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The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Word Study approach on the development of spelling performance of Grade Five female students in the Sultanate of Oman. The sample of the study consisted of 66 grade five female students from a Governmental Basic Education school in South Al Batinah Governorate. They were divided into two groups: an experimental group who studied spelling using Word Study approach and a control group who studied spelling using the traditional basal approach. The results showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups in favor of the experimental group. The study puts forward some recommendations for future research and for teaching.

Much has been written, published, and presented about the important role and uses of technology in English language teaching (ELT) today and the effect it can have on students' learning. The present qualitative study is an intervention, which attempted to explore the integration of technology among 11 public school English language teachers in the Sultanate of Oman through the use of community of practice (CoP). As the first in the region, this qualitative study triangulated data using a focus group interview and reflective journals. Three themes emerged from the data analysis. Despite certain challenges, the findings were generally positive and encouraging, and revealed that if a CoP is effectively utilized to the fullest to integrate technology in ELT, it can facilitate policy implementation and Second Language Teacher Education (SLTE) in the Sultanate of Oman, the neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council countries, some Asian and Far Eastern countries, and beyond.

A scale for measuring self-efficacy for teaching mathematics in grades 5 to 10 was developed in this study for teachers in Oman. The participants were 328 mathematics teachers randomly selected from five educational governorates in the Sultanate of Oman. Factorial structure of the scale revealed three subscales: self-efficacy for understanding the mathematics content, self-efficacy for teaching the mathematics content, and general teaching self-efficacy. The three subscales showed strong internal consistency and sufficient evidence of construct validity and concurrent validity. The scale has potential uses for both educational and research purposes.

The purpose of the current study is to investigate post-basic English teachers' practice of critical thinking skills and the challenges they face while teaching skills in EFL classrooms. Three research questions were investigated to achieve this purpose: 1--To what extent do EFL teachers use classroom behaviors that nurture critical thinking at the post basic education schools? 2--Does EFL teachers' practice of classroom behaviors that nurture critical thinking skills vary according to gender? 3--What challenges do EFL teachers face when incorporating critical thinking in their classrooms? The sample was drawn from 12 post basic schools: 3 female schools, 3 male schools and 6 mixed gender schools. The total number of grade 11 and 12 English teachers in these schools is thirty: 15 males and 15 females. To accomplish the objectives and fulfill the purpose of the study, the study employed a questionnaire and an observation form to collect the data needed to answer the research questions. On looking at the post-basic EFL teachers' use of behaviors nurturing critical thinking skills, the study reveals that post-basic English teachers rarely use the behaviors that nurture critical thinking skills. The findings also show no significant difference between males and females in the use of the behaviors that most nurture critical thinking skills, except for one type of behavior. Moreover, the study results report some challenges that EFL teachers face when teaching critical thinking; these are related to the course book, to extra-curricular activities, to class size and to training.

Purpose: This research explores the effect of e-learning Moodle-based system usability on students' learning outcomes with the possible intervening role of teacher's behavior and online engagement. Design/methodology/approach: In this research, the authors followed a quantitative methodology and a deductive research approach. Data were collected from 433 students at different study levels and academic specializations in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Oman. The data have been analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling via Smart-PLS. Findings: The findings of this research show that e-learning system usability affects students' learning outcomes. Moreover, the relationship between these two variables is mediated by teacher behavior and students' online engagement. Originality/value: This study is important as it adds to the understanding of the role of e-learning system usability in predicting student outcomes. From practical perspectives, especially during the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study also helps practitioners at private HEIs use e-learning systems more efficiently and effectively to improve students' engagement and learning outcomes.

