Causes, paths and interim results of the Arab Spring are discussed from the perspective of comparative revolutionary analysis. One has to distinguish revolutionary situations, with a multitude of conflict forms, from ...Causes, paths and interim results of the Arab Spring are discussed from the perspective of comparative revolutionary analysis. One has to distinguish revolutionary situations, with a multitude of conflict forms, from revolutionary outcomes. Also one should consider the options for development granted by different forms of political authority. Sultanist rule here allows for only highly limited perspectives. Such a form of political authority is focused only on the ruler and his entourage. There is no developing of encompassing and persistent institutions that would allow for smooth political change and the provision of public goods characteristic of democratic order. Numerous other theoretical elements are drawn on in assessing the chances of transformation and possible scenarios. Population pressures by an extremely young and mostly unemployed or underemployed population and the lack of a regional power are two of the crucial burdens. Further, one finds persistent cultural-religious cleavages The Arab monarchies from Morocco to Saudi-Arabia have reacted with very limited political concessions and welfare payments to buy off protest sentiments. Thus far they could avoid regime failure as occurred to the more Sultanist regimes in Libya and Syria. In the second portion of this manuscript the security implications of the failed Arab spring are addressed in regional and global terms.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 aims to explore the Sultan Qaboos University undergraduate students’ perceptions and attitudes towards using m-Health app and its impact on improving their sports and health habits. Triangulation was used ...This study aims to explore the Sultan Qaboos University undergraduate students’ perceptions and attitudes towards using m-Health app and its impact on improving their sports and health habits. Triangulation was used by applying a questionnaire and focus groups interviews to answer the research questions. The survey sample was (20) male and female students from four science and humanities colleges. Both quantitative and qualitative findings unequivocally reveal the students’ positive perceptions and attitudes toward the use of the mobile health app. No statistically significant differences were found between the responses of either males or females, or the science and humanitarian colleges of the sample students. In light of these findings, the study set forth its conclusions and recommendations.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
The Sultanate of Oman has a long coastline extending for about 3165 km including a number of bays and islands. Oman’s coastline borders the Arabian Gulf, the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Most of this coastline is...The Sultanate of Oman has a long coastline extending for about 3165 km including a number of bays and islands. Oman’s coastline borders the Arabian Gulf, the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Most of this coastline is soft and low laying shore subject to the dynamics of sediment transport and the landward retreat of the shoreline, caused by anthropogenic factors and sea level rise associated with climate change. This paper aims to assess the vulnerability of the entire Omani coastal zone to the expected sea level rise and storm surge. Methodology is based on applying Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) to identify clusters of high vulnerability areas according to their sensitivity and dynamic nature and increased risk resulted from seal level rise, erosion and extreme weather events. The coastal line of the governorates of Al Batinah, Muscat and Al-Wusta has scored highly due to possessing similar physical attributes. Based on that assessment a coastal vulnerability database utilizing GIS was created to help stakeholders involved in the coastal management to make better decisions.展开更多
Introduction: This study sought to investigate the prevalence and determine factors for predicting the use of herbal medicine, among Sultan Moulay Slimane University students. Methods: This study was a retrospective c...Introduction: This study sought to investigate the prevalence and determine factors for predicting the use of herbal medicine, among Sultan Moulay Slimane University students. Methods: This study was a retrospective cross-sectional study from March 1st, 2017 to April 13th, 2017. Four hundred seventy-six university students were interviewed using a questionnaire including a socio-demographic scale and herbal self-therapy knowledge and behaviors. The statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 2016). Results: The frequency of herbal self-therapy among Sultan Moulay Slimane University students has reached 65%. 26.07% of the participants reported that the first reason for using herbal self-therapy was a lack of money. Meanwhile, the most common conditions that prompted them to use these plants on their own were cough and cold (36.48%), and abdominal pain due to heartburn or peptic ulcer (24.41%). The most frequent self-administered plants were Thymus vulgaris (43.7%). Family, seniors, or classmates were a source of information for herbal self-therapy. Conclusion: The region of Beni Mellal, Morocco has important floristic biodiversity of medicinal plants that are used in traditional medicine practice. The present paper represents significant ethnobotanical information on medical plants, which provides baseline data for future pharmacological and phytochemical studies. Therefore, there is a need to establish effective herbal medicine policies and health education programs to discuss the benefits and risks of herbal medicine use with the aim of maximizing patient-desired therapeutic outcomes.展开更多
