Our institution, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, has set a protocol for vaccinating elderly > 65 years and eligible adult groups of patients against seasonal influenza and Streptococcus pneumoniae when admitted ...Our institution, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, has set a protocol for vaccinating elderly > 65 years and eligible adult groups of patients against seasonal influenza and Streptococcus pneumoniae when admitted as inpatients or seen at outpatient clinics. Here, I assess the compliance of various medical teams with this policy. Background: Methods: electronic records of admitted patients in adult general medical words were reviewed for vaccination from 28 January 2024 until 28 February 2024. Results: Among 203 patients at presentation, 45 patients were new with unknown immunization status. At presentation, only seven and eleven of 158 patients (4.4% and 7%) had been vaccinated in the previous admission for influenza and Pneumococcus respectively. Upon discharge only four and six patients (2.12% and 3.24%) were given seasonal influenza and pneumococcal vaccines respectively. Discharge summaries and referral letters mentioned vaccination status of patients in two cases only. Conclusion: Rates of vaccination against influenza and S pneumoniae are very low in the elderly and adult patients with chronic medical conditions. A surveillance system needs to be set in place to monitor this.展开更多
Being involved in the organization of IGCP 572 field workshops in Turkey （2009）, in Oman （2010）, as in the following IGCP 630 field workshops in Kashmir （India, 2014） and in Armenia （2017）, I co-wrote for each...Being involved in the organization of IGCP 572 field workshops in Turkey （2009）, in Oman （2010）, as in the following IGCP 630 field workshops in Kashmir （India, 2014） and in Armenia （2017）, I co-wrote for each of them detailed guidebooks and extended reports that can be found and downloaded from ResearchGate website. This paper summarizes the final results obtained by IGCP 572 and 630 members from these four important field workshop sites in the past I0 years, and also attempts to make recommendations for future studies based on these unique localities surrounding the Tethys Ocean. The first field workshop of IGCP 572 was organized in South Turkey in September, 2009, with the logistical support of Dr. Erdal Kosun from the Antalya University. Following the South Turkey field workshop, eight important papers have been published and concerned the well-preserved Permian-Triassic boundary （PTB） microbialites and their ecosystems （including ostraeodes, brachiopods, and many of other clades）. The 3rd IGCP 572 annual field workshop was held during February, 2010 in the Sultanate of Oman, with Dr. Michaela Bernecker and the deep support from the GuTech University in Muscat. More than 15 papers have derived from the P-Tr successions that IGCP 572 members have investigated during this workshop, including the first study on oceanic acidification based on Boron isotopes. New paleontological studies are still on progress, and concern the Smithian ammonoids, Lower Triassic shark teeth and dental remains as well as basal Triassic conodonts, crinoids and ammonoids. The 1st IGCP 630 annual field workshop was held during November, 2014 in Srinagar, Kashmir, and North India, with the helpful assistance of Prof. Ghulam Bhat from Jammu University. This meeting renewed studies on the classic Guryul Ravine and adjacent P-Tr boundary sections in that region, with new geochemical works on carbon isotopes and pyrite framboids as well as a detailed Induan conodont taxonomy and zonatiou. Other new paleontological works concern the palynology of the Guryul Ravine Section as some well-preserved organic eukariotic protist （thecamoebians） that cross without damage the PTB. Lilit Sahakyan, Aymon Baud, and Zhong-Qiang Chen organized the 5th IGCP 630 annual conference and field workshop in Armenia on October 8-14, 2017. Several PTB and Lower Triassic sections have been systematically sampled for biogeochemical and geobiological studies. These Armenian sections provide unique paleoenvironmental settings that have the long- est record, from Griesbachian to Dienerian, of microbial proliferation following the P-Tr mass extinction in the world. The basal Triassic giant sponge-microbial build-ups are encouraging more compre- hensive studies on metazoan-microbial reef developments after the greatest extinction event.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the association of 10 known common gene variants with susceptibility to type 2diabetes mellitus(T2D)among Omanis.METHODS:Using case-control design,a total of992 diabetic patients and 294 normoglycem...AIM:To investigate the association of 10 known common gene variants with susceptibility to type 2diabetes mellitus(T2D)among Omanis.METHODS:Using case-control design,a total of992 diabetic patients and 294 normoglycemic Omani Arabs were genotyped,by an allelic discrimination assay-by-design TaqMan method on fast real time polymerase chain reaction system,for the following gene variants:KCNJ11(rs5219),TCF7L2(rs7903146),CDKAL1(rs10946398),CDKN2A/B(rs10811661),FTO(rs9939609 and rs8050136),IGF2BP2(rs4402960),SLC30A8(rs13266634)CAPN10(rs3792267)and HHEX(rs1111875).T2D patients were recruited from the Diabetes Clinic(n=243)and inpatients(n=749)at Sultan Qaboos Univesity Hospital(SQUH),Muscat,Oman.Adult control participants(n=294)were volunteers from the community and from those visiting Family Medicine Clinic at SQU,for regular medical checkup.The difficulty in recruiting Omani participants with no family history of diabetes was the main reason behind the small number of control participants in this study.Almost all volunteers questioned had a relativewith diabetes mellitus.Inspite of the small number of normoglycemic controls in this study,this sample was sufficient for detection of genes and loci for common alleles influencing T2D with an odds ratio of≥1.3reaching at least 80%power.Data was collected from June 2010 to February 2012.RESULTS:Using binary logistic regression analysis,four gene variants showed significant association with T2D risk:KCNJ11(rs5219,P=5.8×10^(-6),OR=1.74),TCF7L2(rs7903146,P=0.001,OR=1.46),CDKAL1(rs10946398,P=0.002,OR=1.44)and CDKN2A/B(rs10811661,P=0.020,OR=1.40).The fixation index analysis of these four gene variants indicated significant genetic differentiation between diabetics and controls{[KCNJ11(rs5219),P<0.001],[TCF7L2(rs7903146),P<0.001],[CDKAL1(rs10946398),P<0.05],[CDKN2A/B(rs10811661),P<0.05]}.The highest genotype variation%between diabetics and controls was found at KCNJ11(2.07%)and TCF7L2(1.62%).This study was not able to detect an association of T2D risk with gene variants of IGF2BP2(rs4402960),SLC30A8(rs13266634),CAPN10(rs3792267)and HHEX(rs1111875).Moreover,no association was found between FTO gene variants(rs9939609 and rs8050136)and T2D risk.However,T2D risk was found to be significantly associated with obesity(P=0.002,OR=2.22);and with the Waist-to-Hip ratio(n=532,P=1.9×10^(-7),OR=2.4),[among males(n=234,P=1.2×10^(-4),OR=2.0)and females(n=298,P=0.001,OR=6.3)].CONCLUSION:Results confirmed the association of KCNJ11(rs5219),TCF7L2(rs7903146),CDKAL1(rs10946398)and CDKN2A/B(rs10811661)gene variants with susceptibility to T2D among Omani Arabs.展开更多
Oman has two ophiolites-the better known late Cretaceous northern Oman(or Semail)ophiolite and the lesser known and smaller,Jurassic Masirah ophiolite located on the eastern coast of the country adjacent to the Indian...Oman has two ophiolites-the better known late Cretaceous northern Oman(or Semail)ophiolite and the lesser known and smaller,Jurassic Masirah ophiolite located on the eastern coast of the country adjacent to the Indian Ocean.A number of geological,geochronological and geochemical lines of evidence strongly suggest that the northern Oman ophiolite did not form at a mid-ocean ridge but rather in a supra-subduction zone setting by fast spreading during subduction initiation.In contrast the Masirah ophiolite is structurally part of a series of ophiolite nappes which are rooted in the Indian Ocean floor.There are significant geochemical differences between the Masirah and northern Oman ophiolites and none of the supra-subduction features typical of the northern Oman ophiolite are found at Masirah.Geochemically Masirah is MORB,although in detail it contains both enriched and depleted MORB reflecting a complex source for the lavas and dykes.The enrichment of this source predates the formation of the ophiolite.The condensed crustal section on Masirah(ca.2 km)contains a very thin gabbro sequence and is thought to reflect its genesis from a cool mantle source associated with the early stages of sea-floor spreading during the early separation of eastern and western Gondwana.These data suggest that the Masirah ophiolite is a suitable analogue for an ophiolite created at a mid-ocean ridge,whereas the northern Oman ophiolite is not.The stratigraphic history of the Masirah ophiolite shows that it remained a part of the oceanic crust for ca.80 Ma.The chemical variability and enrichment of the Masirah lavas is similar to that found elsewhere in Indian Ocean basalts and may simply reflect a similar provenance rather than a feature fundamental to the formation of the ophiolite.展开更多