Purpose: This research examined the factors affecting several types of student engagement, namely agentic, behavioral, emotional and cognitive engagement. Specifically, it examined the effect of e-learning system usability on student engagement and explored teacher behavior's possible intervening impact on this relationship. Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected from 418 students studying at different specializations at Omani private academic institutions. This study employed a quantitative methodology and utilized the Smart-PLS for data analyses. Findings: The findings showed that e-learning system usability influenced significantly and positively agentic, behavioral and cognitive engagement. However, the link between e-learning system usability and emotional engagement was not significant. Moreover, teacher behavior mediated the relationship between e-learning system usability and the four types of engagement. Originality/value: This study improves one's understanding of how the interaction of e-learning system usability and teacher behavior affects several aspects of student engagement. It also helps higher education administrators and policymakers by exploring the influential effects of e-learning systems usability and teacher behavior on facilitating students' engagement.

Retraining and upskilling of human resources in organizations are deemed vital whenever a reform takes place, or whenever a huge policy is being implemented on a comprehensive scale. In an education system, officers, principals, and teachers need to be retrained so as to enable them implement and manage new changes, which are manifested in the form of new policies and strategic development plan mooted by the government. This article presents a study on the core professional development needs of school principals in the context of educational reform in Oman since 1998. The study used the survey method in which the respondents comprised 80 principals in Muscat, Oman. The study found fifteen prominent needs factors or domains which were necessary for professional development of school principals in Muscat specifically. The factors apparently could be group into two kinds of leadership needs, namely instructional leadership and transformational leadership. Also, principals contended that a systematic model relevant for professional development programs of principals ought to be designed and used by the Ministry of Education of Oman. New leadership competencies were needed to implement new policies and changes.

Academic research remains a prime source of knowledge and innovation for higher education institutions (HEIs) that strive to grow, expand and develop their academic reputations and standards. Yet, research informs teaching practices, shapes social changes and it has financial outcomes for HEIs. Therefore, it is imperative to develop institutional policies and strategies for promoting and sustaining quality research in HEIs in Oman. There are a number of international frameworks and models which have been developed to measure research quality in HEIs around the world. For example, bibliometrics were used to assess research quality in HEIs in the UK because bibliometric data can provide a number of component variables. An appropriate bibliometric model may include components such as output volume, diversity of outputs, citation volume, journal impact factor and average citations per publication, etc. Moreover, other popular examples of models for assessing research quality are Multidimensional Research Assessment Matrix (MRAM) used in Europe and the UK's Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). However, neither of the above mentioned models is adopted by HEIs in Oman. Thus, the current study is an attempt to explore some institutional, international, logistic and pragmatic factors that impact academic research and publication quality, review popular international research quality assessment models and explore the possibility of applying them in the Omani context. To achieve the study objectives, 20 teacher researchers were surveyed and the findings and recommendations were presented.

A quasi-experimental study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of providing written corrective feedback (WCF) to Arab speakers of English on ten uses of English prepositions. Arab speakers commonly find it difficult to correctly use English prepositions, mainly due to the differences between the two languages (e.g. Ortega, 2009). Examples of prepositions misuse are "married from," "die from," and "kind with." The WCF implementation lasted for seven weeks. The students' being in intact classes made random assignments to different groups difficult. The data were derived from three tests: pre-test, immediate post-test and delayed post-test as well as an open-ended questionnaire. The experimental group (n = 25) received WCF on their writing, oral meta-linguistic tutorials, and a treatment task for their pre-test. For both the immediate post-test and the delayed post-test, they only received WCF on their writings. The control group (n = 25) only received general comments, like "good organization of the story events." The statistical results of the independent samples t-test show the experimental group outperforming the control group on the target features. The analysis of the questionnaire data also shows the benefits of WCF for improving preposition use. The results also have pedagogical implications with regard to WCF.

Spelling is a basic literacy skill in any language as it is crucial in communication. EFL students are often unable to spell or pronounce very simple monosyllabic words even after several years of English instruction. Similarly, teachers and researchers usually focus on the larger skills such as speaking and reading and ignore the smaller components. This study attempted to investigate the problems that university Arab learners face in spelling English vowels. The reason for focusing on vowels is that they appear to be more problematic and irregular than consonants, probably because of the perceptible mismatch between phonemes and graphemes. The study has primarily focused on monosyllabic words in order to (a) test the students' knowledge in spelling these basic words and (b) to avoid the impact of other factors, such as stress and intonation which affect the pronunciation of vowel sounds in multi-syllable words. Data were collected through a battery of tests. The study has important implications for future research and for teaching.