The global seafood industry is a vital and rapidly growing source of protein.Seafood traceability systems(STS)are crucial for enhancing brand reputation,mitigating risks,ensuring food safety,and building consumer trus...The global seafood industry is a vital and rapidly growing source of protein.Seafood traceability systems(STS)are crucial for enhancing brand reputation,mitigating risks,ensuring food safety,and building consumer trust.However,in Oman,seafood often undergoes complex journeys through multiple ports,intermediaries,and processors,making traceability a challenge.Currently,only a small fraction of wild-caught seafood can meet the demand for transparency.This study assessed the STS implementation in Oman,focusing on seafood establishments and government officials.Using Likert scales and questionnaires in English and Arabic,responses were gathered from 32 seafood establishments and 16 officials from the Ministry of Agriculture,Fisheries and Water Resources(MAFWR),Sultanate of Oman.Data analysis involved various statistical methods,including the Cronbach Alpha index for internal consistency.Results indicated that government officials primarily support STS regulations,while seafood establishments see potential benefits but anticipate implementation difficulties.The seafood industry is more optimistic than officials about STS.Bridging gaps in awareness,technology,knowledge,and research is crucial.Collaboration between the government and seafood establishments is recommended to enhance communication.Public awareness campaigns sponsored by the government and relevant organizations should promote the advantages of STS.Cost-benefit analyses should be conducted,and results should be shared with stakeholders.Further research is needed to understand the variables influencing STS adoption.In summary,enhancing seafood traceability in Oman is essential for meeting global demands for transparency and food safety.This study emphasizes the importance of collaboration,awareness,and research in bridging STS implementation gaps and eventually benefiting consumers and the seafood industry.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate exploitation status of the stocks of demersal fishes in Omani artisanal fisheries.Methods:Time-series data between 2005 and 2014 on catches and effort represented by the number of fishing boats w...Objective:To evaluate exploitation status of the stocks of demersal fishes in Omani artisanal fisheries.Methods:Time-series data between 2005 and 2014 on catches and effort represented by the number of fishing boats were used to estimate catch per unit effort and maximum sustainable yields applying Schaefer surplus production model.Regression analyses were made online using GraphPad software.Results:The study revealed that increasing the number of boats on the fishery caused a decrease of catch per unit effort of some species.Maximum sustainable yields and exploitation status were estimated for these species applying.Conclusions:Some demersal fish species were found to be caught in quantities exceeding maximum sustainable yields during some fishing seasons indicating overexploitation of their stocks.展开更多
文摘Causes, paths and interim results of the Arab Spring are discussed from the perspective of comparative revolutionary analysis. One has to distinguish revolutionary situations, with a multitude of conflict forms, from revolutionary outcomes. Also one should consider the options for development granted by different forms of political authority. Sultanist rule here allows for only highly limited perspectives. Such a form of political authority is focused only on the ruler and his entourage. There is no developing of encompassing and persistent institutions that would allow for smooth political change and the provision of public goods characteristic of democratic order. Numerous other theoretical elements are drawn on in assessing the chances of transformation and possible scenarios. Population pressures by an extremely young and mostly unemployed or underemployed population and the lack of a regional power are two of the crucial burdens. Further, one finds persistent cultural-religious cleavages The Arab monarchies from Morocco to Saudi-Arabia have reacted with very limited political concessions and welfare payments to buy off protest sentiments. Thus far they could avoid regime failure as occurred to the more Sultanist regimes in Libya and Syria. In the second portion of this manuscript the security implications of the failed Arab spring are addressed in regional and global terms.
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 aims to explore the Sultan Qaboos University undergraduate students’ perceptions and attitudes towards using m-Health app and its impact on improving their sports and health habits. Triangulation was used by applying a questionnaire and focus groups interviews to answer the research questions. The survey sample was (20) male and female students from four science and humanities colleges. Both quantitative and qualitative findings unequivocally reveal the students’ positive perceptions and attitudes toward the use of the mobile health app. No statistically significant differences were found between the responses of either males or females, or the science and humanitarian colleges of the sample students. In light of these findings, the study set forth its conclusions and recommendations.