Banana is an important crop grown in Oman and there is a dearth of information on its genetic diversity to assist in crop breeding and improvement programs.This study employed amplified fragment length polymorphism(AF...Banana is an important crop grown in Oman and there is a dearth of information on its genetic diversity to assist in crop breeding and improvement programs.This study employed amplified fragment length polymorphism(AFLP) to investigate the genetic variation in local banana cultivars from the southern region of Oman.Using 12 primer combinations,a total of 1094 bands were scored,of which 1012 were polymorphic.Eighty-two unique markers were identified,which revealed the distinct separation of the seven cultivars.The results obtained show that AFLP can be used to differentiate the banana cultivars.Further classification by phylogenetic,hierarchical clustering and principal component analyses showed significant differences between the clusters found with molecular markers and those clusters created by previous studies using morphological analysis.Based on the analytical results,a consensus dendrogram of the banana cultivars is presented.展开更多
Objective:The aim of this study was to assess the status of diabetes self-management(DSM)among Omanis with type-2 diabetes and its relationship with glycemic control and demographic variables.Methods:A correlational d...Objective:The aim of this study was to assess the status of diabetes self-management(DSM)among Omanis with type-2 diabetes and its relationship with glycemic control and demographic variables.Methods:A correlational descriptive design using questionnaire was conducted with a convenience sample of 266 Omani patients with type-2 diabetes to collect the data.Results:The findings indicated that DSM among the study subject is sub-optimal.Only 1%of them were regular on SMBG;9.5%of them exercise regularly;and 18%of them maintain healthy diet practices.No significant relationship between DSM and glycemic control(p>0.05)was found.DSM was found to be associated with age,gender,level of education,and duration of diabetes.Examining the differences between two regions in Oman(Muscat&Aldhakiliyah)indicated that participants from Muscat differ only in practicing SMBG.Conclusion:Results indicated that many Omani patients with type-2 diabetes do not perform DSM consistently.Practice implications:The findings of this study set the stage to develop teaching strategies that will improve DSM and subsequently improve diabetes management in patient with type-2 diabetes in Oman.展开更多
Objective: This study aimed to examine the sleep quality and prevalence of depression in post myocardial infarction patients attending cardiology outpatient clinics of selected hospitals in Oman.Methods: A descriptive...Objective: This study aimed to examine the sleep quality and prevalence of depression in post myocardial infarction patients attending cardiology outpatient clinics of selected hospitals in Oman.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to collect data from patients (n 180) who were at least 4 weeks post myocardial infarction diagnosis and receiving follow-up care in the outpatient clinic.The Arabic version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 were used to assess sleep quality and depressive symptoms,respectively.Results: The sample mean age was 62.0 ± 11.3 years.Poor sleep quality affected 61.1% of the participants.The significant predictors of poor sleep quality were gender (P ≤ 0.05),body mass index (P ≤ 0.05),and self-reported regular exercise (P ≤ 0.01).The most impacted domains of sleep quality were sleep latency,sleep duration,and sleep disturbances.The prevalence of major depression was low (5%) and the rate of re-infarction was 27.2%.The prevalence of minimal to mild major depression with a potential of transitioning into major depression overtime was very high.Self-reported regular exercise (P ≤ 0.01) was the only significant predictor of depressive symptoms.Conclusion: The sleep quality of post myocardial infarction patients was poor and the prevalence of depression was low.There was no significant relationship between sleep quality or depression with reinfarction.展开更多
Public awareness and knowledge on climate change constitute essential background to deal with climate change and related problems. Alongside this background, this study assesses the awareness and quality of knowledge ...Public awareness and knowledge on climate change constitute essential background to deal with climate change and related problems. Alongside this background, this study assesses the awareness and quality of knowledge regarding climate change in Muscat governorate, Oman. A survey of 350 randomly sampled respondents was conducted using a standard questionnaire. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. This questionnaire was administered to respondents who were evenly distributed among the six divisions (Wilayat) of Muscat governorate in Oman while descriptive statistics were the main analysis techniques. Results have revealed that public awareness is fairly high despite some limitations on the knowledge on the causes and prevention of climate change. Regression analysis finds that gender, years of education, and income are significant factors that determine the level of awareness. Climate change is an area that is in need of publicity to help the public make informed decisions in its adaptation and mitigation. Results further indicate that most of the respondents have fair general knowledge about the subject.展开更多
This study analyzes the impact of petroleum and non-petroleum indices on the financial development of the Sultanate of Oman from 1978 to 2017.To this end,it uses the petroleum proxy of oil rents(%of gross domestic pro...This study analyzes the impact of petroleum and non-petroleum indices on the financial development of the Sultanate of Oman from 1978 to 2017.To this end,it uses the petroleum proxy of oil rents(%of gross domestic product,GDP)and the non-petroleum proxy of industry(including construction)value added(%of GDP);agriculture,forestry,and fishing value added(%of GDP);and services value added(%of GDP)to determine the effect on financial development,measured by the amount of domestic credit extended to the private sector by banks(%of GDP).It applies an autoregressive distributed lag(ARDL)model.The long-term equation illustrates that the agriculture and industry GDPs have a negative and significant relationship with domestic credit in Oman.However,the oil and service sector GDPs promote financial development.The short-term equation illustrates that the oil,agricultural,and service sectors have positive and significant effects on domestic credit.The conclusion is that the economy of Oman is still in the first phase of economic diversification.Accordingly,the government should use oil revenues to develop various non-oil industrial sectors.This would enhance the country’s competitiveness in the global economy and positively contribute to improving the liquidity of the banking sector for stimulating credit at the macroeconomic level.展开更多
Sustainability is a concept for achieving integration and balance in development to preserve and use resources properly by providing new solutions to overcome structural,social and economic misconceptions to prevent f...Sustainability is a concept for achieving integration and balance in development to preserve and use resources properly by providing new solutions to overcome structural,social and economic misconceptions to prevent further degradation and waste of natural resources and create a better future for human societies.Sustainable development can be defined as a strategy for the correct use of resources,by modifying and redefining consumption patterns and avoiding one-sided development approaches.Therefore,sustainable development is defined as a long-term and unlimited solution for aligning different concepts(social,economic,and environmental),seemingly independent but related and influencing each other.This paper examines the challenges and capacities of the Oman Maritime Community and Maritime Energy Management's role in terms of sustainable development.To analyze this issue,the role of key players in Oman's maritime industry,such as the Oman Fisheries Company and the Oman Shipping Company,has been studied with the five main indicators of sustainable development goals,including people,the planet,peace,welfare,and partnership.展开更多