Carbonate stringers are well known geological targets in Oman due to their high estimated prospective resources and production rate, especially in the South Oman Salt Basin (SOSB). A carbonate stringer is defined as a slab of rock completely encased inside the salt body. In this study, we integrate seismic attribute analysis, structural interpretation, seismic modeling, inversion and analog fields to understand and delineate carbonate stringers from South Oman Salt Basin. We use a newly processed seismic data acquired over the area on which we carry out a thorough seismic attribute analysis to help us build a seismic model for the salt structures of the area. A major challenge we faced in the study is the lack of well data. We thus generate pseudo wells at some selected areas based on results from our attribute analysis, structural interpretation, and initial inversion results. The pseudo wells helped improve the seismic inversion and produce more accurate impedance models. The results from seismic inversion and from seismic attribute analysis inferred that some stringers that were difficult to see in seismic data are visible in impedance and some attributes. The conducted study not only increased the confidence related to identifying and characterizing carbonate stringers in the area, but also allowed us to propose some potential stringers for future drilling programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment is central in education and the teaching-learning process. This study attempts to explore the perspectives and views about quality assessment among teachers of English as a Foreign Language (EFL), and to find ways of promoting quality assessment. Quantitative methodology was used to collect data. To answer the study questions, a questionnaire was distributed to 37 EFL teachers at a public college in Oman. The findings show that the majority of teachers are not satisfied with the current assessment practices and they believe that much effort is needed to promote quality assessment. Furthermore, the vast majority of teachers assume that using alternative assessment tools such as moderation, building an item bank, having tight exam policies and procedures, providing clear exam instructions, training teachers on quality assessment, and aligning assessment with teaching would help in fostering quality assessment. Based on teachers' views and findings from the literature, the study proposes a multidimensional model for quality assessment which may help in achieving and promoting quality assessment.

The use of student ratings to measure instructors' teaching performance and effectiveness in tertiary education has been an important but controversial tool in the improvement of teaching quality during the past few decades. This is an attempt to explore non-instructional factors of student evaluations by discussing and reviewing relevant literature with regard to the most common non-instructional factors in student ratings. Moreover, semi-structured interviews were used with 14 college instructors. The findings show that most of the teachers support the use of student evaluations as a means of quality control and teaching improvement. However, the great majority of teachers expressed their concerns about the non-instructional factors which affect student ratings and make them meaningless. They reported that gender, time of evaluation, expected grades, nationality of the instructor, and other factors can affect student ratings. The study proposes some recommendations which might make student evaluation practices more useful and informative.

Key Clinical Message: F‐MF is a rare non‐classic variant of MF. In the case of hair loss, this should be a diagnostic consideration. The essence of the diagnosis of F‐MF is a careful medical history, physical examination, and a combination of immunohistological and molecular analyses (Cureus. 2022; 14:e21231, Ann Saudi Med. 2012; 32:283, Oman Med J. 2012; 27:134, Int J Dermatol. 2016; 55:1396, Saudi Med J. 2018; 39:994 and Case Rep Oncol. 2018; 11:436). Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a primary cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma with multiple subtypes. Follicular MF (F‐MF) is a non‐classic variant of MF. Histological features entail folliculotropism and damage of the epithelium lining of the hair follicles with or without mucin deposition. A 52‐year‐old male patient complained of recurrent skin lesions on the scalp over 8 months. The lesions appeared suddenly, enlarged over time, and became itchy. A skin punch biopsy was performed. Histological features included mucin deposits in the epithelium of the hair follicles and dense, predominantly perifollicular atypical lymphocytes infiltrating the follicular epithelium. The lymphoid cells were composed of CD3‐positive T cells (CD4/CD8‐positive T cells) with a shift in favor of the former. The case was diagnosed as F‐MF on an immunohistological basis. The diagnosis of F‐MF is often difficult for dermatologists and dermatopathologists alike. Not only clinicopathological correlations but also immunohistochemical and molecular analysis are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Satellite altimetry has enhanced the understanding of ocean dynamics through high-rate sampling and global coverage. However, land contamination and bad reflection effects limit its accuracy. We present a geometrical method