System Of Oman Research Articles

Assessment of sustainable healthcare management policies and practices in Oman: A comprehensive analysis using an ai-based literature review

Health Vision 2050 Oman is a strategic plan to establish Oman as a regional leader and a research base for world-class health research. The vision emphasises prioritising health research to allocate and plan available resources appropriately. A sustainable healthcare management system is a holistic approach that seeks to balance economic, social, and environmental concerns to ensure the long-term viability and efficacy of healthcare services. There are numerous obstacles to implementing a sustainable healthcare management system in Oman. For example, assessing patient safety culture in primary healthcare settings in Muscat has revealed patient safety concerns throughout the healthcare system. It is critical to address these difficulties to improve the quality and safety of healthcare services, both of which are essential for sustainable healthcare management. The primary goal of this study is to identify the sustainable healthcare areas and policies required for Oman's Healthcare Management System. This research undertakes a comprehensive literature review using artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse Oman's sustainable healthcare management policies and practices. This study uses two AI tools, Scite.ai and SciSpace, to discover areas and policies related to Oman's sustainable healthcare management system. The study highlighted environmental sustainability, public health initiatives, infrastructure development, waste management, and community engagement and education. Furthermore, a variety of interconnected policies are discernible within each domain. This study provides significant data about Oman's sustainable healthcare practices and can guide policymakers and healthcare sector stakeholders. This study contributes significantly to creating sustainable healthcare management strategies and establishing resilient healthcare systems in Oman by focusing on critical domains and policies.

A roadmap towards implementing health technology assessment in Oman

PurposeHealth technologies are advancing rapidly and becoming more expensive, posing a challenge for financing healthcare systems. Health technology assessment (HTA) improves the efficiency of resource allocation by facilitating evidence-informed decisions on the value of health technologies. Our study aims to create a customized HTA roadmap for Oman based on a gap analysis between the current and future status of HTA implementation.Design/methodology/approachWe surveyed participants of an advanced HTA training program to assess the current state of HTA implementation in Oman and explore long-term goals. A list of draft recommendations was developed in areas with room for improvement. The list was then validated for its feasibility in a round table discussion with senior health policy experts to conclude on specific actions for HTA implementation.FindingsSurvey results aligned well with expert discussions. The round table discussion concluded with a phasic action plan for HTA implementation. In the short term (1–2 years), efforts will focus on building capacity through training programs. For medium-term actions (3–5 years), plans include expanding the HTA unit and introducing multiple cost-effectiveness thresholds while from 6–10 years, publishing of HTA recommendations, critical appraisal reports, and timelines is recommended.Originality/valueAlthough the HTA system in Oman is still in its early stages, strong initiatives are being taken for its advancement. This structured approach ensures a comprehensive integration of HTA into the healthcare system, enhancing decision-making and promoting a sustainable, evidence-based system addressing the population’s needs.

Underground Canal Debris Detection System

This research tries to give a solution for one of the challenges that face the main and traditional irrigation system in Oman which is Falaj. The study will investigate the problem and will propose a modern solution that saves effort and costs and minimizes the risk on labor who are working on this system. The following report attempts to address the difficulty of accessing the dirt that occurs in the waters of the falaj and needs to be cleaned, because people will face the problem of distance and depth to reach this place, where they expose their lives to danger that may reach death. Therefore, the report proposes a solution to this problem, which is the design of the drone, which will detect dirt through Sending the image to the monitoring station of the device, and then the location of the cleaning is determined.

Presentation of a new decision-making plan for prioritizing the rehabilitation of sustainable groundwater resources (case study: 9 aflaj of Oman)

Abstract This research for the first time, presents a plan for the rehabilitation of aflaj systems in Oman from a technical point of view. Using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) in Expert Choice software. Nine famous aflaj systems in Oman were prioritized based on indicators including length, population, precipitation, discharge, quality, distance from the river network, cultivated area, and soil permeability. A snowball method for selecting participants was used, and a 28-item questionnaire was engaged to assess the relative importance of nine criteria when choosing the prior falaj. A scientific method is applied in a new case in this study to prioritize the aflaj for rehabilitation, and the method applied in this research enables to prioritize them to achieve the desired goal. The AHP method prioritizes the falaj Daris as the first ranking, based on the technical perspectives, with a relative value of 0.222. Findings show that in an equal condition, among these nine aflaj, it would be better that water decision-makers assign the budget to falaj Daris for rehabilitation aims.