This paper exemplifies a primary step towards eliciting primary and secondary stakeholders’ views on management issues pertaining to kingfish fishery in Oman, and potential options for effective management of the fis...This paper exemplifies a primary step towards eliciting primary and secondary stakeholders’ views on management issues pertaining to kingfish fishery in Oman, and potential options for effective management of the fishery using questionnaire surveys and focus group interviews. There was consensus from stakeholder groups which included fishers, fishery managers, and fishery scientists that the current stock condition is not biologically sustainable. It is found that fishing effort control and technical measures are preferred to catch control by both groups. The role of mass media and the traditional institution in communicating fisheries issues are found to be relatively minor. Although the overall rating on the comprehensiveness of the proposed plan is promising, there are significant differences between the two groups with regard to legislative arrangements (χ<sup>2</sup> = 24.793, p-value = 0.000), management goals (χ<sup>2</sup> = 16.206, p-value = 0.001), operational objectives (χ<sup>2</sup> = 19.884, p-value = 0.000), performance indicators (χ<sup>2</sup> = 15.524, p-value = 0.001), and measures (χ<sup>2</sup> = 13.483, p-value = 0.004). Policy implications of the key findings are discussed in both national and regional contexts. Management authorities can use these findings to design an appropriate plan of actions for achieving sustainability in this fishery.展开更多
This study explored the hydrological and economic feasibility of managed aquifer recharge(MAR) using tertiary treated wastewater(TWW) to mitigate salinity in the coastal aquifer of Jamma, Oman. A steady-state groundwa...This study explored the hydrological and economic feasibility of managed aquifer recharge(MAR) using tertiary treated wastewater(TWW) to mitigate salinity in the coastal aquifer of Jamma, Oman. A steady-state groundwater flow and transport model, using MODFLOW software, was developed and calibrated. Different managerial scenarios were simulated and the results reveal that the Jamma aquifer will be further deteriorated in the next 20 a if it remains unmanaged. The groundwater table will decline further by more than 3 m on average; and the iso-concentration salinity line of 1500 mg/L will advance 2.7 km inland, which will severely affect the farming activities in the area. However, MAR using TWW when integrated with the management of groundwater abstraction(e.g., using modern irrigation systems to reduce the abstraction rate) becomes hydrologically feasible to augment the aquifer storage and control seawater intrusion, and hence improves the farming activities. The results indicate that:(1) injecting TWW in the vicinity of irrigation wells(Scenario A2);(2) investing in smart water meters and online control of pumping from the wells to reduce the abstraction rate by 25%(Scenario B); and(3) a combination of both(Scenario B2) are feasible scenarios with positive net present values. Recharge in upstream areas is found not economically feasible because of the very high investment cost of the installation of pipes to transport the TWW over a distance of 12.5 km. Because of securing funds are challenging, Scenario B would be the best option and the second-best option is Scenario A2. Scenario B2 has the lowest net benefit investment ratio and is very attractive because it entails integrated demand and supply management of groundwater. It is required to reduce pumping and to invest in injecting TWW to improve groundwater quality in the vicinity of irrigation wells and to form a hydrological barrier to control seawater intrusion in the long run.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the levels of zinc-α-2-glycoprotein(ZAG) among Omani AIDS patients receiving combined antiretroviral therapy(cART).Methods:A total of 80 Omani AIDS patients(45 males and 33 females),average a...Objective:To investigate the levels of zinc-α-2-glycoprotein(ZAG) among Omani AIDS patients receiving combined antiretroviral therapy(cART).Methods:A total of 80 Omani AIDS patients(45 males and 33 females),average age of 36 vears.who were receiving cART at the Saltan Qaboos University Hospital(SQUH).Muscat,Oman,were tested for the levels of ZAG.In addition,SO healthy blood donors(46 males and 34 females),average age of 26 years,attending the SOUH Blood Bank,were tested in parallel as a control group.Measurement of the ZAG levels was performed using a competitive enzyme—linked immunosorbent assay and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.Results:The ZAG levels were found to he significantly higher among AIDS patients compared to the healthy individuals(P=0.033).A total of 56(70%) of the AIDS patients were found to have higher levels of ZAG and 16(20%) AIDS patients were found to have high ZAG levels,which are significantly(P>0.031) associated with weight loss.Conclusions:ZAG levels are high among Omani AIDS patients on cART and this necessitales the measurement of ZAG on routine basis,as it is associated with weight loss.展开更多
The northeastern Arabian passive margin is being subducted beneath the Zagros and Makran of Iran. A flexural bulge related to the weight of the Makran has migrated at 4 cm/a through the previously uplifted Hajar Mount...The northeastern Arabian passive margin is being subducted beneath the Zagros and Makran of Iran. A flexural bulge related to the weight of the Makran has migrated at 4 cm/a through the previously uplifted Hajar Mountains of Oman as this active convergence and collision between Arabia and Eurasia progresses, adding approximately another 500 meters of relief, and forming a series of uplifted marine terraces, alluvial terraces, and planation surfaces that record the passage of the bulge. We use a combination of field studies, remote sensing and GIS to map and better-understand these terraces, and elucidate how the tectonics of bulge migration, down-to-trench normal faulting, and eustatic sea level changes have interacted to produce the extant geomorphic features on the inner slope of the flexural bulge as it sinks into the foredeep of the Gulf of Oman. We speculate those terraces that were uplifted on the outer slope of the forebulge as it initially migrated through the passive margin （affected by ophiolite obduction in the Cretaceous） 3.75-7.5 Ma ago are now sinking on the inner slope of the forebulge （corresponding to the outer trench slope in the foredeep）, and have been partly covered by Quaternary marine terraces related to a Weichselian sea level high stand. Both the Tertiary and Quaternary terraces are cut by faults related to the active collision, confirming that there is a significant risk of moderate earthquakes in the region.展开更多
Screening bioactive natural products from bacteria is a determinative step in the drug discovery programs. The present study aim to isolate actinobacteria from the Oman Sea sediments for determining the effects of dif...Screening bioactive natural products from bacteria is a determinative step in the drug discovery programs. The present study aim to isolate actinobacteria from the Oman Sea sediments for determining the effects of different culture media and treatments on the yield of the isolation process, and measure the DPPH radical scavenging and Artemia cytotoxic activity of culture extracts of the actinobacterial isolates. A total of 290 actinobacterial isolates were collected from 14 sediment samples. Heat treatment(40.68%) and M4 medium(29.31%) exhibited the maximum isolation rates of actinobacteria. Streptomyces isolates were dominantly distributed in all of the investigated stations according to 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. The distribution pattern of Streptomyces followed a depth-dependent frequency trend, whereas the members of rare genera including Micromonospora, Nocardia Actinoplanes, Nocardiopsis, Saccharopolyspora and Crossiella were distributed in deeper stations. Approximately,25% of the examined isolates could scavenge 90% of 10^–4 mol/L DPPH solutions at 1 250 μg/mL final concentration of their ethyl acetate culture extracts. Furthermore, the most potent extracts could scavenge DPPH radicals with IC50 ranges from 356.8 to 566.4 μg/mL. Brine shrimp cytotoxicity tests showed that 38.88% of the examined culture extracts exhibited LC50 lower than 1 000 μg/mL against the Artemia cells. Moreover, the most potent culture extracts exhibited LC50 range from 335.4 to 534.4 μg/mL. Phylogenetic analysis by 16 S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the OS 005, OS 263 and OS 157 closely related to Streptomyces djakartensis, Streptomyces olivaceus and Nocardiopsis dassonvillei respectively. These results suggested the widespread distribution of the antioxidant and cytotoxic producing actinobacteria in the Oman Sea sediments, which could be considered as promising candidates for the discovery of microbial bioactive compounds.展开更多