for retracking altimetry waveforms in coastal areas. Our method follows a geometrical assumption related to the symmetrical reciprocal motion of the radar pulse. Based on this assumption, the altimetry waveform is modelled as a continuous and differentiable third-order spline function, and the symmetry point of this function is considered as the retracking gate. The spline retracking algorithm is validated against the tide gauges at Onsala, Halmstad, and Muscat stations in Sweden and Oman, and its performance is compared with existing retracking algorithms. Our results showed a remarkable reduction of 50-91% in the unbiased-Root-Mean-Squared-Error (ubRMSE) and an increase of at least 13% in correlation coefficients when compared with other algorithms in Swedish coast. This algorithm presented equivalent results with the threshold and improved threshold retrackings in Muscat station, based on Jason-2 measurements. However, along the Jason-3 pass, our spline method showed a considerable reduction of 80% in ubRMSE and the minimum increase of 42% in correlation coefficients than the empirical algorithms. This method also outperformed the ALES algorithm in most cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food composition data in the Eastern Mediterranean Region countries are often lacking, obsolete, or unreliable. The study aims to provide reliable nutrient data on food products consumed in Oman in order to evaluate their nutritional quality, the consistency of the nutrition labeling and claims, and, ultimately, the use for food consumption surveys and update the current food composition database. Contents of fat, fatty acids, carbohydrates, protein, sugars, and sodium were chemically analyzed in 221 foods and beverages. Products were classified according to their nutritional composition and the extent of processing and coded according to the FoodEx2 system. Labels and laboratory values were compared using the tolerance levels of the European Union. Results indicate that the nutrition labeling aligns with the values obtained in the laboratory, with the exception of 6.3% discrepancies in TFA content, where the reported values are higher than the appropriate reference values. The most frequent category (71.5%) was ultra-processed foods. In terms of inconsistencies in the nutritional claims, 5.1% of food products with claims did not comply with the statement "sugar-free" or "low salt". Our study provides evidence to support the necessity of comprehensive recommendations for consumers and food industries, which are aimed at enhancing the nutritional quality of products and augmenting consumer awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to review the blood stream infections of major burn patients in a tertiary care burn unit to determine the most prevalent infecting organisms in order to have a better empirical therapy protocol. Methods: This retrospective study analysed the blood stream infection of 155 major burn (>20% Total Body Surface Area [TBSA]) patients in Khoula Hospital, Muscat, Oman between January 2014 to December 2019. Results: The median age was 33 years and 57.42% of patients were male. The median TBSA was 38%, mortality was 25.16% and 50.9% of patients had positive blood cultures. The expired patients had higher TBSAs, Abbreviated Burns Severity Index scores and earlier first positive blood cultures. Candida was commonly grown in all the blood cultures, but the most prevalent organisms were Acinetobacter, Staphylococci, Klebsiella, Enterococcus and Pseudomonas. All Acinetobacter species are multidrug resistant. Of the 17 patients who had Kelbsiella grown in the blood culture, 8 grew multidrug-resistant Klebsiella. Only 4 patients' blood cultures grew methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The number of blood culture samples taken ranged between 1-28 (median = 6). The first positive blood culture showed that Staphylococcus epidermidis and Acinetobacter were the most common infecting organisms. Conclusions: Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter was the most predominant microorganism grown from the blood cultures of major burn patients in a tertiary care burn unit. Empirical therapy should include antibiotics that are effective against this organism to reduce the mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Knowledge representation through metadata is crucial to successful knowledge management and ensuring access. Libraries, especially those associated with universities and colleges, have been long engaged in important activities of developing, adapting, implementing, and managing descriptive and administrative metadata, bibliographic authority control, etc. A substantial amount of research exists in knowledge representation practices of libraries that operate in North America and Western Europe. However, some other regions of the world, in particular the Arabian Gulf region which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, are currently underrepresented in this research. The exploratory project presented in this paper aimed to address this gap with the goal of developing an understanding of the current state of knowledge representation (including descriptive metadata practices, identity management, use of knowledge organisation systems, and more) in academic libraries of Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar, as well as plans and preparedness of