factors will be advantageous and may help to identify those most likely to benefit from intervention.

Theileria lestoquardi displays reduced genetic diversity relative to sympatric Theileria annulata in Oman

The Apicomplexan parasites, Theileria lestoquardi and Theileria annulata, the causative agents of theileriosis in small and large ruminants, are widespread in Oman, in areas where cattle, sheep and goats co-graze. Genetic analysis can provide insight into the dynamics of the parasite and the evolutionary relationship between species. Here we identified ten genetic markers (micro- and mini-satellites) spread across the T. lestoquardi genome, and confirmed their species specificity. We then genotyped T. lestoquardi in different regions in Oman. The genetic structures of T. lestoquardi populations were then compared with previously published data, for comparable panels of markers, for sympatric T. annulata isolates. In addition, we examined two antigen genes in T. annulata (Tams1 and Ta9) and their orthologues in T. lestoquardi (Tlms1 and Tl9).The genetic diversity and multiplicity of infection (MOI) were lower in T. lestoquardi (He=0.64–0.77) than T. annulata (He=0.83–0.85) in all populations. Very limited genetic differentiation was found among T. lestoquardi and T. annulata populations. In contrast, limited but significant linkage disequilibrium was observed within regional populations of each species. We identified eight T. annulata isolates in small ruminants; the diversity and MOI were lower among ovine/caprine compared to bovine. Sequence diversity of the antigen genes, Tams1 and Ta9 in T. annulata (π=0.0733 and π=0.155 respectively), was 10-fold and 3-fold higher than the orthologous Tlms1 and Tl9 in T. lestoquardi (π=0.006 and π=0.055, respectively).Despite a comparably high prevalence, T. lestoquardi has lower genetic diversity compared to sympatric T. annulata populations. There was no evidence of differentiation among populations of either species. In comparison to T. lestoquardi, T. annulata has a larger effective population size. While genetic exchange and recombination occur in both parasite species, the extent of diversity, overall, is less for T. lestoquardi. It is, therefore, likely that T. lestoquardi evolved from an ancestor of present day T. annulata and that this occurred either once or on a limited number of occasions.

Threats to the archaeological heritage in the Sultanate of Oman

This paper presents the threats to the archaeological heritage in the Sultanate of Oman which play a major role in the destruction of this heritage and its different values. It aims at drawing the attention of both the public and governmental bodies to these threats in order to reduce or minimize their impacts. To achieve this goal, the paper presents the most important of these threats and provides examples of cases that have been directly or indirectly subject to the impact of such factors in different regions of Oman. This was based on the data available from some archaeological sites that have been damaged or have been subject to surveys or rescue excavations. The paper shows that there are many human and natural factors that have impact on this heritage. Human factors are the largest and most serious of these threats in which urbanization and human development projects are in the forefront. This may lead to the loss of many values of the archaeological heritage, particularly the identity. Ultimately, the paper provides some recommendations that could contribute to enhancing the awareness of the importance of preserving the Sultanate›s archaeological heritage.

Threats to the archaeological heritage in the Sultanate of Oman

This paper presents the threats to the archaeological heritage in the Sultanate of Oman which play a major role in the destruction of this heritage and its different values. It aims at drawing the attention of both the public and governmental bodies to these threats in order to reduce or minimize their impacts. To achieve this goal, the paper presents the most important of these threats and provides examples of cases that have been directly or indirectly subject to the impact of such factors in different regions of Oman. This was based on the data available from some archaeological sites that have been damaged or have been subject to surveys or rescue excavations. The paper shows that there are many human and natural factors that have impact on this heritage. Human factors are the largest and most serious of these threats in which urbanization and human development projects are in the forefront. This may lead to the loss of many values of the archaeological heritage, particularly the identity. Ultimately, the paper provides some recommendations that could contribute to enhancing the awareness of the importance of preserving the Sultanate›s archaeological heritage.