Peperites are generated by magma intruding and mingling with wet unconsolidated or poorly consolidated sediments.Late Paleozoic peperites have been identified in the Darbut and Baijiantan ophiolitic belts at West Jung...Peperites are generated by magma intruding and mingling with wet unconsolidated or poorly consolidated sediments.Late Paleozoic peperites have been identified in the Darbut and Baijiantan ophiolitic belts at West Junggar,NW China.The peperites form successions up to 500 m thick interbedded with basaltic lava(sometimes pillow lava)and sedimentary rocks(i.e.limestones).The peperites are described and interpreted as resulting from basaltic lava bulldozed into wet,unconsolidated sediments at their basal contacts.The peperitebearing units are generally undeformed,occurring in continuous stratigraphic sections distributed regionally over a distance of 100 km on either side of the Darbut and Baijiantan ophiolitic belts,in contrast to the highly deformed slices of ophiolite.They demonstrate that the Darbut and Baijiantan ophiolitic belts should not be interpreted as significant plate boundaries and represent the underlying ocean crust uplifted along tectonic lineaments within a continuous shallow remnant ocean basin.Jordan et al.(2008)reported an occurrence of peperite in the Oman—United Arab Emirates(UAE)border region.In this border area the field relations of the pillow lavas surrounded by limestone with deformed bedding and peperite boundaries between the pillows and the limestone are consistent with the pillow lavas forming directly within carbonate sediments.The pillow lavas in Oman-UAE border area likely have formed as intrusions into water-saturated carbonate sediments deposited along the edges of seamounts.Based on the comparative study on the peperites associated pillow lavas within ophiolites between West Junggar and Oman,this paper proposes that the ophiolites with peperites associated pillow lavas surrounded by limestone were not formed in a typical ocean basin,but a shallow remnant ocean basin.展开更多
Al Jabal al Akhdar(Green Mountain) in arid northern Oman has freshwater resources that had supported small communities for hundreds of years. Jabal Akhdar receives more rainfall(300-400 mm) when compared to the desert...Al Jabal al Akhdar(Green Mountain) in arid northern Oman has freshwater resources that had supported small communities for hundreds of years. Jabal Akhdar receives more rainfall(300-400 mm) when compared to the desert plains. In the last few years, this region had undergone enormous changes due to rapid development. The resident and transient populations have increased and their activities exert severe stress on the water resources. There are 24 retention reservoirs in the area, but most are eutrophic and the nutrient loading is due to input of animal fecal matter via surface run-off. As expected, these waters contaminated with coliform bacteria and some have pathogenic Escherichia coli. Drinking water needs of all the villages met by groundwater extraction. Because of poor quality, the surface water in the reservoirs is under-utilized. A low-cost lowmaintenance treatment system designed, constructed and operated in one village to clean the reservoir water for non-drinking human use. The treatment unit improved the water quality parameters. A survey among the adult male population of the village showed their eagerness to adopt this system and use the treated reservoir water for uses other than agriculture. Establishment of these treatment units in other villages should reduce the pressures on groundwater extraction.展开更多
Based on the textural and crystallographic study of four chromitite sites in the Oman ophiolite, we show that chromite crystallized in situ at Moho transition zone, where exposed as podiform chromitite deposits. Cryst...Based on the textural and crystallographic study of four chromitite sites in the Oman ophiolite, we show that chromite crystallized in situ at Moho transition zone, where exposed as podiform chromitite deposits. Crystallization operated either by crystal fractionation in a mini-magma chamber(Tuf dyke), or more commonly by meltrock reaction of a hydrated Cr-rich melt and enclosing dunite. Oxidizing conditions at Moho level triggered the crystallization of chromite at the expense of the corroded olivine network. High-temperature mantle flow(1100-1200 ℃), recorded in the joined reacting olivine aggregates, constrains the timing of chromitite formation. Models of genesis of chromitite deposits must account for a hydrous component initiating partial melting of refractory peridotite, and the revealed occurrence of ultra-high-pressure cratonic phases included in some chromite crystals of some ophiolitic chromitites.展开更多
In this work the physical, chemical and microbial properties of four locally composted green waste composts (GWCs) namely Almukhasib, Growers, Plantex, and Super along with four imported GWC (Florabella, Mikskaar, Pot...In this work the physical, chemical and microbial properties of four locally composted green waste composts (GWCs) namely Almukhasib, Growers, Plantex, and Super along with four imported GWC (Florabella, Mikskaar, Potgrond, and Shamrock) were studied to evaluate the quality of these composts with the acceptable standards. All composts showed normal physical properties, except the bad smell from sulfur reducing bacteria in Almukhasib, light brown color Plantex and one viable weed seed in Shamrock compost. The germination indexes of the composts comparable to the standard (90%) were 100% for Mikskaar, followed by Shamrock (92%), Florabella (97), Potgrond (95%), Plantex (98%), Growers (77%), and 5% for both Super and Almukhasib. The physical and chemical properties vary considerably as follows: pH 3 - 10.5, 5.1 - 6.5 (standard 5 - 8), electrical conductivity (EC) 0.4 - 10.2 mS·cm-1, 0.8 - 1.8 mS·cm-1(standard 0.0 - 4.0 mS·cm-1), moisture content (MC%) 29% - 43.7%, 64% - 74% (standard 35% - 60%) and water holding capacity (WHC%) 92% - 200% and 400% - 800% for the locally produced and imported composts, respectively. Wide ranges in the chemical properties were expressed as ammonia concentration 512.4 - 1640.1 mg·kg-1, 459.4 - 656.5 mg·kg-1(standard -1), organic matter 17% - 67.6%, and 53.3% - 66.2% (standard 35%) for the locally composted and imported composts, respectively. The concentrations of the heavy metals (Zn, Ni, Pb, Hg, As, Cd, and Cr) were lower than the recommended levels. The average of the bacterial colony forming unit per gram of locally produced and imported composts ranged between 260 - 1740 CFU/g and 330 - 2870 CFU/g, whereas the fungal CFU were 10 - 2800 CFU/g and 27 - 1800 CFU/g, respectively. The most probable number (MPN) for coliform bacteria was 43 - 1100 CFU/g for locally produced composts, and 23 - 480 CFU/g for the imported composts. Therefore, these composts can not be used directly without effective treatment as substrate for plant growth, soil amendment and as biofertilizer.展开更多
Thirteen-year satellite-derived data are used to investigate the temporal variability of net primary production （NPP） in the Oman upwelling zone and its potential forcing mechanisms. The NPP in the Oman upwelling zo...Thirteen-year satellite-derived data are used to investigate the temporal variability of net primary production （NPP） in the Oman upwelling zone and its potential forcing mechanisms. The NPP in the Oman upwelling zone is characterized by an abnormal decrease during E1 Nifio events. Such an NPP decrease may be related to E1 Nifio-driven anomalous summertime weak wind. During the summer following E1 Nifio, the anomalous northeasterly wind forced by southwest Indian Ocean warming weakens the southwest monsoon and warms the Arabian Sea. The abnormal wind weakens the coastal Ekman transport, offshore Ekman pumping and horizontal advection, resulting in reduced upward nutrient supply to the euphotic zone. A slightly declining trend in NPP after 2000 associated with a gradual decrease in surface monsoon winds is discussed.展开更多
文摘Our institution, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, has set a protocol for vaccinating elderly > 65 years and eligible adult groups of patients against seasonal influenza and Streptococcus pneumoniae when admitted as inpatients or seen at outpatient clinics. Here, I assess the compliance of various medical teams with this policy. Background: Methods: electronic records of admitted patients in adult general medical words were reviewed for vaccination from 28 January 2024 until 28 February 2024. Results: Among 203 patients at presentation, 45 patients were new with unknown immunization status. At presentation, only seven and eleven of 158 patients (4.4% and 7%) had been vaccinated in the previous admission for influenza and Pneumococcus respectively. Upon discharge only four and six patients (2.12% and 3.24%) were given seasonal influenza and pneumococcal vaccines respectively. Discharge summaries and referral letters mentioned vaccination status of patients in two cases only. Conclusion: Rates of vaccination against influenza and S pneumoniae are very low in the elderly and adult patients with chronic medical conditions. A surveillance system needs to be set in place to monitor this.