these institutions and their staff for future developments in this area to facilitate discovery of resources, specifically in the aggregated digital environment. The qualitative study used semi-structured interviews of metadata managers at a representative sample of regional university libraries. The findings provide insights into this previously under-researched area and contribute to understanding of related knowledge management barriers and perspectives on a global scale. Implications for practice and research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local climate classification is mandatory for building energy standards and codes. The degree-days method is one of the most widespread methods used for climate classification. Many degree-days models are available for determining the cooling degree days (CDD) and the heating degree days (HDD). A limited number of studies have been conducted to evaluate the performance of these models in cooling-dominated climates, which is mandatory before a model is adopted for climate classification. In this research, five models, namely the hourly method, ASHRAE method, Erbs method, Schoenau and Kehrig (S-K) method, and hybrid S-K method, were evaluated and analyzed for predicting CDD and HDD. Hourly data from selected meteorological stations located in different regions of Oman were used. The results indicated that the performance of all models was acceptable and within 10% variation from the hourly method, with the hybrid S-K model being the best among all models. This model was then used to estimate the CDD and HDD for 31 weather stations in Oman using the monthly average temperature data. Regression models were then developed for CDD and HDD at different base temperatures, with determination coefficient, R2, of higher than 99%, maximum error of 4.9, and − 0.217% for CV[RMSE] and NMBE, respectively. Using the GIS ArcMap, the CDD values were used to generate the climate classification for Oman. Subsequently, four climate zones were identified, namely hot-humid climate, hot-dry climate, warm-humid climate, and high-altitude climate. The developed climate classification is useful and can be used for building energy efficiency programs, standards, and codes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining a satisfactory indoor environmental quality (IEQ) is an integral element of improving occupant health and well-being. In particular, IEQ is an essential factor in some facilities, such as school buildings, to improve student academic performance. This study employed an objective and subjective measurement approach to assess IEQ in a government high school (GHS) and a private high school (PHS) located in Oman, which is characterized by its extreme hot climate. A total of 212 high school students were surveyed during the summer season across 10 different classrooms to ascertain their perception of IEQ situations. The results suggested that most of the observed IEQ factors, including air temperature, relative humidity, and lighting levels across the classrooms in GHS and PHS, satisfied the ASHRAE standard, except the indoor air temperature, which was slightly above the maximum threshold of the European Standard (EN). The average indoor sound levels (>60 dB) exceeded critical limits of 35 dB for school buildings, which may pose the risk of high annoyance (HA) to 30% of students. Satisfactory predicted mean vote (PMV) and predicted percentage of dissatisfied (PPD) scores were obtained from both schools when they were evaluated against the ASHRAE standard compared with the EN standard. The maximum proportion of the students reported their classroom's air temperature (33%), relative humidity (25%), and air movement (47%) levels as not acceptable, and thermal comfort (33%), visual comfort (22%), and air quality (41%) as bad (P < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed a strong linear relationship between indoor air temperature (R2 = 0.89) and other IEQ parameters, while PPD (R2 = 0.45) and PMV (R2 = 0.17) showed a weak relationship with outdoor environmental factors. Outdoor air temperature and humidity levels accounted for greater changes in indoor air temperature levels in the PHS than in the GHS. Providing increased urban vegetation, green façade, and retrofitting and the utilization of passive cooling could help improve IEQ in Oman schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study comparatively examines the impact of students' citizenship status on science education relative to labor market and university expectations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Specifically, the 2007 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) provides science education teaching, learning and achievement data from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and each of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Bahrain, Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Kuwait, Oman and Qatar. Evidence suggests that the science knowledge and skills taught and learned in Saudi and other GCC schools contribute to the human capital of the students as future labor market participants and impact their future opportunity expectations relative to science. However, the results show that expectations and understanding of the labor market and university needs differ by students' national and non-national citizenship status in Saudi Arabia, in particular.