Optimal Location and Size of Static Var Compensators (SVC) to Enhance the Voltage Profile on the Main Interconnected System in Oman

This study aimed to optimize the incorporation of static var compensators (SVCs) into Oman’s main interconnected system (MIS) using real 2023 MIS data. Leveraging the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm within MATLAB, substantial enhancements were achieved in voltage profiles, with associated losses reducing by roughly 2%. A multi-objective strategy effectively managed costs while preserving improved voltage profiles and controlled losses. Validation through DigSILENT showcased the dynamic advantages of optimal SVC placement through consistently elevating voltage profiles and mitigating losses, notably within the Muscat region. Analyses encompassing harmonics, transient stability, and load distribution indicated that harmonics remained within acceptable thresholds, and overall system stability was enhanced. Optimal SVC deployment expedited the attainment of steady-state conditions, as illustrated via the QV curve, demonstrating increased stability as the buses loaded from 18% to 96%. These findings underscore the robust and efficient nature of SVC integration as a viable solution within Oman’s MIS system, addressing voltage profile enhancement, loss minimization, and fortified system stability.

Regional distribution of intensity–duration–frequency (IDF) relationships in Sultanate of Oman

Analysis of extreme rainfall parameters including rainfall intensities is a fundamental requisite in safe planning, designing, and operating various hydrologic and water engineering projects against storms and floods. In arid and semi-arid regions, such as Oman, sufficient long-term rainfall data with short aggregation are usually not available in most locations across the country. This paper presents the development of intensity duration frequency (IDF) curves using the available rainfall data from 65 meteorological stations situated at different elevations and regions throughout Oman. Gumbel distribution was fitted to the observed data and rainfall intensities were found for various return periods. Rainfall analysis showed the average annual rainfall of 109.21 mm with a standard deviation of 92.82 mm, Skewness coefficient of 1.62 and Kurtosis coefficient of 3.08 for all the studied stations from 1977 to 2017. The statistical analysis showed that the estimated rainfall intensities for various return periods are high in the mountainous region compared to the desert or interior region, and the coastal region of the country. Also, the empirical parameters of IDF formula for all studied stations were established using non-linear regression. Finally, the contour maps for all the parameters were drawn which could be used to determine the IDF relationships for ungauged locations. This study will be useful for the decision makers and practicing hydrologists for planning and design of water resources systems in Oman.

The Perceived Affordances and Challenges in the Newly Introduced OKR-Based Performance Appraisal System in an Omani HEI

Performance appraisal (PA) is a valuable tool used by organizations to improve and enhance their employees’ competencies and ensure their organizational capability to cope with a dynamic world. The newly introduced Objectives and Key Results (OKR) PA system in Oman has been a source of concern and controversial debate among governmental employees, particularly academics. This exploratory study aims to address the following research questions: (1) What are the perceived affordances of OKR metrics? (2) What difficulties have most academics experienced with the new PA system? (3) What are the perceived challenges in coping with the requirements of OKR metrics? The necessary data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 11 academic staff members at University of Technology and Applied Sciences—Rustaq. The findings of this study have the potential to inform decisions of line managers and any developing performance appraisal system to incorporate types of training suitable to the needs of employees.

Readiness for interprofessional education among healthcare students in Oman: Results of a cross-sectional survey

ABSTRACT Interprofessional education (IPE) is a promising educational strategy to strengthen the healthcare system in Oman. This study aimed to evaluate the perception and readiness of nursing and medical students for IPE in Oman. Students enrolled in medical and nursing programs at Sultan Qaboos University were invited to participate in this study by completing the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS). A total of 390 (180 nursing and 210 medical) students completed the survey. The RIPLS scores of nursing and medical students were high. Medical students had significantly higher scores in the Negative Professional Identity subscale. Gender and GPA correlated with total scores. Medical and nursing students demonstrated positive perceptions and readiness for IPE. Efforts should be directed to facilitate its implementation in the curriculum.