文摘Being involved in the organization of IGCP 572 field workshops in Turkey （2009）, in Oman （2010）, as in the following IGCP 630 field workshops in Kashmir （India, 2014） and in Armenia （2017）, I co-wrote for each of them detailed guidebooks and extended reports that can be found and downloaded from ResearchGate website. This paper summarizes the final results obtained by IGCP 572 and 630 members from these four important field workshop sites in the past I0 years, and also attempts to make recommendations for future studies based on these unique localities surrounding the Tethys Ocean. The first field workshop of IGCP 572 was organized in South Turkey in September, 2009, with the logistical support of Dr. Erdal Kosun from the Antalya University. Following the South Turkey field workshop, eight important papers have been published and concerned the well-preserved Permian-Triassic boundary （PTB） microbialites and their ecosystems （including ostraeodes, brachiopods, and many of other clades）. The 3rd IGCP 572 annual field workshop was held during February, 2010 in the Sultanate of Oman, with Dr. Michaela Bernecker and the deep support from the GuTech University in Muscat. More than 15 papers have derived from the P-Tr successions that IGCP 572 members have investigated during this workshop, including the first study on oceanic acidification based on Boron isotopes. New paleontological studies are still on progress, and concern the Smithian ammonoids, Lower Triassic shark teeth and dental remains as well as basal Triassic conodonts, crinoids and ammonoids. The 1st IGCP 630 annual field workshop was held during November, 2014 in Srinagar, Kashmir, and North India, with the helpful assistance of Prof. Ghulam Bhat from Jammu University. This meeting renewed studies on the classic Guryul Ravine and adjacent P-Tr boundary sections in that region, with new geochemical works on carbon isotopes and pyrite framboids as well as a detailed Induan conodont taxonomy and zonatiou. Other new paleontological works concern the palynology of the Guryul Ravine Section as some well-preserved organic eukariotic protist （thecamoebians） that cross without damage the PTB. Lilit Sahakyan, Aymon Baud, and Zhong-Qiang Chen organized the 5th IGCP 630 annual conference and field workshop in Armenia on October 8-14, 2017. Several PTB and Lower Triassic sections have been systematically sampled for biogeochemical and geobiological studies. These Armenian sections provide unique paleoenvironmental settings that have the long- est record, from Griesbachian to Dienerian, of microbial proliferation following the P-Tr mass extinction in the world. The basal Triassic giant sponge-microbial build-ups are encouraging more compre- hensive studies on metazoan-microbial reef developments after the greatest extinction event.
基金Supported by The Research Council(TRC),Muscat,Oman,No.RC/MED/BIOC/10/01
文摘AIM:To investigate the association of 10 known common gene variants with susceptibility to type 2diabetes mellitus(T2D)among Omanis.METHODS:Using case-control design,a total of992 diabetic patients and 294 normoglycemic Omani Arabs were genotyped,by an allelic discrimination assay-by-design TaqMan method on fast real time polymerase chain reaction system,for the following gene variants:KCNJ11(rs5219),TCF7L2(rs7903146),CDKAL1(rs10946398),CDKN2A/B(rs10811661),FTO(rs9939609 and rs8050136),IGF2BP2(rs4402960),SLC30A8(rs13266634)CAPN10(rs3792267)and HHEX(rs1111875).T2D patients were recruited from the Diabetes Clinic(n=243)and inpatients(n=749)at Sultan Qaboos Univesity Hospital(SQUH),Muscat,Oman.Adult control participants(n=294)were volunteers from the community and from those visiting Family Medicine Clinic at SQU,for regular medical checkup.The difficulty in recruiting Omani participants with no family history of diabetes was the main reason behind the small number of control participants in this study.Almost all volunteers questioned had a relativewith diabetes mellitus.Inspite of the small number of normoglycemic controls in this study,this sample was sufficient for detection of genes and loci for common alleles influencing T2D with an odds ratio of≥1.3reaching at least 80%power.Data was collected from June 2010 to February 2012.RESULTS:Using binary logistic regression analysis,four gene variants showed significant association with T2D risk:KCNJ11(rs5219,P=5.8×10^(-6),OR=1.74),TCF7L2(rs7903146,P=0.001,OR=1.46),CDKAL1(rs10946398,P=0.002,OR=1.44)and CDKN2A/B(rs10811661,P=0.020,OR=1.40).The fixation index analysis of these four gene variants indicated significant genetic differentiation between diabetics and controls{[KCNJ11(rs5219),P<0.001],[TCF7L2(rs7903146),P<0.001],[CDKAL1(rs10946398),P<0.05],[CDKN2A/B(rs10811661),P<0.05]}.The highest genotype variation%between diabetics and controls was found at KCNJ11(2.07%)and TCF7L2(1.62%).This study was not able to detect an association of T2D risk with gene variants of IGF2BP2(rs4402960),SLC30A8(rs13266634),CAPN10(rs3792267)and HHEX(rs1111875).Moreover,no association was found between FTO gene variants(rs9939609 and rs8050136)and T2D risk.However,T2D risk was found to be significantly associated with obesity(P=0.002,OR=2.22);and with the Waist-to-Hip ratio(n=532,P=1.9×10^(-7),OR=2.4),[among males(n=234,P=1.2×10^(-4),OR=2.0)and females(n=298,P=0.001,OR=6.3)].CONCLUSION:Results confirmed the association of KCNJ11(rs5219),TCF7L2(rs7903146),CDKAL1(rs10946398)and CDKN2A/B(rs10811661)gene variants with susceptibility to T2D among Omani Arabs.