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Theileria annulata in Oman

BackgroundTheileriosis, caused by a number of species within the genus Theileria, is a common disease of livestock in Oman. It is a major constraint to the development of the livestock industry due to a high rate of morbidity and mortality in both cattle and sheep. Since little is currently known about the genetic diversity of the parasites causing theileriosis in Oman, the present study was designed to address this issue with specific regard to T. annulata in cattle.MethodsBlood samples were collected from cattle from four geographically distinct regions in Oman for genetic analysis of the Theileria annulata population. Ten genetic markers (micro- and mini-satellites) representing all four chromosomes of T. annulata were applied to these samples using a combination of PCR amplification and fragment analysis. The resultant genetic data was analysed to provide a first insight into the structure of the T. annulata population in Oman.ResultsWe applied ten micro- and mini-satellite markers to a total of 310 samples obtained from different regions (174 [56%] from Dhofar, 68 [22%] from Dhira, 44 [14.5%] from Batinah and 24 [8%] from Sharqia). A high degree of allelic diversity was observed among the four parasite populations. Expected heterozygosity for each site ranged from 0.816 to 0.854. A high multiplicity of infection was observed in individual hosts, with an average of 3.3 to 3.4 alleles per locus, in samples derived from Batinah, Dhofar and Sharqia regions. In samples from Dhira region, an average of 2.9 alleles per locus was observed. Mild but statistically significant linkage disequilibrium between pairs of markers was observed in populations from three of the four regions. In contrast, when the analysis was performed at farm level, no significant linkage disequilibrium was observed. Finally, no significant genetic differentiation was seen between the four populations, with most pair-wise FST values being less than 0.03. Slightly higher FST values (GST’ = 0.075, θ = 0.07) were detected when the data for T. annulata parasites in Oman was compared with that previously generated for Turkey and Tunisia.ConclusionGenetic analyses of T. annulata samples representing four geographical regions in Oman revealed a high level of genetic diversity in the parasite population. There was little evidence of genetic differentiation between parasites from different regions, and a high level of genetic diversity was maintained within each sub-population. These findings are consistent with a high parasite transmission rate and frequent movement of animals between different regions in Oman.

Sero-surveillance and risk factors for avian influenza and Newcastle disease virus in backyard poultry in Oman

Avian Influenza (AI) and Newcastle disease (ND) are the most important reportable poultry diseases worldwide. Low pathogenic AI (H9N2) and ND viruses are known to have been circulating in the Middle East, including in Oman, for many decades. However, detailed information on the occurrence of these pathogens is almost completely lacking in Oman. As backyard poultry are not vaccinated against either virus in Oman, this sector is likely to be the most affected poultry production sector for both diseases. Here, in the first survey of AI and ND viruses in backyard poultry in Oman, we report high flock-level seroprevalences of both viruses. Serum and oropharyngeal swabs were taken from 2350 birds in 243 backyard flocks from all regions and governorates of Oman. Information was recorded on location, type of bird and housing type for each sampled farm. Individual bird serum samples were tested using commercial indirect antibody detection ELISA kits. Pooled oropharyngeal samples from each flock were inoculated onto FTA cards and tested by RT-PCR. Samples came from chickens (90.5%), turkeys (2.1%), ducks (6.2%), guinea fowl (0.8%) and geese (0.4%). The bird-level seroprevalence of antibody to AI and ND viruses was 37.5% and 42.1% respectively, and at the flock level it was 84% and 90% respectively. There were statistically significant differences between some different regions of Oman in the seroprevalence of both viruses. Flock-level NDV seropositivity in chickens was significantly associated with AIV seropositivity, and marginally negatively associated with flock size. AIV seropositivity in chickens was marginally negatively associated with altitude. All oropharyngeal samples were negative for both viruses by RT-PCR, consistent with a short duration of infection. This study demonstrates that eight or nine out of ten backyard poultry flocks in Oman are exposed to AI and ND viruses, and may present a risk for infection for the commercial poultry sector in Oman, or wild birds which could carry infection further afield.

Haplotypes, Sub-Haplotypes and Geographical Distribution in Omani Patients with Sickle Cell Disease

Despite the fact that patients homozygous for the sickle cell disease (SCD) mutation have an identical genotype, the severity of the disease can be extremely variable. The hemoglobin (Hb) S mutation has been described on five different haplotypes with different clinical expression. Identifying the genotypes, haplotypes and sub-haplotypes of the β gene cluster in Oman needs to be studied in more details to establish a correlation between the genotype/haplotype and phenotype diversity observed in SCD patients for prognostic purposes, accurate diagnosis and thus planning for the best tailored treatment. We have investigated 125 HbS homozygotes from different parts of Oman and determined their haplotypes and sub-haplotypes and correlated this to the hematological and clinical expression. We have found 11 haplotype combinations differently distributed in the country, with the Asian/Asian HbS haplotype being the most predominant. Sub-haplotypes was only found among patients with CAR/OmanI haplotype. As expected, the correlation between haplotypes, sub-haplotypes and disease severity was mainly associated with HbF expression. Our study on haplotype/phenotype correlation has shown which major haplotypes occur in the different regions of Oman. Furthermore, neither the haplotype or sub-haplotype nor the HbF alone appeared to be fully associable with the variable clinical phenotypes. External factors do occur and are associated with the expression of the disease.

