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This paper explores the intersection of neoliberal ideologies and language policy in the context of Chinese language education in Oman's higher education system. Drawing on critical discourse analysis and theoretical frameworks of neoliberalism, the study investigates the introduction of Chinese language programmes within Omani universities, with a focus on Sultan Qaboos University (SQU). Through analysis of public documents, interviews and instructional materials, this paper examines how neoliberal free-market ideologies influence the implementation and perception of Chinese language education. Key research questions address the manifestation of neoliberal ideologies in programme policies, stakeholder perceptions and suggestions for pedagogical improvement. The findings reveal a complex interplay between geopolitical, economic and educational factors shaping language policy and its implications for Oman's higher education system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oman and its conflict management model are the focus of this paper. This model has crystalized out of the three stand‐alone but complementary systems of conflict resolution which evolved in an ad hoc fashion: the institute of tribal leaders; the reconciliation committees; and the formal judicial system. These systems offer a foundation for the current efforts of the local people to sustain a peaceful co‐existence among the vibrant and ethnically diverse Omani communities known for their turbulent past. The analyzed data obtained from interviews with Omani tribal leaders, reconciliation committee members, and lawyers shed light on both the strengths of the conflict management model and the modern challenges which the model faces. The findings confirm that this model represents a coherent entity run by an integrated constitutional‐tribal order. They also suggest that the model serves as a state mechanism for balancing power between the country's major players—the government and the institute of tribal leaders. The novel contribution of this paper lies in linking the origin and philosophy of each system with the "mediation identity" of Oman's foreign policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green hydrogen production from renewable energy sources has emerged as a promising solution towards achieving the global target of net-zero emissions by 2050. The sultanate of Oman is among the countries that have a significant green hydrogen potential, as evident by the national target of producing one million tons of green hydrogen by 2030. This paper aims to study the techno-economic viability of integrating a floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) system with hydrogen energy storage for electricity generation in Oman. The integration of this system is modelled and simulated using HOMER Pro software to determine the optimum component sizes with the minimum cost of energy (COE). While the FPV system is designed and simulated using PVsyst software. The simulated system incorporates a 26.57 MWp FPV system, 22 MW PEM electrolyser, 13 MW PEM fuel cell, 60,000 kg hydrogen tank and 12.4 MW converter and generates 65.5 GWh of clean electricity annually. The system produces 826,624 kg of green hydrogen annually, significantly contributing to Oman's green hydrogen economy. The simulation results reveal a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of $0.97/kWh and a levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) of $29.7/kg. The relatively high LCOH is attributed to the utilisation of large-scale hydrogen energy storage components, which results in a higher initial cost of the system. However, the system demonstrated its ability to meet the electrical demands of 422 households near Wadi Dayqah dam area in Qurayat with minimal capacity shortage, emphasising its technical viability. The economic viability may be improved in the future with advancements in hydrogen energy storage technology and rising fossil fuel prices. • Techno-economic analysis of large-scale hydrogen storage with FPV application. • LCOE is determined to be at $0.970/kWh. • The system is capable of fulfilling 100% of the electrical demands of 422 households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrical power generation in Oman depends mainly on natural gas, while in rural areas it is based mainly on diesel fuel. Oman has committed to net-zero emissions by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. The objective of this paper is to propose an optimal energy mix model for electricity generation from various energy sources, such as gas, diesel, wind, and photovoltaic, that considers more renewable sources in the energy mix. The optimization model minimizes various costs such as construction cost, operation cost, fuel cost, and carbon emissions, while satisfying the load demand. In this paper, Masirah Island is selected to perform our analysis. Several scenarios are contemplated, including grid extension to the island. The results found that gas-powered generators with 20% PV and storage are the best option in terms of the levelized cost of electricity. The grid extension is an economically feasible option if the existing load is more than doubled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid power plants have recently emerged as reliable and flexible electricity generation stations by combining multiple renewable energy sources, energy storage systems (ESS), and fossil-based output. However, the effective operation of the hybrid power plants to ensure continuous energy dispatch under challenging conditions is a complex task. This paper proposes a dispatch engine (DE) based on mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) for the planning and management of hybrid power plants. To maintain the committed electricity output, the dispatch engine will provide schedules for operation over extended time periods as well as monitor and reschedule the operation in real time. Through precise prediction of the load and the photovoltaic (PV) and wind power outputs, the proposed approach guarantees optimum scheduling. The precise predictions of the load, PV, and wind power levels are achieved by employing a predictor of the Feed-Forward Neural Network (FFNN) type. With such a dispatch engine, the operational costs of the hybrid power plants and the use of diesel generators (DGs) are both minimized. A case study is carried out to assess the feasibility of the proposed dispatch engine. Real-time measurement data pertaining to load and the wind and PV power outputs are obtained from different locations in the Sultanate of Oman. The real-time data are utilized to predict the future levels of power output from PV and from the wind farm over the course of 24 h. The predicted power levels are then used in combination with a PV–Wind–DG–ESS–Grid hybrid plant to evaluate the performance of the proposed dispatch engine. The proposed approach is implemented and simulated using MATLAB. The results of the simulation reveal the proposed FFNN's powerful forecasting abilities. In addition, the results demonstrate that adopting the proposed DE can minimize the use of DG units and reduce a plant's running expenses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the multi-product dual revenue function framework, this paper examines the nature and extent of technical and economic interactions among five demersal species of Al-Batinah demersal fishery, Oman during the 2010-2016 period. The parameters of the system of output supply functions are estimated using Zellner's seemingly unrelated regressions (SUR) technique. The likelihood ratio test in relation to the structure of the multi-output production technology rejects the null-hypothesis of input-output separability and non-jointness in inputs. These results suggest that the underlying production technology is non-separable between the outputs and the quasi-fixed input, and the harvesting level of one species is likely to have spill-over economic effects on the harvesting levels of others. The own-price elasticities of output supply are found to be positive, inelastic, and statistically significant in four out of five cases suggesting that, other things being equal, fishers' supply decisions are influenced by the prevailing market prices of outputs. The estimated values of the