文摘Oman has two ophiolites-the better known late Cretaceous northern Oman(or Semail)ophiolite and the lesser known and smaller,Jurassic Masirah ophiolite located on the eastern coast of the country adjacent to the Indian Ocean.A number of geological,geochronological and geochemical lines of evidence strongly suggest that the northern Oman ophiolite did not form at a mid-ocean ridge but rather in a supra-subduction zone setting by fast spreading during subduction initiation.In contrast the Masirah ophiolite is structurally part of a series of ophiolite nappes which are rooted in the Indian Ocean floor.There are significant geochemical differences between the Masirah and northern Oman ophiolites and none of the supra-subduction features typical of the northern Oman ophiolite are found at Masirah.Geochemically Masirah is MORB,although in detail it contains both enriched and depleted MORB reflecting a complex source for the lavas and dykes.The enrichment of this source predates the formation of the ophiolite.The condensed crustal section on Masirah(ca.2 km)contains a very thin gabbro sequence and is thought to reflect its genesis from a cool mantle source associated with the early stages of sea-floor spreading during the early separation of eastern and western Gondwana.These data suggest that the Masirah ophiolite is a suitable analogue for an ophiolite created at a mid-ocean ridge,whereas the northern Oman ophiolite is not.The stratigraphic history of the Masirah ophiolite shows that it remained a part of the oceanic crust for ca.80 Ma.The chemical variability and enrichment of the Masirah lavas is similar to that found elsewhere in Indian Ocean basalts and may simply reflect a similar provenance rather than a feature fundamental to the formation of the ophiolite.
基金Project supported by Programs of Sultan Qaboos University (Nos SR/AGR/BIOR/05/01 and IG/AGR/PLANT/04/01),Sultanate of Oman,and the Research Chair in Postharvest Technology at the University of Stellenbosch,South Africa
文摘Banana is an important crop grown in Oman and there is a dearth of information on its genetic diversity to assist in crop breeding and improvement programs.This study employed amplified fragment length polymorphism(AFLP) to investigate the genetic variation in local banana cultivars from the southern region of Oman.Using 12 primer combinations,a total of 1094 bands were scored,of which 1012 were polymorphic.Eighty-two unique markers were identified,which revealed the distinct separation of the seven cultivars.The results obtained show that AFLP can be used to differentiate the banana cultivars.Further classification by phylogenetic,hierarchical clustering and principal component analyses showed significant differences between the clusters found with molecular markers and those clusters created by previous studies using morphological analysis.Based on the analytical results,a consensus dendrogram of the banana cultivars is presented.
基金This work received funding from the University of Nizwa,Oman.
文摘Objective:The aim of this study was to assess the status of diabetes self-management(DSM)among Omanis with type-2 diabetes and its relationship with glycemic control and demographic variables.Methods:A correlational descriptive design using questionnaire was conducted with a convenience sample of 266 Omani patients with type-2 diabetes to collect the data.Results:The findings indicated that DSM among the study subject is sub-optimal.Only 1%of them were regular on SMBG;9.5%of them exercise regularly;and 18%of them maintain healthy diet practices.No significant relationship between DSM and glycemic control(p>0.05)was found.DSM was found to be associated with age,gender,level of education,and duration of diabetes.Examining the differences between two regions in Oman(Muscat&Aldhakiliyah)indicated that participants from Muscat differ only in practicing SMBG.Conclusion:Results indicated that many Omani patients with type-2 diabetes do not perform DSM consistently.Practice implications:The findings of this study set the stage to develop teaching strategies that will improve DSM and subsequently improve diabetes management in patient with type-2 diabetes in Oman.
文摘Objective: This study aimed to examine the sleep quality and prevalence of depression in post myocardial infarction patients attending cardiology outpatient clinics of selected hospitals in Oman.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to collect data from patients (n 180) who were at least 4 weeks post myocardial infarction diagnosis and receiving follow-up care in the outpatient clinic.The Arabic version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 were used to assess sleep quality and depressive symptoms,respectively.Results: The sample mean age was 62.0 ± 11.3 years.Poor sleep quality affected 61.1% of the participants.The significant predictors of poor sleep quality were gender (P ≤ 0.05),body mass index (P ≤ 0.05),and self-reported regular exercise (P ≤ 0.01).The most impacted domains of sleep quality were sleep latency,sleep duration,and sleep disturbances.The prevalence of major depression was low (5%) and the rate of re-infarction was 27.2%.The prevalence of minimal to mild major depression with a potential of transitioning into major depression overtime was very high.Self-reported regular exercise (P ≤ 0.01) was the only significant predictor of depressive symptoms.Conclusion: The sleep quality of post myocardial infarction patients was poor and the prevalence of depression was low.There was no significant relationship between sleep quality or depression with reinfarction.
文摘Public awareness and knowledge on climate change constitute essential background to deal with climate change and related problems. Alongside this background, this study assesses the awareness and quality of knowledge regarding climate change in Muscat governorate, Oman. A survey of 350 randomly sampled respondents was conducted using a standard questionnaire. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. This questionnaire was administered to respondents who were evenly distributed among the six divisions (Wilayat) of Muscat governorate in Oman while descriptive statistics were the main analysis techniques. Results have revealed that public awareness is fairly high despite some limitations on the knowledge on the causes and prevention of climate change. Regression analysis finds that gender, years of education, and income are significant factors that determine the level of awareness. Climate change is an area that is in need of publicity to help the public make informed decisions in its adaptation and mitigation. Results further indicate that most of the respondents have fair general knowledge about the subject.
文摘This study analyzes the impact of petroleum and non-petroleum indices on the financial development of the Sultanate of Oman from 1978 to 2017.To this end,it uses the petroleum proxy of oil rents(%of gross domestic product,GDP)and the non-petroleum proxy of industry(including construction)value added(%of GDP);agriculture,forestry,and fishing value added(%of GDP);and services value added(%of GDP)to determine the effect on financial development,measured by the amount of domestic credit extended to the private sector by banks(%of GDP).It applies an autoregressive distributed lag(ARDL)model.The long-term equation illustrates that the agriculture and industry GDPs have a negative and significant relationship with domestic credit in Oman.However,the oil and service sector GDPs promote financial development.The short-term equation illustrates that the oil,agricultural,and service sectors have positive and significant effects on domestic credit.The conclusion is that the economy of Oman is still in the first phase of economic diversification.Accordingly,the government should use oil revenues to develop various non-oil industrial sectors.This would enhance the country’s competitiveness in the global economy and positively contribute to improving the liquidity of the banking sector for stimulating credit at the macroeconomic level.