Proximate and Phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties of indigenous landraces of omani fenugreek seeds.

Background: Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L) is receiving global attention as a functional food due to its unique nutritional and medicinal properties as anti-diabetic, hypocholesterolemic, antipyretic, anti-carcinogenic and seasoning and flavoring agent.Materials and Methods: Seeds of indigenous fenugreek accessions were collected from three different ecological regions (Al-Dakhaliyah, Al- Dhahirah, and Al-Batinah) of Sultanate of Oman. The samples were analyzed for proximate chemical composition, phytochemical contents and antioxidant properties.Results: Only significant (P&lt;0.05) differences were observed in the crude fiber and gross energy values of fenugreek seeds collected from different regions of Oman. The highest crude fiber content (8.6 %) was observed in samples collected from Al-Dhahirah region whereas the lowest value (7.1%) was found in samples collected from Al-Dakhaliyah region. No significant (P&lt;0.05) differences were however observed in the moisture, crude protein, crude fat, and ash contents of samples collected from the three regions of Oman. The regional variability significantly (P&lt;0.05) affected the phytochemicals composition and the highest amount of total phenolics (139.2 mg GAE/100g) were recorded in samples collected from Al-Batinah, followed by Al-Dhakhliyah (130.0 mg GAE/100g) and Al-Dhahirah (127.8 mg GAE/100g) regions, respectively. A significant correlation was also observed between the total phenolic contents and the antioxidant properties of fenugreek seeds as determined by reducing power potential (FRAP).Conclusion: Indigenous landraces of Omani fenugreek seeds are a rich source of protein, dietary fiber, and many important bioactive components, which were found to be significantly correlatedwith its antioxidant properties.Keywords: Omani fenugreek, landraces, phytochemical composition, antioxidant properties.

FRI0360 Geographical clustering of juvenile onset systemic lupus erythematosus within the sultanate of oman

BackgroundThere is a worldwide variation in the incidence of childhood manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which may be related to geographical and ethnic factors. In Oman,there are different ethnic...

Phylogenetic and population genetic analysis of Ceratocystis radicicola infecting date palms.

A study was conducted to investigate the genetic diversity of C. radicicola from different regions of Oman and its relationship to populations of C. radicicola from other parts in the Arabian peninsula and the USA. A total of 32 C. radicicola isolates from Oman (23), the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (2), Kuwait (1) and the USA (6) were analyzed using sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region of the ribosomal DNA (ITS rDNA) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). AFLP analysis of the 32 isolates produced 32 different genotypes and 999 polymorphic alleles (100% polymorphism). The Omani population of C. radicicola was found to be more genetically diverse (H = 0.274) than the USA population (H = 0.186), which may suggest a longer history of C. radicicola in Oman. UPGMA analysis based on Nei's genetic distance as well as phylogenetic analysis based on ITS rDNA sequences separated the USA isolates from those from Oman, UAE and Kuwait with a very high bootstrap support. This was supported by low to moderate levels of genetic differentiation between populations of C. radicicola within the Arabian peninsula (FST = - 0.0297-0.1341) as compared with high levels of genetic differentiation (FST = 0.2939-0.3913) of the population from the USA. These findings may imply that populations of C. radicicola from the USA and the Arabian peninsula have been evolving independently for a considerably long period of time as opposite to constant gene flow between regions in the Arabian peninsula. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that genetic variation is more associated with geographical regions (FST = 0.1807, P < 0.0001) than hosts (FST = 0.0307, P = 0.1681), which may imply the lack of host "cultivar" specialization in C. radicicola.