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The Sultanate of Oman has a long coastline extending for about 3165 km including a number of bays and islands. Oman’s coastline borders the Arabian Gulf, the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Most of this coastline is soft and low laying shore subject to the dynamics of sediment transport and the landward retreat of the shoreline, caused by anthropogenic factors and sea level rise associated with climate change. This paper aims to assess the vulnerability of the entire Omani coastal zone to the expected sea level rise and storm surge. Methodology is based on applying Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) to identify clusters of high vulnerability areas according to their sensitivity and dynamic nature and increased risk resulted from seal level rise, erosion and extreme weather events. The coastal line of the governorates of Al Batinah, Muscat and Al-Wusta has scored highly due to possessing similar physical attributes. Based on that assessment a coastal vulnerability database utilizing GIS was created to help stakeholders involved in the coastal management to make better decisions.
文摘On January 15, Malaysia’s third-largest state welcomed a new ruler as Sultan Abdullah Ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah was proclaimed the sixth head of Pahang.
文摘Introduction: This study sought to investigate the prevalence and determine factors for predicting the use of herbal medicine, among Sultan Moulay Slimane University students. Methods: This study was a retrospective cross-sectional study from March 1st, 2017 to April 13th, 2017. Four hundred seventy-six university students were interviewed using a questionnaire including a socio-demographic scale and herbal self-therapy knowledge and behaviors. The statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 2016). Results: The frequency of herbal self-therapy among Sultan Moulay Slimane University students has reached 65%. 26.07% of the participants reported that the first reason for using herbal self-therapy was a lack of money. Meanwhile, the most common conditions that prompted them to use these plants on their own were cough and cold (36.48%), and abdominal pain due to heartburn or peptic ulcer (24.41%). The most frequent self-administered plants were Thymus vulgaris (43.7%). Family, seniors, or classmates were a source of information for herbal self-therapy. Conclusion: The region of Beni Mellal, Morocco has important floristic biodiversity of medicinal plants that are used in traditional medicine practice. The present paper represents significant ethnobotanical information on medical plants, which provides baseline data for future pharmacological and phytochemical studies. Therefore, there is a need to establish effective herbal medicine policies and health education programs to discuss the benefits and risks of herbal medicine use with the aim of maximizing patient-desired therapeutic outcomes.
文摘The global seafood industry is a vital and rapidly growing source of protein.Seafood traceability systems(STS)are crucial for enhancing brand reputation,mitigating risks,ensuring food safety,and building consumer trust.However,in Oman,seafood often undergoes complex journeys through multiple ports,intermediaries,and processors,making traceability a challenge.Currently,only a small fraction of wild-caught seafood can meet the demand for transparency.This study assessed the STS implementation in Oman,focusing on seafood establishments and government officials.Using Likert scales and questionnaires in English and Arabic,responses were gathered from 32 seafood establishments and 16 officials from the Ministry of Agriculture,Fisheries and Water Resources(MAFWR),Sultanate of Oman.Data analysis involved various statistical methods,including the Cronbach Alpha index for internal consistency.Results indicated that government officials primarily support STS regulations,while seafood establishments see potential benefits but anticipate implementation difficulties.The seafood industry is more optimistic than officials about STS.Bridging gaps in awareness,technology,knowledge,and research is crucial.Collaboration between the government and seafood establishments is recommended to enhance communication.Public awareness campaigns sponsored by the government and relevant organizations should promote the advantages of STS.Cost-benefit analyses should be conducted,and results should be shared with stakeholders.Further research is needed to understand the variables influencing STS adoption.In summary,enhancing seafood traceability in Oman is essential for meeting global demands for transparency and food safety.This study emphasizes the importance of collaboration,awareness,and research in bridging STS implementation gaps and eventually benefiting consumers and the seafood industry.
文摘Objective:To evaluate exploitation status of the stocks of demersal fishes in Omani artisanal fisheries.Methods:Time-series data between 2005 and 2014 on catches and effort represented by the number of fishing boats were used to estimate catch per unit effort and maximum sustainable yields applying Schaefer surplus production model.Regression analyses were made online using GraphPad software.Results:The study revealed that increasing the number of boats on the fishery caused a decrease of catch per unit effort of some species.Maximum sustainable yields and exploitation status were estimated for these species applying.Conclusions:Some demersal fish species were found to be caught in quantities exceeding maximum sustainable yields during some fishing seasons indicating overexploitation of their stocks.