Source to tap water quality assessment in drinking water supply system in Oman

Clean and safe drinking water is essential for any society’s development of long-term health and a developing economy. This study aims to evaluate the quality of drinking water in the water distribution system in Oman from source to tap. The study was conducted through in-depth interviews as well as designing of three surveys related to the main stakeholders of the water distribution system. In addition, several water samples were collected from different locations of the drinking water distribution system. All samples were tested for chemical, physical, and microbiological quality parameters. Results showed that the water distribution system needs more attention from the main stakeholder in terms of water quality monitoring and assessment. The results showed that the majority of parameters includes temperature, potential of hydrogen, electrical conductivity, total dissolved oxygen and inorganic substances were within the range and met the Oman standard for drinking water. The analysis of the different surveys and interviews revealed that some decisions are needed to improve the situation of desalination plants in terms of providing good services for desalination sector. In addition, the monitoring and assessment system for water distribution system includes water source, water delivery, and consumers’ water tanks need more attention in terms of hygienic and cleaning processes. Overall, this study concluded that the water supply system for drinking water in Oman is relatively acceptable but need more concern from stakeholders to improve the water distribution system to achieve better quality for consumers.

Overview of the Global Electricity System in Oman Considering Energy Demand Model Forecast

Lately, in modern smart power grids, energy demand for accurate forecast of electricity is gaining attention, with increased interest of research. This is due to the fact that a good energy demand forecast would lead to proper responses for electricity demand. In addition, proper energy demand forecast would ensure efficient planning of the electricity industry and is critical in the scheduling of the power grid capacity and management of the entire power network. As most power systems are been deregulated and with the rapid introduction and development of smart-metering technologies in Oman, new opportunities may arise considering the efficiency and reliability of the power system; like price-based demand response programs. These programs could either be a large scale for household, commercial or industrial users. However, excellent demand forecasting models are crucial for the deployment of these smart metering in the power grid based on good knowledge of the electricity market structure. Consequently, in this paper, an overview of the Oman regulatory regime, financial mechanism, price control, and distribution system security standard were presented. More so, the energy demand forecast in Oman was analysed, using the econometric model to forecasts its energy peak demand. The energy econometric analysis in this study describes the relationship between the growth of historical electricity consumption and macro-economic parameters (by region, and by tariff), considering a case study of Mazoon Electricity Distribution Company (MZEC), which is one of the major power distribution companies in Oman, for effective energy demand in the power grid.

An improved model and performance analysis for grid-connected photovoltaic system in Oman

The PV systems' sources are environmentally friendly, but at the same time, they are constantly changing with time. When evaluating solar energy resources, it is necessary to consider the variability and effects of different environmental operation parameters like solar irradiances, ambient temperature, and module temperature. The study introduces a method to simulate an existing photovoltaic system using a mathematical model that permits intelligent strategies to optimise the efficiency and adjust the most effective operational parameters for the solar energy systems. A mathematical analysis for the data framework, including correlation and regression coefficients, was calculated to identify and chart the relationships between the system's most influential parameters and the generated power from the PV system. An improved mathematical model was built with the most influential parameters. The improved model was simple, accurate, and based on the loss ratio by eliminating the unknown parameters. The system's efficiency was analysed using an existing data framework-recorded hourly from 1st January 2017 to December 2018 for a grid-connected photovoltaic system installed in the south of Oman. The results showed that the most influential parameters on the efficiency were the module's solar irradiance and surface temperature. The operating parameters such as ambient temperature, wind speed, and air humidity had a negligible effect on the generated power compared to the cell temperatures and solar radiation. The dissipation factor was used in the new output current and voltage equations to stimulate the output power of the PV model. The improved model was validated in a MATLAB Simulink and showed a more promising output with a lower RMSE of 5 %.

Factors Associated with Coping Strategies Due to COVID-19 Pandemic-related Stressors among Omani Adults.

ObjectivesWe sought to examine stressors and coping strategies adopted by Omani adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and explore the relationships between coping strategies (avoidant and approach coping) and sociodemographic characteristics.MethodsThis national cross-sectional survey was conducted throughout Oman between September and December 2020. An online questionnaire was distributed to collect information concerning sociodemographic characteristics, potential stressors experienced during the pandemic, and coping strategies.ResultsA total of 790 Omani adults submitted completed questionnaires (response rate 88.4%). High, moderate, and low stress were reported by 492 (62.3%), 139 (17.6%), and 159 (20.1%) participants, respectively. Approach coping mechanisms received a higher mean score than avoidant mechanisms (22.01±6.55 vs. 8.88±4.80). Regarding specific coping strategies, planning had the highest mean score (5.15±1.31), followed by acceptance (4.95±1.34), religion (4.56±1.52), and positive reframing (4.28±1.89), while substance use (0.01±0.19) was the least reported followed by humor (0.86±1.43), denial (0.97±1.56), and behavioral disengagement (1.02±1.60). Associations were observed between the different coping strategies and participants’ gender, age, marital status, exercise level, and stress level (p ≤ 0.05).ConclusionsDuring a large-scale pandemic, the psychological impact on the general population is significant, even among individuals not infected with the disease. These results underscore the need for a mental health support system in Oman that can address the general population’s needs. Public education on coping strategies and stress management may be helpful.