Evaluation of indigenous Omani legumes for their nutritional quality, phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties

Four indigenous Omani legumes (faba bean, cowpeas, chickpeas and lentils), collected from three different regions of Oman, were evaluated for their proximate composition, phytochemical contents and antioxidant properties. The proximate composition varied significantly. Regional variability however, did not affect the proximate composition, except crude protein content of cowpea and chickpea. The average values for moisture, protein, fat, fibre and ash ranged from 8.5% to 9.6%, 22.5% to 23.9%, 1.1% to 1.8%, 4.5% to 7.6% and 3.1 to 3.5% respectively. Both variety and regional variability affected the phytochemical contents. The average total phenol contents, tannins, and flavonoids ranged from 15.1 to 131.8 mg GAE/100 g, 13.2 to 100.8 mg CAE/100 g and 1.7 to 19.9 mg CAE/100g respectively, whereas the oxalates and saponins contents ranged from 56.1 to 197.8 and 2,699.1 to 3,598.1 mg/100 g respectively. A significant correlation was observed between the total phenol contents and the reducing power of legumes.

Evaluating a Developed Framework for Curriculum Evaluation in Oman

The field of curriculum evaluation is a key part of the educational process. This means that this area needs to be developed continuously and requires ongoing research. This study highlights curriculum evaluation in Oman, different evaluation procedures and methods and instruments used. The need for a framework for curriculum evaluation is a vital part of this research. This study-which includes 34 samples- evaluates of the framework developed by the researcher. In this study the curriculum officers are included along with English language supervisors from different regions in Oman and selected officers from the Office of the Undersecretary of Curriculum and Learning who seem to be closer to the policy makers and who have an English language background. These were involved in evaluating the framework which led to the development of a modified framework which they agreed to use in their own and the whole Omani ELT context. The study highlights the need for making the framework public and continuing to develop and evaluate it regularly. One of the key issues, presented within this study, is the need to develop a general framework for ELT in Oman. This covers all aspects related to the area with the focus on different parties such as learners’ assessment and teacher training by highlighting their role in the whole process. The research ends by discussing the need for two future research projects in similar contexts. This includes research into stakeholders’ needs and expectations in Oman and also developing specific learning outcomes for each grade of the curriculum.

Antibacterial activity of Lawsonia inermis Linn (Henna) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Objective To investigate the antibacterial activity of henna ( Lawsonia inermis Linn) obtained from different regions of Oman against a wide array of micro-organisms. Methods Fresh henna samples were obtained from different regions of Oman as leaves and seeds. 100 g fresh and dry leaves and 50 g of fresh and dry seeds were separately soaked in 500 mL of ethanol for three days, respectively, with frequent agitation. The mixture was filtered, and the crude extract was collected. The crude extract was then heated, at 48 °C in a water bath to evaporate its liquid content. The dry crude henna extract was then tested for its antibacterial activity using well-diffusion antibiotic susceptibility technique. Henna extracts were investigated for their antibacterial activity at different concentrations against a wide array of different micro-organisms including a laboratory standard bacterial strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (NCTC 10662) ( P. aeruginosa) and eleven fresh clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa obtained from patients attending the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH). 2-Hydroxy-p-Nathoqinone-Tech (2-HPNT, MW=174.16, C 10H 6O 3) was included as control (at 50% concentration) along with the henna samples tested. Results Henna samples demonstrated antibacterial activity against all isolates but the highest susceptibility was against P. aeruginosa with henna samples obtained from Al-sharqyia region. Conclusions Omani henna from Al-sharqyia region demonstrates high in vitro anti- P. aeruginosa activity compared with many henna samples from different regions of Oman.

Water quality mapping and assessment, and weathering processes of selected aflaj in Oman

There are more than 4,000 falaj (singular of a peculiar dug channel) distributed in different regions in Oman. The chemical characteristics of the water in 42 falaj were studied to evaluate the major ion chemistry; geochemical processes controlling water composition; and suitability of water for drinking, domestic, and irrigation uses. GIS-based maps indicate that the spatial distribution of chemical properties and concentrations vary within the same region and the different regions as well. The molar ratios of (Ca + Mg)/Total cations, (Na + K)/Total cations, (Ca + Mg)/(Na + K), (Ca + Mg)/(HCO₃ + SO₄), and Na/Cl reveal that the water chemistry of the majority of aflaj are dominated by carbonate weathering and evaporite dissolution, with minor contribution of silicate weathering. The concentrations of most of the elements were less than the permissible limits of Omani standards and WHO guidelines for drinking water and domestic use and do not generally pose any health and environmental problems. Some aflaj in ASH Sharqiyah and Muscat regions can be used for irrigation with slight to severe restriction because of the high levels of electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, chloride, and sodium absorption ratio.