文摘Sustainability is a concept for achieving integration and balance in development to preserve and use resources properly by providing new solutions to overcome structural,social and economic misconceptions to prevent further degradation and waste of natural resources and create a better future for human societies.Sustainable development can be defined as a strategy for the correct use of resources,by modifying and redefining consumption patterns and avoiding one-sided development approaches.Therefore,sustainable development is defined as a long-term and unlimited solution for aligning different concepts(social,economic,and environmental),seemingly independent but related and influencing each other.This paper examines the challenges and capacities of the Oman Maritime Community and Maritime Energy Management's role in terms of sustainable development.To analyze this issue,the role of key players in Oman's maritime industry,such as the Oman Fisheries Company and the Oman Shipping Company,has been studied with the five main indicators of sustainable development goals,including people,the planet,peace,welfare,and partnership.
文摘This paper exemplifies a primary step towards eliciting primary and secondary stakeholders’ views on management issues pertaining to kingfish fishery in Oman, and potential options for effective management of the fishery using questionnaire surveys and focus group interviews. There was consensus from stakeholder groups which included fishers, fishery managers, and fishery scientists that the current stock condition is not biologically sustainable. It is found that fishing effort control and technical measures are preferred to catch control by both groups. The role of mass media and the traditional institution in communicating fisheries issues are found to be relatively minor. Although the overall rating on the comprehensiveness of the proposed plan is promising, there are significant differences between the two groups with regard to legislative arrangements (χ<sup>2</sup> = 24.793, p-value = 0.000), management goals (χ<sup>2</sup> = 16.206, p-value = 0.001), operational objectives (χ<sup>2</sup> = 19.884, p-value = 0.000), performance indicators (χ<sup>2</sup> = 15.524, p-value = 0.001), and measures (χ<sup>2</sup> = 13.483, p-value = 0.004). Policy implications of the key findings are discussed in both national and regional contexts. Management authorities can use these findings to design an appropriate plan of actions for achieving sustainability in this fishery.
基金supported by the USAID (United States Agency for International Development)-FABRI (Further Advancing the Blue Revolution Initiative) and the MENA NWC (Middle East and North Africa Network of Water Centers of Excellence) (1001626-104)the support of Sultan Qaboos University+1 种基金the Ministry of Regional MunicipalitiesWater Resources in Oman
文摘This study explored the hydrological and economic feasibility of managed aquifer recharge(MAR) using tertiary treated wastewater(TWW) to mitigate salinity in the coastal aquifer of Jamma, Oman. A steady-state groundwater flow and transport model, using MODFLOW software, was developed and calibrated. Different managerial scenarios were simulated and the results reveal that the Jamma aquifer will be further deteriorated in the next 20 a if it remains unmanaged. The groundwater table will decline further by more than 3 m on average; and the iso-concentration salinity line of 1500 mg/L will advance 2.7 km inland, which will severely affect the farming activities in the area. However, MAR using TWW when integrated with the management of groundwater abstraction(e.g., using modern irrigation systems to reduce the abstraction rate) becomes hydrologically feasible to augment the aquifer storage and control seawater intrusion, and hence improves the farming activities. The results indicate that:(1) injecting TWW in the vicinity of irrigation wells(Scenario A2);(2) investing in smart water meters and online control of pumping from the wells to reduce the abstraction rate by 25%(Scenario B); and(3) a combination of both(Scenario B2) are feasible scenarios with positive net present values. Recharge in upstream areas is found not economically feasible because of the very high investment cost of the installation of pipes to transport the TWW over a distance of 12.5 km. Because of securing funds are challenging, Scenario B would be the best option and the second-best option is Scenario A2. Scenario B2 has the lowest net benefit investment ratio and is very attractive because it entails integrated demand and supply management of groundwater. It is required to reduce pumping and to invest in injecting TWW to improve groundwater quality in the vicinity of irrigation wells and to form a hydrological barrier to control seawater intrusion in the long run.
基金Supported by the Research Council of the Sultanate of Oman(RC/MED/MICR/11/01)the College of Medicine and Health Sciences,Sultan Qaboos University(Internal-Grant/2013).Oman
文摘Objective:To investigate the levels of zinc-α-2-glycoprotein(ZAG) among Omani AIDS patients receiving combined antiretroviral therapy(cART).Methods:A total of 80 Omani AIDS patients(45 males and 33 females),average age of 36 vears.who were receiving cART at the Saltan Qaboos University Hospital(SQUH).Muscat,Oman,were tested for the levels of ZAG.In addition,SO healthy blood donors(46 males and 34 females),average age of 26 years,attending the SOUH Blood Bank,were tested in parallel as a control group.Measurement of the ZAG levels was performed using a competitive enzyme—linked immunosorbent assay and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.Results:The ZAG levels were found to he significantly higher among AIDS patients compared to the healthy individuals(P=0.033).A total of 56(70%) of the AIDS patients were found to have higher levels of ZAG and 16(20%) AIDS patients were found to have high ZAG levels,which are significantly(P>0.031) associated with weight loss.Conclusions:ZAG levels are high among Omani AIDS patients on cART and this necessitales the measurement of ZAG on routine basis,as it is associated with weight loss.
基金partially supported by Sultan Qaboos Internal (No.IG/SCI/ETHS/14/02)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos.91014002 and 40821061)+2 种基金Ministry of Education of China (No.B07039)the Academic Innovation Base Plan of China University of Geosciences (Wuhan)the 1000 Talents Program,Central Organization Committee,China
文摘The northeastern Arabian passive margin is being subducted beneath the Zagros and Makran of Iran. A flexural bulge related to the weight of the Makran has migrated at 4 cm/a through the previously uplifted Hajar Mountains of Oman as this active convergence and collision between Arabia and Eurasia progresses, adding approximately another 500 meters of relief, and forming a series of uplifted marine terraces, alluvial terraces, and planation surfaces that record the passage of the bulge. We use a combination of field studies, remote sensing and GIS to map and better-understand these terraces, and elucidate how the tectonics of bulge migration, down-to-trench normal faulting, and eustatic sea level changes have interacted to produce the extant geomorphic features on the inner slope of the flexural bulge as it sinks into the foredeep of the Gulf of Oman. We speculate those terraces that were uplifted on the outer slope of the forebulge as it initially migrated through the passive margin （affected by ophiolite obduction in the Cretaceous） 3.75-7.5 Ma ago are now sinking on the inner slope of the forebulge （corresponding to the outer trench slope in the foredeep）, and have been partly covered by Quaternary marine terraces related to a Weichselian sea level high stand. Both the Tertiary and Quaternary terraces are cut by faults related to the active collision, confirming that there is a significant risk of moderate earthquakes in the region.
文摘Screening bioactive natural products from bacteria is a determinative step in the drug discovery programs. The present study aim to isolate actinobacteria from the Oman Sea sediments for determining the effects of different culture media and treatments on the yield of the isolation process, and measure the DPPH radical scavenging and Artemia cytotoxic activity of culture extracts of the actinobacterial isolates. A total of 290 actinobacterial isolates were collected from 14 sediment samples. Heat treatment(40.68%) and M4 medium(29.31%) exhibited the maximum isolation rates of actinobacteria. Streptomyces isolates were dominantly distributed in all of the investigated stations according to 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. The distribution pattern of Streptomyces followed a depth-dependent frequency trend, whereas the members of rare genera including Micromonospora, Nocardia Actinoplanes, Nocardiopsis, Saccharopolyspora and Crossiella were distributed in deeper stations. Approximately,25% of the examined isolates could scavenge 90% of 10^–4 mol/L DPPH solutions at 1 250 μg/mL final concentration of their ethyl acetate culture extracts. Furthermore, the most potent extracts could scavenge DPPH radicals with IC50 ranges from 356.8 to 566.4 μg/mL. Brine shrimp cytotoxicity tests showed that 38.88% of the examined culture extracts exhibited LC50 lower than 1 000 μg/mL against the Artemia cells. Moreover, the most potent culture extracts exhibited LC50 range from 335.4 to 534.4 μg/mL. Phylogenetic analysis by 16 S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the OS 005, OS 263 and OS 157 closely related to Streptomyces djakartensis, Streptomyces olivaceus and Nocardiopsis dassonvillei respectively. These results suggested the widespread distribution of the antioxidant and cytotoxic producing actinobacteria in the Oman Sea sediments, which could be considered as promising candidates for the discovery of microbial bioactive compounds.