Background/Aims: A short interpregnancy interval is associated with several maternal and neonatal complications. In Oman, the incidence of short interpregnancy interval is well documented in the annual health report, but evidence is lacking on its impact on adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study examined short interpregnancy interval, its risk factors and its association with the prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes among Omani pregnant women. Methods: A retrospective matched case–control design was adopted. Data were collected from medical records between January and December 2020. A total of 597 pregnant women from two tertiary care hospitals in Oman were included. Results: There was a significant relationship between interpregnancy interval and the prevalence of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes, including postpartum haemorrhage, iron deficiency anemia, preterm birth and low birth weight. Significant risk factors for a short interpregnancy interval were advanced maternal age, young age at first birth, low parity and previous perinatal loss. Conclusions: Encouraging acceptance of birth spacing through the use of contraception would signify a notable change in cultural values that can act as a barrier to birth spacing. This would therefore improve pregnancy outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ground and natural flow surface water are the dominant water resources in different parts of the Sultanate of Oman. The people of wilayat (town) Samail, Sultanate of Oman use both ground and surface water for their daily activities. Due to continuous exploitation of water resources and human activity, the quality of both ground and surface water getting deteriorated. In the present study, the ground and surface water quality were assessed by considering 32 water samples from wells and open channels (falaj) in the wilayat area. Various physical, chemical and biological parameters were analysed and compared with World Health Organization, Gulf Standard Organization and Omanistandards. The percentage of samples that are exceeding the standards were evaluated. The water samples were mostly non-saline, but majority of them were found to be contaminated with biological content. Total alkalinity, total hardness, nitrate, nitrite, magnesium in most of the water samples were found to be above the permissible limits of the standards. Sodium and salinity hazards were estimated under low and medium range for the majority of the water samples. Spatial distribution maps of each parameter in the sample region were presented using ArcGIS software. The possible sources of contamination and its effect on surrounding environment were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to examine individual barriers and supports to exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and identify potential policy and programmatic interventions in Oman, where less than a quarter of Omani infants under six months are exclusively breastfed. Methods: A cross-sectional barrier analysis (BA) was carried out among a purposive sample of Omani women who were selected and interviewed by trained enumerators in health clinics in various parts of the country. A BA tool, adapted for the Omani context, covered 12 common determinants of behaviour adoption using open-ended questions regarding participants' perceptions about EBF including positive and negative consequences, self-efficacy and social norms. Qualitative analysis involved coding and tabulating as well as thematic analysis. Results: This study included a total of 45 'doers' (who exclusively breastfed their infants) and 52 'non-doers' (who did not). Mothers reported that motivations for EBF include the perception that it leads to healthier children and is easy to do, readily available and therefore convenient, as well as that there is an high level of family support for breastfeeding. Barriers included perceived milk insufficiency and mother's employment. Conclusion: To achieve the EBF target of 50% for 2025, public health action should focus on emphasising the benefits and convenience of EBF and building women's confidence in their ability to produce sufficient milk. These efforts will require increasing the knowledge and skills of community and healthcare workers and establishing monitoring mechanisms. Extended paid maternity leave and supportive workplace policies are necessary to encourage working women to exclusively breastfeed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We aimed to examine the validity and reliability of a newly developed tool that measures nursing and allied health students' knowledge of caring for patients with COVID‐19. Method: We developed in five phases (literature review, item development, expert evaluation using content validity index, revisions based on a pilot test, and exploratory factor and reliability analyses on the data from the main study). We administered online surveys (the pilot test & the main study using a cross‐sectional design) to students in a governmental health sciences college in Oman. Results: The pilot test had 43 participants, and the main study had 507. The item content validity index scores ranged from 0.81–1.00, and the scale content validity index for 20 items was 0.95. The factor analysis revealed a three‐factor solution. The overall Cronbach's alpha for the final (19‐item) version of the tool after item deletion was 0.76. The reliabilities for Subscales 