cross-price elasticity of supply are negative, inelastic and statistically significant at the 5% level for eight output pairs. The calculated values of the Morishima elasticity of substitution (MES) indicate the presence of substitutability between ten output pairs. The cross-price elasticity estimates are in the range of - 0.001 (between Emperor and Catfish) to - 0.275 (between Seabream and Grouper) which is lower (in absolute value) than that of the MES estimates. The magnitudes of the cross-price elasticity and the MES estimates indicate the extent of spill-over effects of one species on the other and signal the extent of species targeting by fishers. A statistically significant spatial, seasonal, and inter-annual variability is observed in all species cases. Finally, the implications of the findings are discussed from the perspective of developing effective management approaches, achieving sustainability of fisheries resources and improving fishers' socio-economic conditions stipulated in the Five-Year development plans for the sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Petrography, fluid-inclusion microthermometry, stable isotope analyses, and radiometric (206Pb/238U) dating of Upper Triassic dolostones, saddle dolomite, and quartz and calcite cements were used to constrain the timing and conditions of dolomitization and cementation in the context of the tectonic evolution of a basin in the northern United Arab Emirates. Dolomitization (ca. 152.4 Ma) and precipitation of saddle dolomite (ca. 146.8 Ma), calcite (ca. 144.6 Ma), and quartz cements are attributed to focused synrifting flow of hot basinal brines into grain-supported limestones in which permeability was enhanced by incursion of meteoric waters beneath a disconformity surface. Another calcite cement generation (ca. 99.7 Ma) was formed by flow of hot brines during tectonic compression related to the obduction of Oman ophiolites in the Late Cretaceous. Thus, this paper provides new insights into (1) stratigraphic controls on and timing of hydrothermal (hot basinal brines) dolomitization, (2) the origin of closely associated intraformational limestones and dolostones, and (3) linkages between diagenesis and thermochemical modifications of basinal brines during tectonic evolution of sedimentary basins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Oman, limited access to adequately prepared healthcare providers in primary healthcare threatens the provision of quality care to patients and families and access to healthcare services. Nurse practitioners (NP) are in an excellent position to address safety issues and ensure quality healthcare with their advanced nursing skills, knowledge, and acumen for acceptable cultural and religious practices. Aims: To explain Oman's national strategic plans, processes, challenges, opportunities, and both regional and global implications for the facilitation of NP role implementation and policies. Sources of evidence: The Nursing and Midwifery Human Resources framework guided the NP implementation project. Guided by the framework, the World Health Organization and the Omani Ministry of Health conducted multiple situational analyses (2004–2016). Later, the NP role was planned and implemented in Oman. During and after implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the NP role implementation were continuously conducted using multiple focus groups, individual interviews, and field visits. Discussion: The NP role implementation revealed multiple challenges and opportunities that either hinder or support NP role implementation. Additionally, the NP implementation project revealed various lessons learned. Implications for nursing and health policy: National and global nursing leaders and health policymakers should collaborate to discuss NP issues, especially NP role sustainability, legal approval and recognition, prescriptive authority, title protection, practice acts, and professional regulation. Conclusion: This paper informs nursing leaders and policymakers in the Middle East and other countries in the global community about Oman's experience regarding NP role implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive U-Pb detrital zircon geochronology of Ediacaran sandstones from Oman indicates that they originated from Neoproterozoic basement with a peak magmatic age of ca. 850-780 Ma (Tonian), with lesser Paleoproterozoic and Ediacaran sources and renewed magmatic input starting at ca. 550 Ma. Comparison with detrital zircons from the Arabian-Nubian and NW Indian Shields supports an eastern Gondwana affinity for the Ediacaran succession of Oman. Tonian basement sediment sources are present in Oman. Sources for older Paleoproterozoic zircons (ca. 2500 and 1800 Ma) are not found in Oman but are known from the cratonic Indian Shield. The signal of the main magmatic events of the juvenile Arabian-Nubian Shield, peaking at ca. 640-620 Ma, is rare or absent in the Ediacaran rock succession of Oman. However, deformed Ediacaran clastic units with an Arabian-Nubian Shield affinity occur in western Oman. Influx of latest Ediacaran-early Cambrian zircons (550-525 Ma) is interpreted as due to final Cambrian Angudan/Malagasy orogeny-related magmatism. These results, together with new ages for volcano-sedimentary terranes in the subsurface of SW Oman and seismic observations, support the interpretation that the Ediacaran succession of Oman was deposited along the western, passive margin of the Greater Indian Shield, on the eastern (east and west in this paper refer to present-day coordinates) side of the Mozambique Ocean. Oman then collided with the Arabian-Nubian Shield in the early Cambrian, when the Angudan/Malagasy orogeny led to final consolidation of Gondwana. Our data support the inference that the youngest and final suture between the Indian and Arabian Shields lies in the subsurface of Oman along the early Cambrian western deformation front. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic growth has a potential impact on waste generation worldwide. Growing recognition for resources recovery from waste including production of a clean energy has led to the development of standards for, and the generation of, Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF). SRF, according to BS EN ISO 21640 is a fuel prepared from nonhazardous/treated waste to be utilized for energy recovery in incineration or co-incineration plants which meets the classification and specification. The amount of combustible fractions (i.e., plastic, textile and paper) that are present in Healthcare Waste (HCW) and Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) provides an opportunity for SRF production. HCW is defined as clinical waste generated from healthcare facilities. Limited efforts in utilizing treated HCW in production of SRF were noted, despite the fact that high content of combustible fractions, hence the novelty of this research. This research addresses the opportunities of utilizing autoclaved HCW as an alternate fuel; through a detailed chemical and physical analysis of autoclaved HCW collected from the Sultanate of Oman hospital and healthcare facilities. Furthermore, this study examines the possible uses of such materials instead of landfilling. The utilization of treated HCW as an alternative fuel is not only saving the land space, but also reduces the carbon emissions originating from landfilling. This in fact would also support the government in achieving its aspiring goal of the net zero carbon emissions by 2050 through better utilization of these materials in production of SRF as an alternative to fossil fuel combustion. The study revealed that autoclaved HCW appears to have a high quality SRF and is classified as (NCV 4, Cl 3); which complies with the potential end users' specifications. It is estimated that the combined energy output from MSW and HCW combustible fractions could cover about 12.75% of the energy requirements for Oman cement factories. Implications: The results confirm the viability of using autoclave (HCW) as an alternative fuel due to its high thermal energy content. Based on mean Net Calorific Value (NCV) of analyzed HCW that is found around 14 (MJ/Kg (ar)), and the mean Cl level (i.e., 0.814 ± 0.213% (d)); the SRF is classified as (NCV4, Cl 3). This grade is found to be well within the end users accepted range. This opens up