基金granted by the Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC Grant No.41572199)
文摘Peperites are generated by magma intruding and mingling with wet unconsolidated or poorly consolidated sediments.Late Paleozoic peperites have been identified in the Darbut and Baijiantan ophiolitic belts at West Junggar,NW China.The peperites form successions up to 500 m thick interbedded with basaltic lava(sometimes pillow lava)and sedimentary rocks(i.e.limestones).The peperites are described and interpreted as resulting from basaltic lava bulldozed into wet,unconsolidated sediments at their basal contacts.The peperitebearing units are generally undeformed,occurring in continuous stratigraphic sections distributed regionally over a distance of 100 km on either side of the Darbut and Baijiantan ophiolitic belts,in contrast to the highly deformed slices of ophiolite.They demonstrate that the Darbut and Baijiantan ophiolitic belts should not be interpreted as significant plate boundaries and represent the underlying ocean crust uplifted along tectonic lineaments within a continuous shallow remnant ocean basin.Jordan et al.(2008)reported an occurrence of peperite in the Oman—United Arab Emirates(UAE)border region.In this border area the field relations of the pillow lavas surrounded by limestone with deformed bedding and peperite boundaries between the pillows and the limestone are consistent with the pillow lavas forming directly within carbonate sediments.The pillow lavas in Oman-UAE border area likely have formed as intrusions into water-saturated carbonate sediments deposited along the edges of seamounts.Based on the comparative study on the peperites associated pillow lavas within ophiolites between West Junggar and Oman,this paper proposes that the ophiolites with peperites associated pillow lavas surrounded by limestone were not formed in a typical ocean basin,but a shallow remnant ocean basin.
文摘Al Jabal al Akhdar(Green Mountain) in arid northern Oman has freshwater resources that had supported small communities for hundreds of years. Jabal Akhdar receives more rainfall(300-400 mm) when compared to the desert plains. In the last few years, this region had undergone enormous changes due to rapid development. The resident and transient populations have increased and their activities exert severe stress on the water resources. There are 24 retention reservoirs in the area, but most are eutrophic and the nutrient loading is due to input of animal fecal matter via surface run-off. As expected, these waters contaminated with coliform bacteria and some have pathogenic Escherichia coli. Drinking water needs of all the villages met by groundwater extraction. Because of poor quality, the surface water in the reservoirs is under-utilized. A low-cost lowmaintenance treatment system designed, constructed and operated in one village to clean the reservoir water for non-drinking human use. The treatment unit improved the water quality parameters. A survey among the adult male population of the village showed their eagerness to adopt this system and use the treated reservoir water for uses other than agriculture. Establishment of these treatment units in other villages should reduce the pressures on groundwater extraction.
文摘Based on the textural and crystallographic study of four chromitite sites in the Oman ophiolite, we show that chromite crystallized in situ at Moho transition zone, where exposed as podiform chromitite deposits. Crystallization operated either by crystal fractionation in a mini-magma chamber(Tuf dyke), or more commonly by meltrock reaction of a hydrated Cr-rich melt and enclosing dunite. Oxidizing conditions at Moho level triggered the crystallization of chromite at the expense of the corroded olivine network. High-temperature mantle flow(1100-1200 ℃), recorded in the joined reacting olivine aggregates, constrains the timing of chromitite formation. Models of genesis of chromitite deposits must account for a hydrous component initiating partial melting of refractory peridotite, and the revealed occurrence of ultra-high-pressure cratonic phases included in some chromite crystals of some ophiolitic chromitites.
文摘In this work the physical, chemical and microbial properties of four locally composted green waste composts (GWCs) namely Almukhasib, Growers, Plantex, and Super along with four imported GWC (Florabella, Mikskaar, Potgrond, and Shamrock) were studied to evaluate the quality of these composts with the acceptable standards. All composts showed normal physical properties, except the bad smell from sulfur reducing bacteria in Almukhasib, light brown color Plantex and one viable weed seed in Shamrock compost. The germination indexes of the composts comparable to the standard (90%) were 100% for Mikskaar, followed by Shamrock (92%), Florabella (97), Potgrond (95%), Plantex (98%), Growers (77%), and 5% for both Super and Almukhasib. The physical and chemical properties vary considerably as follows: pH 3 - 10.5, 5.1 - 6.5 (standard 5 - 8), electrical conductivity (EC) 0.4 - 10.2 mS·cm-1, 0.8 - 1.8 mS·cm-1(standard 0.0 - 4.0 mS·cm-1), moisture content (MC%) 29% - 43.7%, 64% - 74% (standard 35% - 60%) and water holding capacity (WHC%) 92% - 200% and 400% - 800% for the locally produced and imported composts, respectively. Wide ranges in the chemical properties were expressed as ammonia concentration 512.4 - 1640.1 mg·kg-1, 459.4 - 656.5 mg·kg-1(standard -1), organic matter 17% - 67.6%, and 53.3% - 66.2% (standard 35%) for the locally composted and imported composts, respectively. The concentrations of the heavy metals (Zn, Ni, Pb, Hg, As, Cd, and Cr) were lower than the recommended levels. The average of the bacterial colony forming unit per gram of locally produced and imported composts ranged between 260 - 1740 CFU/g and 330 - 2870 CFU/g, whereas the fungal CFU were 10 - 2800 CFU/g and 27 - 1800 CFU/g, respectively. The most probable number (MPN) for coliform bacteria was 43 - 1100 CFU/g for locally produced composts, and 23 - 480 CFU/g for the imported composts. Therefore, these composts can not be used directly without effective treatment as substrate for plant growth, soil amendment and as biofertilizer.
基金Supported by the Knowledge Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nos. KZCX2-YW-Q11-02, LYQY200807)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 40876093, 41176162)
文摘Thirteen-year satellite-derived data are used to investigate the temporal variability of net primary production （NPP） in the Oman upwelling zone and its potential forcing mechanisms. The NPP in the Oman upwelling zone is characterized by an abnormal decrease during E1 Nifio events. Such an NPP decrease may be related to E1 Nifio-driven anomalous summertime weak wind. During the summer following E1 Nifio, the anomalous northeasterly wind forced by southwest Indian Ocean warming weakens the southwest monsoon and warms the Arabian Sea. The abnormal wind weakens the coastal Ekman transport, offshore Ekman pumping and horizontal advection, resulting in reduced upward nutrient supply to the euphotic zone. A slightly declining trend in NPP after 2000 associated with a gradual decrease in surface monsoon winds is discussed.