A Study of Awareness of Islamic Banking in Oman

Research Objective: The Islamic Banking came in existence in the year 2012 in Oman. Oman was the last country of GCC countries to implement Islamic Banking. Although the Shariah compliance concept is not new, it has not developed as significantly as other financial services in Oman. The reason behind this is the lack of understanding of terms and operations of Islamic banks. The reason behind this is a lack of understanding of Islamic banks' terms and operations. This survey has revealed the awareness and understanding of Salalah people regarding the services and activities of Islamic banking. Design/methodology/approach: In this study descriptive statistics, factor analysis and logistic regression approaches to analyze the expectations of customers regarding Islamic banking in Oman. In this research, a sample of 102 people that includes people of different age groups, different profession and occupation were selected. They were mainly the customers of the Islamic bank. The religious commitments of customers, understanding of Islamic banking; products are the variables that have been evaluated. Findings: The findings show that Islamic banking awareness is very low among Omanis, despite the fact that the perceived value of Islamic banking is significant. The study also identifies some of the challenging issues for Banking system in Oman, such as a lack of understanding about Islamic banking, competitive pressures from conventional banking, and non-Muslims' unwillingness to adopt Islamic banking. Among all the participants, the knowledge and use of Islamic banking products by consumers is very weak. Almost all customers accept that interest in Islam is forbidden, but they consider most of the Islamic banks are not to be consistent with Shariah. The findings suggest that the key factors of Islamic banking are religious commitment, perception of Islamic banking. Research limitations/implications – Given the fact that this study uses a relatively small sample, limiting to only one city of the country generalization of the findings needs to be done with caution.
 
 Received: 7 March 2022 / Accepted: 12 May 2022 / Published: 5 July 2022

THE EFFECTS OF WORK STRESS ON JOB SATISFACTION OF HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN A PUBLIC SECTOR HOSPITAL IN ALDAKHLIYA, OMAN

The role of healthcare workers is central to the modern healthcare system and was further highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic situation. However, the healthcare workers did face a lot of work pressure during the pandemic which also had some negative consequences. In the present study, we investigated the effects of work stress and its five dimensions including the availability of resources, work environment, reward and incentive, functional relationship, and fear of catching COVID-19 on employee job satisfaction in the context of the public healthcare system in Oman. The sample is selected from a selected healthcare unit and data is collected using the survey-based method. The findings show that there are significant effects of two dimensions including functional relationships and work environments on healthcare job satisfaction. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that healthcare workers facing a lot of stress and this issue need greater managerial attention.
 Keywords: Work Stress, Job Satisfaction, Healthcare Workers, COVID-19 Pandemic.

Optimization and techno-economic analysis of PV/Battery system for street lighting using genetic algorithm – A case study in Oman

Optimal sizing is necessary in hybrid renewable energy systems for the system to work with highest reliability and minimum cost. The street light system inside Sultan Qaboos University in Oman is considered as a case study for optimal sizing of PV/battery system for three different types of lamps, HPS, LED and discrete LED. The life cycle cost analysis and cost per kWh for two different configurations of panel and battery, the first with larger sized panel/battery and the second, smaller sized panel/battery with and without considering the number of autonomous days(NAD) is compared to investigate the economic feasibility of implementing the system in Oman. Genetic algorithm tool in MATLAB is used for optimal sizing, adopting loss of power supply(LPS) to gauge the reliability using actual data existing in Oman. The cost per kWh of generated energy with large panel/battery system was found to be 0.08 $/kWh while it was 19.9 $/kWh considering the same case for small panel/battery system proving the economic feasibility of implementing the large panel/battery system in Oman. Results also prove that higher the energy requirement, higher the LCC but lesser the cost per kWh. The conversion of the grid connected street light system extending a stretch of 8.6 km with 285 HPS lamps of 400 W to PV/battery system with LED lamp of 80W is expected to reduce the CO2 emissions by 133.595 tonnes annually. The results can be applied to practical systems worldwide to save millions of dollars and CO2 emissions.