the opportunity for creating a market demand for HCW that not only it could boost its recovery, but it could also unlock the value that can generates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Zagros foldbelt – foreland system in SW Iran is a prolific hydrocarbon province with known reserves of more than 90 billion brl of oil and 800 TCF of natural gas. Establishing the structural style of folding in the Zagros area presents a major challenge due both to the geographical extent of the foldbelt, which is some 1600 km long in total, and the presence of marked lateral variations in fold style related to the complex regional tectonic history. In addition, while numerous high‐quality structural studies of the Zagros have been completed over the last 20 years, they support a variety of different interpretations and are therefore $$difficult to synthesize. In this paper, we review the general structural style of the Zagros fold‐and‐thrust belt in SW Iran, and in particular the style of folding in the Lurestan arc, Dezful embayment, Izeh Zone and Fars arc. We summarise relationships between folding in these areas and fracture development, and investigate the timing of folding and the interaction between NW‐SE oriented "Zagros" folds and north‐south oriented "Arabian" folds. Finally, we briefly assess the implications of fold style for petroleum systems in the Zagros area. Although no new data are presented in this paper, a series of unpublished maps are used to illustrate the main results and include: a map showing the extent of the main detachment levels across the Lurestan, Dezful and Fars structural domains; two palaeotectonic maps (for Late Cretaceous – Paleocene and Miocene – Pliocene times, respectively), showing the position of the deformation fronts of the Zagros and the North Oman thrust systems and their potential spatial and temporal relationship with folding; and a set of four maps showing the distribution of reservoir rocks which are grouped by age into the Permian – Triassic Dehram Group, the Late Jurassic – Early Cretaceous Khami Group, the Late Cretaceous Bangestan Group, and the Oligocene – Miocene Asmari Formation. In addition, for the Lurestan, Dezful and Fars structural domains, a series of regional cross‐sections at the same scale are presented and discussed. Most of the data in this review paper were acquired in order to gain an improved understanding of the petroleum systems in the Zagros area; however the data are used here to investigate a range of interacting processes including tectonics, sediment deposition and subsurface fluid flow in the development of the fold‐and‐thrust belt and its associated foreland basins. The resulting synthesis is intended to provice a starting point for future tectonostratigraphic and hydrocarbon‐related studies which will make use of both existing and new multidisciplinary techniques to constrain the results. The knowledge acquired and the techniques used will be of benefit in future challenges including the identification of subsurface reservoirs suitable for the permanent storage of CO2 to mitigate the effects of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wild olive, Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata (Wall. & G.Don) Cif. is one of the three dominant species of the common tree that exits in the ecosystem of the mountains of northern and southern Oman. There are insufficient studies about the use, ecology and preservation of this species in Oman. The mountain ecosystem habitation is highly sensitive to disturbances and not easy to rehabilitate. These disturbances are caused by range of anthropogenic effects, such as urbanisation, climate change, overgrazing, introducing non-native species, as well as naturally occurring insect pests and diseases. Introduction of cultivated olive orchards (Olea europaea L. subsp. europaea) in Oman was introduced in 2001 for oil production and its consumption in western Hajar Mountains has added a genetic threat where wild olives are grown. This paper highlights the importance of this subspecies in Oman and the threats that Oman is currently facing. The question is rising here "Do we need to be concerned about wild olive in Oman?" This paper gives a clear picture of the wild olive in Oman including its description, distribution, ecology and current conservation status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A majority of higher education institutions (HEIs) in Oman, and internationally, have adopted English as the language of education, driven by its power and its globally accepted status as the language of knowledge and communication. Such an internationalisation policy has been inadequately evaluated to examine its actual effects. This paper aims at analysing the existing literature with a view to hypothesise the effects of adopting English as a medium of instruction (EMI) on establishing intellectual capital in the Omani context. Design/methodology/approach: The paper employs a case study design that draws on data generated through a systematic review of 94 peer-reviewed papers that are synthesised using thematic analysis. Findings: The findings indicate that EMI negatively affects the optimal creation of intellectual capital through limiting access to HE, hindering knowledge transfer, impeding Omanis' employability and hindering faculty's professional growth. EMI leads HEIs to mirror the supplying countries' cultures in terms of materials, ideologies and standards. It affects teaching and research quality, training and communication, the sense of equity, belonging and self-worth amongst students and the relationships amongst faculty members. It also increases reliance on external stakeholders. Research limitations/implications: The paper highlights the interconnection between the forms of intellectual capital and how some components are antecedents to the creation of the intellectual capital forms. It establishes the moderating role the language of instruction plays in relation to the three sub forms of intellectual capital in higher education. Practical implications: The paper calls for maximising higher education intellectual capital through adopting bilingual rather than monolingual higher education. It calls upon policymakers to revisit the assumptions underlying higher education systems in order to optimise their outcomes. Originality/value: The paper is the first one that sheds light on the role of language in intellectual capital construction. Such a moderating role has received almost no attention in the higher education literature that is largely busy quantifying its outcomes rather than ensuring they are actually sustainably generated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mudbrick settlements are a common sight in central Oman and are often attributed to the Yaʿariba and al‐Busaydī periods. They have been the subject of study of different projects in the past, providing a good basis for understanding the settlements. This paper will review how the mudbrick settlements have been studied since the beginning of this century and discuss approaches for future research. A specific focus of this study is the interpretation and analysis of the material culture of the mudbrick settlements. Previous ceramic studies are analysed and this paper aims to refine the ceramic chronology of the Late Islamic period in central Oman. This outcome provides a first comprehensive study on the ceramics of this time period and region. In doing so, one of the goals is to establish a baseline for future studies on this period so that it can provide a reference for other archaeologists who find similar material and settlements, to re(dis)cover subrecent times in Oman. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers of Omani literature unanimously agree that the 1980s and 1990s witnessed the foundational stages of fiction writing in the Sultanate of Oman with the first story collections published in the early 1980s. However, there is no consensus yet on the title of the first published collection5 due to the absence of documentation of the printing history of these collections. The evolution stage as seen by Aziza AlTa’ei took place in the decade subsequent to the 1990s (i.e. 2000- 2010); the first ten years of the second millennium of the twenty-first century. The year 2010 is viewed as a pivotal year for the Omani novel because it witnessed the publication of the “Celestial Bodies”6 novel by novelist and academician Jokha AlHarthi. After this event, history can document a new stage for the Omani novels, one that can be said to be mature enough to start experimenting on creative writing. Thereafter, the Omani literature, started to contribute substantially to the world, reflecting on a deep-rooted history of humankind. In this paper, a comparison is made between the foundational stage and the maturity stage in novel writing by examining two works from each stage. The researchers sought to make selections based on variations of gender and styles so as to objectively examine how elements of structure and narration techniques were leveraged at every stage. This paper raises a very critical question: what are the significant and palpable features that defined and framed the development of narrative writing in the Omani novel? The answer to this question may explain how numerous Omani novelists and writers, from both genders, were successful recipients of prominent pan-Arab and international prizes in novel writing over the past five years. Study Samples From the foundational stage – which is divided by Aziza Al-Ta’ei into two phases –the researchers selected the novel authored by Abdulla Al-Ta’ei “Angels of Al-Jebel Al-Akhdar” which was published in 1956 to set a starting point for the early stages of fiction writing in Oman. Aziza Al-Ta’ei dubbed this novel as ‘the novel of the beginning’, a phase that continued up to 1987. The next stage, which is identified by Aziza as the foundational stage, spans the time between 1989 to 1999, and is represented by the novel “Wandering Around the Burning Wood” – written by Badriya Al-Shihhi and published by the Arabic Institute for Research & Publishing, Beirut. For the maturity stage, the researchers examined “Dilshad – Story of Hunger and Satiety” 7 authored by Bushra Khalfan and released in 2021 by Takween Publishing, along with “Exile of the Water Divider” by Zahran AlQasmi to add diversity to the samples and perspectives. Objectives of the Study The study is intended to achieve several objectives including: To compare between novels of the foundational stage and novels of the maturity stage based on elements of the narrative structure – characters, time and space, narrative techniques in terms of style, perspective and reflection on 7Dilshad was earlier shortlisted for the 2022 International Prize for Arabic Fiction (AKA Arab Booker Prize) and won the 2022 Katara Prize for Arabic Novel alongside the Algerian Ezzedine Jalaouji for his novel “Embrace of Snakes” and history or myths from a special philosophical angle. To identify the features of development and maturity in contemporary novels through the selected samples. To describe the elements of the narrative structure by examining the novels representing the two stages. To illustrate the role of experimentation and mechanisms in the evolution of the narrative structure in light of the models selected for the study. Methodology of the Study The comparative approach is used to compare foundational novels against contemporary novels based on description and analysis of the samples selected for the study. The researcher leveraged the structural studies founded by the Russian formalists toward the study of narration, in particular Gérard Genette’s and the techniques set forth by the narratological studies as feature of post modernity novels and experimentation mechanisms that seemed modern in the contemporary narratives. Conclusions The study draws several conclusions. It found that the narrative structure of the Omani novel evolved and developed significantly compared to the traditional narrative approach. The Omani novel is found to venture into unknow territories, go deeper with experimentation and demonstrate creativity in the narrative techniques that lend the novel a depth and philosophical existential perspective. The study also found that the Omani novel is not confined to a sole protagonist who is typically extravagantly celebrated, but encompassed several divergent voices and overlapping stories in a manner that sets the novel into a philosophical interpretation reflective of the existential time and memory. They further employ civilizational and mythical history in a way that charms the reader with its seamless narrative flow and poetic language. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper discussed the historical overviews of Prose Poetry in Oman, also deals with Issa’s poetic experience, specifically his two recent poetry collections “Strangers as We Came”, and “Blue Lightning in a Distant Sky”. This article aims to highlight the Omani poetic experience in the prose poem. It also points toward addressing the experience of one of the most important early pioneers of the prose poem in Oman; “Sama Issa”. He is the poet Samaa Issa as a representative of the experience of Omani poets and one of the founders since more than 40 years ago. He is also considered one of the most prominent contemporary poets who represent the prose poets in Oman. Current paper covered several topics: An introduction to the Omani prose poem, and Sama Issa as an example of the prose poem in Oman and one of its early pioneers. It also discussed; Reading in the Sama Issa’s collection “Strangers as We Came”, which includes: (The cover and Title, the poetic self, and cultural intertextuality). In addition to a reading in his second collection “Blue Lightning in a Distant Sky”, which includes: (A return to the self, Place and Memory, Poetic Ambiguity, Inspiration from the Words of Ancient Omani culture, and the structure of the poem in the sky of Issa). The paper includes a written testimony by the poet Sama Issa, in which he talks about his poetic experience. The study concluded that the poetic experience of the prose poem in Oman extended and developed through the pioneer poets, as well as the poets of the new generation, on both the quantitative and artistic levels. The study also highlighted an aspect of Sama Issa’s poetry as a model for the Omani prose poem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise of social media platforms has changed human communication once and forever and consequently, has triggered an array of emotions such as fear of missing out (FoMO). In two different studies, this paper investigated individual differences, psychological and social media motivational variables as predictors of FoMO. The paper also sought to test whether FoMO will have a negative impact on academic performance above and beyond social media engagement and social media addiction. Using a structural equation modelling (SEM) along with multiple mediation analysis, the results indicated that perceived excessive social media content generation, attention seeking, and personality variables significantly predicted FoMO controlling for individual differences and social media activity such as Instagram followers, Twitter followers, as well as WhatsApp engagement level. Furthermore, the biological sex of the individual was found to moderate the relationship between attention seeking and FoMO. Findings also indicated that FoMO had a positive impact on both social media engagement and social media addiction. Parallel mediation analysis revealed that FoMO had a negative effect on academic performance above and beyond social media addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It seems that one cannot find many papers relating entropy to sport competitions. Thus, in this paper, I use (i) the Shannon intrinsic entropy (S) as an indicator of "teams sporting value" (or "competition performance") and (ii) the Herfindahl-Hirschman index (HHi) as a "teams competitive balance" indicator, in the case of (professional) cyclist multi-stage races. The 2022 Tour de France and 2023 Tour of Oman are used for numerical illustrations and discussion. The numerical values are obtained from classical and and new ranking indices which measure the teams "final time", on one hand, and "final place", on the other hand, based on the "best three" riders in each stage, but also the corresponding times and places throughout the race, for these finishing riders. The analysis data demonstrate that the constraint, "only the finishing riders count", makes much sense for obtaining a more objective measure of "team value" and team performance", at the end of a multi-stage race. A graphical analysis allows us to distinguish various team levels, each exhibiting a Feller-Pareto distribution, thereby indicating self-organized processes. In so doing, one hopefully better relates objective scientific measures to sport team competitions. Moreover, this analysis proposes some paths to elaborate on forecasting through standard probability concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is increasing evidence that a companionship is an important tool for improving the quality of care provided to pregnant women during the labour and delivery process. The literature review shows very limited studies assessing the role of companions during childbirth from the companion's point of view. Many published papers studied the role and satisfaction of pregnant women but not their companions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the role and effect of companions during childbirth in Oman. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman, between June 2022 and April 2023. Companions were interviewed face-to-face at a time convenient to them. A telephone interview was conducted with those who left the hospital early. The questionnaire comprised sociodemographic data and other sections, including the nature of the help provided by the supportive companion, their effects on the women who gave birth, and the timing of their presence during companionship. Results: A total of 214 companions were included in this study with the mean age of 42.54 years. The most common relationship to the pregnant women was mothers (35.7%), followed by husbands (30.5%). The majority of companions provided support during admission (62.6%), in the immediate post-partum ward (56.5%) and during delivery (54.2%), while a minority helped from admission to discharge (22.4%). The most common type of support provided was encouraging words (89.7%) followed by transferring things (43.9%), massage (37.4%) and touch (33.6%). The majority of companions (96.7%) reported that their support helped very much, and the pregnant women felt better and calmer. Conclusions: Labouring women felt better and calmer because of the presence of companions. Companions preferred to be present in the postpartum and during labour and delivery. The majority of companions support their labouring women by encouraging wards. Companions love and encourage others to support their labouring women during their critical times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Did the Portuguese always dominate the Asian powers in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries? Colonial historians used to be confident that the West consistently dominated the East, with that domination culminating in the conquest of Asia. This paper argues that the Europeans faced significant resistance from the eastern powers, with the three-way relationship of Portugal, Kanara, and Oman examined as a case in point. The countries' dealings with each other date to the region's Age of Partnership, when no single power could dominate the other. In the sixteenth century, the Portuguese obtained the upper hand over the East, particularly Kanara and Oman. But in the seventeenth century, the Portuguese lost their upper hand and the Asian powers staged a resurgence. The Omanis, indeed, imitated the Portuguese by establishing factories in India. This article draws on sources such as Filmotheca Ultramarina Portuguesa, Assentos Conselho do Estado, Cartas, Patentes e Alvaras, and Documentos Remittodos India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an efficient optical fiber communication scheme for an optical metro access network (OMAN) based on an optical multicarrier (OMC) generator. The central office (CO)'s foundation is a novel, cost‐effective OMC‐generating technique. The OMC is designed from a pulsed laser source and three cascaded electro‐optic modulators (EOMs) driven by an amplified RF source of 20 GHz signal that has generated more than 60 frequencies with excellent tone‐to‐noise ratio (TNR) ~ 40 dB and amplitude excursions from zero to 3 dB. The conventional CO is replaced with a cost‐effective OMC‐based source with an effective switching mechanism, which is necessary and equally important to be handled reliably. The downstream data of 20 Gbps per carrier is transmitted using a duo‐binary coding scheme. Six remote nodes (RNs) supported by the suggested OMC source, at each RN 10 optical network units (ONUs), can be deployed having distance laps of 5 km between the RNs, the distance between the RNs and the ONUs is kept at 2 km, the ONUs were tested w.r.t the bit error rate (BER) and the power penalties for the proposed transmissions. The BER for different fiber lengths from 5 to 25 km at various RNs and ONUs ranges were calculated and demonstrated from 1e−3 to 1e−13, showing the feasibility of the proposed OMAN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Each year, approximately 10 million children worldwide die before reaching the age of five, yet two-thirds of these deaths could be prevented with effective, low-cost interventions. The Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) strategy was adopted in 1996 by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund to address the holistic well-being of children. The ultimate goals of IMCI are to develop a healthcare system that adheres to best practices and to improve the knowledge, attitudes, and skills of healthcare professionals. This paper describes the IMCI in pre-service education and training and the steps involved in integrating it into the nursing course on child health at Oman College of Health Sciences. The program aims to reduce the morbidity and mortality rate of children under five years of age, as well as the severity of their diseases. The Oman College of Health Sciences was the first healthcare academic institution in Oman to implement IMCI in nursing education to strengthen the nursing students' knowledge, skills, and clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water played an undeniably significant role in the origins of complex societies across the Near East, but political complexity in regions like Southeast Arabia diverges dramatically from the more well‐known histories of Egypt, the Levant and Mesopotamia. Through quantitative analysis, this paper investigates spatial associations between water availability and Umm an‐Nar towers in Adh Dhahirah Governorate of Oman. We hypothesise that ancient Umm an‐Nar people targeted high water flow accumulation areas for major settlements with towers. Our results lead us to reject the null hypothesis of no spatial association between tower settlements and water and help clarify the role of water in the rise of complex polities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clean energy resources will be used more for sustainability improvement and durable development. Efficient technologies of energy production, storage, and usage results in reduction of gas emissions and improvement of the world economy. Despite 30% of electricity being produced from wind energy, the connection of wind farms to medium and large-scale grid power systems is still leading to instability and intermittency problems. Therefore, the conversion of electrical energy generated from wind parks into green hydrogen consists of an exciting solution for advancing the development of green hydrogen production, and the clean transportation sector. This paper presents a techno-economic optimization of hydrogen production for refueling fuel cell vehicles, using wind energy resources. The paper analyses three configurations, standalone Wind-Park Hydrogen Refueling Station (WP-HRS) with backup batteries, WP-HRS with backup fuel cells, and grid-connected WP-HRS. The analysis of different configurations is based on the wind potential at the site, costs of different equipment, and hydrogen load. Therefore, the study aims to find the optimized capacity of wind turbines, electrolyzers, power converters, and storage tanks. The optimization results show that the WP-HRS connected to the grid has the lowest Present Worth Cost (PWC) of 6,500,000 €. Moreover, the Levelized Hydrogen Cost (LHC) of this solution was found to be 6.24 €/kg. This renewable energy system produces 80,000 kg of green hydrogen yearly. • Wind to green hydrogen represents an interesting