1, 2, and 3 were 0.83, 0.67, and 0.51, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile data has become an integral part of everyday life, making Internet trends more and more profound and deeply embedded in life and the future. Mobile broadband (MBB) is one of the main aims of fifth-generation (5G) networks due to unprecedented growth in data demand. However, 5G networks are not yet deployed in many countries, whereas existing MBB networks, such as third generation (3G) and fourth generation (4G), are available in most world countries. As a result, there is a need to monitor and troubleshoot end-to-end network performance and ensure a better user experience. This paper provides an overview of MBB networks in terms of deployment environments, performance metrics, and implementation scenarios. It highlights the most important criteria for assessing MBB performance and the applications and measurement methods utilized, such as external and internal measurements and the classification of geographical areas. In addition, it provides measurement-based performance analyses of two existing mobile network operators (MNOs) (Omantel and Ooredoo) in the Sultanate of Oman. This performance analysis uses data measurements in various indoor and outdoor environments in five cities (Muscat, Ibra, Sur, Bahla, and Al kamil Wal Wafi). Several performance metrics are considered, such as signal level and quality, throughput, ping rate, and handover. Experimental results demonstrate that the 4G networks were the dominant networks in all measured locations for indoor and outdoor scenarios. Moreover, 5G data measurements are also recorded in the capital city of Oman, Muscat. The results of the 5G measurements show that both MNOs achieved a higher data rate with a lower ping rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fishing wealth is one of the richest resources in the Sultanate of Oman. It is considered as one of the most important economic developments that nation depends on in a larger way. The Sultanate of Oman is characterized by the presence of a large fishing fleet as the number of fishing vessels and boats in it. Good research with the application of modern technology in fishermen boats is required to increase the quality of fishing by providing fishermen with a safe and secure fishing experience. Artificial intelligence (AI) in boat automation technology is new and it is a mandatory demand for Oman's fisheries sector. At the time of fishing, there are a lot of problems fishermen face such as weather changes, border tracking, navigation, illegal fishing, pirate attack, oil spill, technical fault in boats, etc. Therefore, the application of AI and related techniques in boat automation, information sharing, and preparation of documentation resources is very important in this sector. The main requirement for a fisherman is a high-quality fishing boat with proper communication devices to provide all the required information to fishermen and the control room. In this paper, a review has been made on fishermen's boats with artificial intelligence for a sustainable fishing experience ensuring safety, security, navigation, and sharing information for Omani fishermen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide, resulting in 5.5 million deaths in 2016. Vascular interventions, including carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting, play a major role in stroke prevention, especially when performed early after onset of symptoms. This study aimed to define the role of vascular surgeons in ischaemic stroke management and hence improve referral patterns by creating an algorithm for the referral process. This could reduce time to intervention and optimise patient benefit from intervention. Methods: This retrospective study reviewed symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery who were referred to the Vascular Surgery Unit of Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, from April 2018 to March 2020 to examine factors influencing recognition of suitable candidates for intervention. Following analysis of the data, algorithms/protocols were created to simplify the referral process of symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid artery disease for surgical intervention. Results: A total of 38 patients with ischaemic stroke were recognised as having carotid artery stenosis and were referred to the vascular surgery service during the study period. Only six met the criteria for CEA, four of which underwent the procedure. Conclusion: Choice of patients for CEA involves multiple steps, with potential for missed opportunities. By involving a multidisciplinary team approach, the recommended protocol aims to lead to early and appropriate referral to a vascular surgeon or an interventional radiologist, resulting in increased and optimised intervention in stroke prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, Laurus nobilis is used for the treatment of earaches and skin rashes as well as rheumatism. The most common technique to isolate the oil is hydro-distillation and steam-distillation. The investigation presented in this paper was aimed to unravel the antimicrobial activity and chemical composition of essential oil in the leaves of L. nobilis grown in Oman. The essential oil was extracted from the leave of the selected plant species by hydro distillation using Clevenger type apparatus. The antimicrobial assay was done by disc diffusion methods against three