Investigating Pre-Service Science Teachers’ Self-Efficacy Beliefs for Teaching Science Through Engineering Design Processes

The school system in Oman faces a problem in educating students in integrated science, technology, engineering and mathematics activities. This statement, in part, stems from science teachers’ preparation programs. This study was aimed to close a research gap in Oman by investigating science pre-service (trainee/student) teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs for teaching science by using engineering design processes. A self-efficacy beliefs for teaching as engineering design questionnaire was developed and utilized for measuring science trainee teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs for teaching science by engineering design methods. A descriptive approach with quantitative data collection was used as a design of the study. A sample of 73 students at Sultan Qaboos University participated voluntarily. The results showed that student teachers believed themselves to be highly successful in teaching science. BSc program trainee teachers had higher perceptions of themselves as highly successful in teaching science with regard to personal self-efficacy beliefs and in two scales in outcome expectations for science teaching in the new manner than did trainee teachers with a teacher qualification diploma. Regarding gender and major, there was no statistically significant difference in trainee teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs. Contributions to research and future perspectives of the study findings on improving science teaching and learning are discussed.

The impact of the digital economy paradigm on the productivity and monetary system of Oman

Purpose Digitalisation has become closely related to various economic sectors in terms of economic impact and discovery of new technologies. In this regard, this study aims to examine the relationship between the digital economy, as measured by four proxies (infrastructure, empowerment of society, technological economic growth and digitalisation development), and the productivity and monetary system of Oman from 1985 to 2019. Design/methodology/approach The autoregressive distributed lag methodology and diagnostic tests were used to increase the robustness of findings. Findings The analysis showed significant positive long-run relationships between infrastructure (measured as the number of fixed telephone subscriptions), technological economic growth (measured as medium- and high-tech exports as a percentage of manufactured exports) and the monetary system. There was also a significant negative short-run relationship between digitalisation development, measured as the number of individuals (percentage of the population) using the internet, and the monetary system. Furthermore, there were significant positive short- and long-run relationships between digitalisation development and productivity. Only short-run relationships were identified between empowerment of society, measured as the number of mobile cellular subscriptions, and productivity. Originality/value The conclusions support the paradigm of diffusion of innovation theory, which aims to understand the use of modern technologies to obtain the maximum economic benefit, and show both the dark and bright sides of technology. Furthermore, the effect of the digitalisation economy paradigm on productivity should be determined by increasing logistical services. This will support the growth of foreign and domestic investments and promote cooperation between the public and private sectors, thereby achieving digitalisation in Oman and enabling reflection on the country’s monetary policy development and economic growth.

The Educational System in Oman and its Effect on the Attainment of High School Students

The Educational System in Oman and its Effect on the Attainment of High School Students

Towards Sustainable Transportation System: Case study Users’ Acceptance of Intelligent Transportation System in Oman

Towards Sustainable Transportation System: Case study Users’ Acceptance of Intelligent Transportation System in Oman

Factors Affecting the Willingness to Undertake Premarital Screening Test Among Prospective Marital Individuals.

IntroductionAwareness toward premarital screening test and its influence on preventing high risk marriages has become a concern to the health care system in Oman. This is due to the increased rates of inherited diseases and genetic disorders among the Omani population secondary to consanguineous marriages.ObjectivesThis cross-sectional study aims to describe the utilization of premarital screening tests of selected university study participants as future prospective couples.MethodsThe study included 400 Omani study participants from different majors at a national governmental university that receives students from all over the country. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire.ResultsOut of the 400 study participants 193 [48.3%] were females and 195 [48.8%] were males, and 380 [95%] were unmarried and 19 [4.8%] were married. Personal and family history of hereditary diseases and consanguinity between parents were reported by 40 participants [10%], 158 [39.5%] and 175 [43.8%] respectively. Three hundred and sixty-one [90.3%] of the total participants were aware of the availability of premarital screening tests in Oman. A total of 357 [89.3%] thought it is necessary to do a premarital screening test and 367 [91.8%] agreed to carry out it in the future. The novel contribution of this manuscript is that our logistic regression showed that people with personal or family history of hereditary disease, and have consanguinity between parents, being a female did not show willingness to undertake the screening while those who are married, have higher GPA, and older supported it.ConclusionUsability of the freely available premarital screening is low despite the study participants awareness and willingness. Future studies should target those who have a history of genetic disease and females as we found them not willing to undertake the test in this study. We also recommend putting in place mandatory rules and regulations for premarital screening tests with better counselling strategies.