solution for greenhouse gas reduction. • Three configurations of wind-park stations designed for green hydrogen production are analyzed. • Grid-connected wind park consists of an optimal solution for the wind park hydrogen station. • The Levelized cost of hydrogen production using a 5 MW grid-connected wind park is 6.24 €/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper offers an overview of the current status of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and developmental disorders (DD) in Oman. A review of demographic and background information about Oman is first presented, followed by an overview of the current status of individuals with autism and developmental disorders, in terms of disability-related legislation, prevalence and diagnosis, as well as treatment and education. In the last section of the paper, major challenges faced in the field are addressed, including lack of autism awareness, lack of healthcare and educational programs or related services, lack of highly qualified professionals to implement evidence-based practices, issues regarding early identification and early intervention, as well as issues pertaining secondary transition, independent living and employment. Corresponding recommendation is proposed at the end of each challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study examined the relationships between patient‐centred care, diabetes self‐management and selected health outcomes for Omani patients with type‐2 diabetes. Methods: Cross‐sectional surveys were administered for 237 patients with type‐2 diabetes. Hierarchical regression analyses examined the relationships between the selected study variables. Results: The sample was middle‐aged (M = 48, SD = 11.0 years) with nearly a decade (M = 9.68, SD = 6.11) since being diagnosed with type‐2 diabetes, with higher than ideal glycaemic control measures (M = 8.8%, SD = 2.4%). In bivariate analyses, patient‐centred care was positively associated with diabetes self‐management but not with glycaemic control or quality of life. However, after controlling demographic and clinical characteristics, patient‐centred care was positively associated with both physical and mental aspects of health‐related quality of life. In the final regression model, controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics and patient‐centred care, diabetes self‐management significantly predicted both glycaemic control and both physical and mental aspects of health‐related quality of life. Conclusions: The findings support that providing individualized care may contribute to the self‐management of chronic conditions. For achieving optimal outcomes, it may be necessary for providers to effectively assess patients' unique challenges and motivations. Increasing diabetes self‐management may improve quality of life and reduce diabetes complications. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Patient‐centred care (PCC) enhances diabetes self‐management (DSM).Little is known about the primary care nurse's role in promoting DSM within a PCC model. What this paper adds? PCC contributes to DSM and improves patient health outcomes.Expecting patients with diabetes to comply with provided instructions may not be enough to change self‐management behaviours. The implications of this paper Administrators responsible for employing a PCC approach in their clinics may need to establish clear goals and expectations for each team member to achieve overall success and ensue that nurses and physicians have targeted training on specific strategies to encourage patient‐provider partnerships that support the adoption of effective DSM behaviours.As the patient‐centred model of care is implemented in Oman, medical and nursing education programmes may highlight in their curricula its potential impact upon self‐management behaviours.Observational studies and longitudinal research to monitor Oman's progress towards the transition to a PCC model of care may uncover modifiable barriers and facilitators that primary care providers encounter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the noticeable production of greenhouse gases in cement production processes around the world, the use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) like metakaolin/zeolite and the production of green concrete is inevitable, which leads to reducing the amount of environmental pollution and, specifically for maritime environments, improving the mechanical qualities of concrete. In addition, nowadays, the increasing use of plastic materials such as disposable glasses is considered a major problem in environmental pollution. Thus, using metakaolin/zeolite as an SCM and disposable glasses as fibers in concrete production may reduce environmental pollution and improve concrete's properties. To do so, in this paper, the flexural behavior of green concrete beams containing metakaolin/zeolite at 10 and 20% as SCMs at 28, 90, and 180 days in the Oman Sea tidal environment was examined by studying the effects of utilizing 0.5 and 1% disposable-glass fibers in ring and strip forms. The findings demonstrate that ring (RFs) and strip fibers (SFs) in green concrete reduce a beam's maximum load capacity (Pmax) by 31%, while RF and SF enhance green concrete beam flexural toughness by 8–20 times. Furthermore, the SF green concrete beams had 24% greater flexural toughness than RF beams at all ages. Finally, by improving the microstructure (by adding SCMs) and flexural behavior of marine concrete structures, in addition to increasing the load capacity and ductility of marine structures, the cracking and penetration of ions decreases; thus, the service life of the structures will increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible Summary: What is known on the subject?: Anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression negatively affect the relationship between mothers and their children.At least half of cases of anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression were missed and underdiagnosed by healthcare professionals (HCPs) including doctors, nurses and midwives.Previous qualitative studies considered women's experiences relating to anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression separately from studies looking at the views of HCPs.There is a lack of research in Middle Eastern countries, despite the high prevalence of anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression. What does this paper add to existing knowledge?: This is the first qualitative study investigating the experiences of both HCPs and service users regarding anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression from the Middle East perspective, particularly in Oman.This study revealed that anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression has been neglected in primary healthcare systems in Oman.The study explored many barriers and facilitators which have been identified by both HCPs and patients in identifying and managing anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression in the primary healthcare system. What are the implications for practice?: Nurses, midwives and doctors should develop an empathic screening procedure that allows for the discussion of mental health concerns and help‐seeking behaviours with their patients.Training nurses and midwives in motivational interviewing, routinely screening mothers with any depressive symptoms, as well as providing public education programmes to increase mental health awareness, resources and access to a variety of mental healthcare alternatives, could be successful in recognizing and managing anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression. Introduction: Anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression is known to affect the relationship between infants and their mothers adversely. Previous studies have identified barriers and facilitators, reported by women and HCPs, related to the identification and management of anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression. However, these studies considered the experiences of women separately from those of the healthcare professionals, even though their experiences of anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression are interconnected. Additionally, there is a lack of research among people living in the Middle East, including Oman, which has one of the highest rates of anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression globally. Aim: This study aimed to explore the views and experiences of HCPs and service users relating to anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression from the Middle East perspective. Method: A qualitative descriptive study using semi‐structured interviews was conducted. This study took place at the Family Medicine and Community Clinic at the University Hospital and three selected primary healthcare centres in Muscat, between May 2020 and February 2021. Purposive sampling was used: 15 HCPs with 2–20 years of clinical experience in anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal primary care and 13 pregnant patients plus 2 post‐birth patients were interviewed. Audio‐recordings were transcribed verbatim, and the anonymized transcripts were then entered into the qualitative data management software, NVIVO 12. Results: A thematic approach was used to analyse the data. Four themes were identified in the data, namely: (1) making sense of anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression; (2) how to deal with anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression; (3) barriers to addressing anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression in primary anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal care settings and (4) bridging the gap: facilitators in detecting and managing anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression. Conclusions: Improving the identification and management of anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression in primary healthcare systems will require a whole‐system approach with interventions at the patient, practice and comprehensive primary care team levels. Implications for Practice: The findings suggest implications for improving the identification and management of anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal depression including an increased emphasis on mental health by enhancing the routine screening of mothers during the anti‐, peri‐ and post‐natal period, clearer referral systems, improving resources, providing training with regard to mental health and improving communication skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study of the memoirs and letters of Princess Sālima bt. Saʿīd (d. 1922), whose father, Saʿīd b. Sulṭān (d. 1856), was the ruler of Oman and Zanzibar from 1832 to 1856. One hundred and fifty years ago, the princess entered into a relationship with a young German man, Rudolph Ruete. After the princess fell pregnant, putting her in conflict with the stipulations of her Islamic religion, she decided to elope with her lover and to bet on him. The paper argues that the princess was a revolutionary woman in opposition to traditional Zanzibari culture, and that her story highlights clearly the issue of women and the crisis of freedom in Arab and Islamic culture during that time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electricity demand has increased to 240% during the last decade in the Sultanate of Oman due to population growth and industrial expansion. Solar energy can act as an alternate source of energy production to meet the surge in demand for electric power. Also, the government has planned to derive 30% of the electricity from renewables by 2030. Moreover, agreements have been made to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by decreasing 7% by 2030. The main objective of this paper is to design a grid-connected PV solar system based on the real-time data collected from the location called Nizwa, Oman using Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Electric Renewables (HOMER) software. The real-time data of average high and low temperature, solar radiation, estimated monthly average daily sunshine and peak hours of solar radiation of Nizwa has been collected from Meteorological Office Oman for January to December 2022. Nizwa recorded a temperature max of 43 °C during summer and 12 °C in January. Daily sun radiation in July averages between 5,500 and 6,000 Wh/m2, and the average sunshine is 9 hours per day at the selected project area (Nizwa). The collected data has been analyzed and designed using HOMER software. HOMER is used to model, optimize and analyze an integrated energy system that primarily utilizes renewable and non-conventional resources for both grid connected and autonomous systems. A 9-kW grid-connected PV solar panel has been designed and implemented in the proposed system. The proposed PV solar system worked perfectly and gave the results of an estimated number of hours of operation to be 4,362 hrs/year; the cost of energy per kilowatt is $ 0.044 and the annual energy saving cost of the hybrid system is $ 173.696. For the environmental feasibility of producing 14,765 kWh/yr, carbon dioxide emissions have decreased from 7,230,440 g to 4,396.001 g, with a difference of 7,226,043.9 g of carbon dioxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Recently, flipped learning has become prevalent as a teaching and learning approach in international educational settings. A commonly cited advantage is to do self-study at home and to spend valuable classroom time on meaningful interactive learning activities. After the start of Covid-19 pandemic, the sudden transition to online teaching required many institutions to adopt a flipped learning approach. The current study was conducted at one of such institutions, namely Dhofar University in Oman. The aim of this paper is to identify the challenges met by both teachers and students using flipped learning during this transition as well as the solutions they developed to cope with them. Methodology: This study implemented a mixed methods design for which the data were collected from two questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. One questionnaire was for teachers with 14 responses while the other was for students and could obtain responses from 68 students from the target population. From the list of teacher respondents, 10 were interviewed for deeper discussion of flipped learning context. The Questionnaires results were statistically calculated and descriptively analysed, whereas the interviews were thematically scrutinized. Findings: The researchers found several major challenges including increased workload, lack of training, resistance to change, lacking IT skills, technical issues, non-completion of homework tasks and non-participation in live sessions. Teachers' resilience in the face of these challenges was noteworthy; especially in the form of peer support groups. The suggestions made by the teaching faculty for solutions are reported and discussed in the relevant sections of the article with reference to various research studies from different contexts. Contributions: Despite the small scale and the specific context of the study, the results and discussion provide useful food for thought to educational practitioners and decision makers in wider international contexts when it comes to flipped learning challenges and coping mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expanding the renewable energy sources usage in power systems will help the government meet its energy policy goals of lowering emissions, ensuring high power supply reliability, and promoting spot markets with high competitivity. However, due to the intermittent nature of these sources, this will necessitate the mitigation of network vulnerabilities. High wind energy penetration in the grid could have an impact on the system frequency, voltage, real and reactive power response, and power quality of the system. The main objective of this paper is to investigate how the integration of wind farms in the Jalan Bani Bu Ali (JBBA) area will affect Oman's main interconnected system (MIS). Results show that the effect is minor on voltage and frequency stability by all disturbances taken into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides an overview of research on core from Oman Drilling Project Hole BT1B and the surrounding area, plus new data and calculations, constraining processes in the Tethyan subduction zone beneath the Samail ophiolite. The area is underlain by gently dipping, broadly folded layers of allochthonous Hawasina pelagic sediments, the metamorphic sole of the Samail ophiolite, and Banded Unit peridotites at the base of the Samail mantle section. Despite reactivation of some faults during uplift of the Jebel Akdar and Saih Hatat domes, the area preserves the tectonic "stratigraphy" of the Cretaceous subduction zone. Gently dipping listvenite bands, parallel to peridotite banding and to contacts between the peridotite and the metamorphic sole, replace peridotite at and near the basal thrust. Listvenites formed at less than 200°C and (poorly constrained) depths of 25–40 km by reaction with CO2‐rich, aqueous fluids migrating from greater depths, derived from devolatilization of subducting sediments analogous to clastic sediments in the Hawasina Formation, at 400°–500°. Such processes could form important reservoirs for subducted CO2. Listvenite formation was accompanied by ductile deformation of serpentinites and listvenites—perhaps facilitated by fluid‐rock reaction—in a process that could lead to aseismic subduction in some regions. Addition of H2O and CO2 to the mantle wedge, forming serpentinites and listvenites, caused large increases in the solid mass and volume of the rocks. This may have been accommodated by fractures formed as a result of volume changes, mainly at a serpentinization front. Plain Language Summary: This paper reports initial results from study of core from Oman Drilling Project Hole BT1B and the surrounding area. It provides insights into subduction zone processes, including large fluxes of recycled CO2 from subducting sediments into the leading edge of the mantle wedge, and surprisingly low temperature ductile deformation at less than 200°C. Recycling of CO2 via carbon mineralization in the hanging wall of subduction zones may produce an important, lithospheric reservoir in the global carbon cycle. Ductile deformation of serpentinite, and during or after transformation of peridotite to listvenites (mixtures of carbonates and opal or quartz) could explain aseismic subduction atop some subduction zones. Key Points: The area at and around OmanDP Hole BT1B preserves nearly flat‐lying tectonic "stratigraphy" of the basal thrust of the Samail ophioliteRecycling of CO2 from subducting sediment into the mantle wedge produced listvenites (carbonated peridotite) at <200°CSubduction beneath the ophiolite was accommodated, in part, by ductile deformation of serpentinite and listvenite at <200°C [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to study hourly time series of temperature and humidity from six meteorological stations in Oman from 2009 to 2018. Since our data contains missing values due to device failures, we have compared several methods of imputation and found that regression with lagging is most reasonable. To extract the annual oscillations and daily periodicities from hourly time series we apply Singular Spectrum Analysis. By applying the Mann–Kendall test, Spearman's rho test and the ITM test to the annual oscillations and daily periodicities monotonic trends in temperature and humidity over the ten year period have not been confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corpus of published research about the Islamic architecture presents some gaps of knowledge about the architecture of the peoples who lived in some of the regions ruled by Muslims. The dynamics of influence that might have operated between the “monumental” architecture in these regions and their popular architectures are insufficiently addressed. Furthermore, the material culture related to the Islamic civilization suffers from some geographic and chronologic gaps. The present research aims to contribute to mend this gap by providing new knowledge about the traditional mosque architecture in Oman. More specifically, it will formulate some interpretations regarding the origins and development process of the practice of Mihrabs decoration in Oman between the 13th and 19th centuries CE. A total of 22 of such Mihrabs has been identified to have been the only remaining examples of this tradition in Oman. The paper presents the outcomes of a systematic survey and analysis of the architecture and artistic features of these Mihrabs and the mosques where they are located. The mosques and their stucco carved Mihrabs are presented within their historic and geographic contexts. The Mihrabs‟ main components are detailed, and the origins and sources of influences of this craft discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study highlights how dysfunctional customer behavior affects the hotel's guest-contact employee turnover intention by performing the role of wisdom leadership and job embeddedness. The model was tested using data collected from 325 guest-contact employees in Omani 4 and 5-star hotels. The results suggest that dysfunctional customer behavior increases the likelihood of employee turnover. Wisdom leadership plays a mitigating role in the relationship between dysfunctional customer behavior and employee turnover. Female respondents supported the notion that employees' cognitive rumination is positively related to employee turnover intention and that customer dysfunctional behavior has a positive relationship with employee turnover. Emotional exhaustion partially mediates the relationship between dysfunctional customer behavior and employee turnover. However, cognitive rumination and employee stress do not mediate the relationship between dysfunctional customer behavior and employee turnover. On the other hand, males showed better support on the basis that wisdom leadership moderates the association between dysfunctional customer behavior and employee turnover. The paper concludes by contributing various implications and directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Despite the much heralded epidemic of adjustment difficulties, health‐care workers (HCW), who are likely to be at risk and impacted with mental health issues, have received scant attention. This study aimed to determine whether definable profiles exist in a cohort of HCWs associated with demographic and mental health problems. Methods: An online cross‐sectional survey was conducted in Oman. Demographic and mental health data were collected from 8 to 17 April 2020. A total of 1132 participants returned their completed questionnaire. A two‐step cluster analysis was used to split the sample into three clusters. Results: Cluster A (n = 416) was from HCW in non‐frontline roles, and constituted "low‐risk and least‐impacted". Cluster B (n = 412) and Cluster C (n = 304) were from frontline HCW and constituted 'high‐risk and moderate‐impacted' and 'high‐risk and high‐impacted' groups, respectively. HCWs in Cluster C reported more depression (P < 0.001), anxiety (P < 0.001), stress (P < 0.001) and clinical insomnia (P < 0.001) compared with those in the other clusters. HCWs in Cluster C were at the highest risk for mental health problems during the pandemic. Conclusions: Early psychological interventions targeting this vulnerable group may be beneficial. Management should develop different tailor‐made strategic plans to address different mental health needs for each profile group. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Nurses, physicians and allied health‐care workers (HCWs) experienced many kinds of psychological problems, including depression, anxiety, stress and insomnia during the COVID‐19 outbreak. What this paper adds? The HCWs in Cluster A were more experienced, did not work in the frontline and reported a lower prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress and insomnia. This group was labelled as the 'low risk and least impacts' group.The HCWs in Cluster B were predominantly nurses and doctors working in the frontline and reported a higher prevalence of anxiety and stress. This cluster was labelled as the 'high risk but moderate impacts' group.The HCWs in Cluster C were predominantly nurses who were younger, with less working experience and work in the frontline but reporting a higher prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress and insomnia. This cluster was labelled as the 'high risk and high impacts' group. The implications of this paper: Management should develop different tailor‐made strategic plans to address different mental health needs for each profile group.Online cognitive behaviour therapy targeting this vulnerable group may be beneficial during the COVID‐19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]