bacterial strains, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, and one fungal strain: Candida albicans. The isolated essential oil was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The percentage yield of the essential oil was 0.064% (w/w). The essential oil was found actively against the applied bacterial and fungal strains. The highest activity was found against S. aureus and the lowest was against E. coli, and the order was S. aureus > P. aeruginosa > E. coli. The essential oil was also active against the fungus C. albicans. The range of inhibition zones was 6-14 mm. The results of GC-MS analysis showed (E)-β-caryophyllene to be the major component about 59.62%. Other major components included α-selinene (14.03%), α-humulene (8.65%), β-selinene (4.99%), and α-pinene (4.98%). In addition, several minor components were found in the essential oil of L. nobilis. Based on the experimental results, it showed that the plant species that grown in Oman were a potential source of therapeutic agents. In conclusion, the essential oil and the plant could be used as natural and potential therapeutic agents to treat earaches, skin rashes, and rheumatism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile broadband (MBB) services are rapidly growing, causing a massive increase in mobile data traffic growth. This surge in data traffic is due to several factors (such as the massive increase of subscribers, mobile applications, etc.) which have led to the need for more bandwidth. Mobile service providers are constantly improving their network efficiency by upgrading current networks and investing in newer mobile network generations. However, these improvements will not be enough to accommodate the future spectrum demands. This paper proposes a time series forecasting model to analyze future spectrum demands based on the spectrum efficiency growth of MBB networks. This model depends on two key input data: the average spectrum efficiency per site and the number of sites per technology. The model is used to predict the spectrum efficiency growth of three countries (Turkey, Malaysia, and Oman) from 2015 to 2025. The proposed model is compared with various traditional statistical models such as the Moving Average (MA), Auto-Regression (AR), Autoregressive–Moving-Average (ARMA), and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA). The forecasted results indicate that the average spectrum efficiency and growth will continue to rise multiple times by 2025 compared to 2015. The data from this prediction model can be used as input data to forecast the required spectrum needed in future for any specific country. This study further contributes to the network planning of future mobile networks for Fifth Generation (5G) and Sixth Generation (6G) technology. The proposed model obtains higher accuracy (by 90%) compared to other models. The proposed model is also applicable to any country, especially when new wireless communication technologies emerge in future. It is customizable and scalable since spectrum regulators can add additional metrics that positively contribute towards accurately estimating future spectrum efficiency growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to reach the proposed procedures for the requirements of the operational contracting of public schools in Oman, through identifying the requirements for the application of operational contracting in schools from the point of view of the experts. The study used a questionnaire consisted of three domains representing the requirements for operational contracting in schools: (administrative, material and financial, accounting). The study used the Delphi method on a group of (30) educational experts. The most important results of the study in terms of the degree of importance were as follows: Accounting requirements, followed by administrative requirements and financial requirements; where the following items obtained the first rank with a very important degree, namely: "Finding institutions and devices to monitor performance and classifying operational contracting schools" in the accounting requirements, "the appointment of the qualified people in the administrative positions in operational schools according to clear and specific criteria" in the administrative requirements, and "providing a database and information for those wishing to apply operational contract" in the financial requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the accuracy of renal point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) performed by emergency physicians in detecting hydronephrosis in patients with renal colic. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional diagnostic study was conducted at the Emergency Department (ED) of Sultan Qaboos University Hospital from February 2017 to February 2018. All adult patients with suspected renal colic and who could give informed consent were included. The emergency physicians performed POCUS on both kidneys and graded hydronephrosis as none, mild, moderate or severe. The POCUS grade was compared to the non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) grade. Results: A total of 303 participants were enrolled in the analysis. The majority of the study population comprised adult males (247 [81.5%]), and the mean age was 39 years. Among the samples, 71.3% of the patients exhibited a degree of hydronephrosis based on CT findings. Ultrasounds performed by emergency physicians had a sensitivity of 75.8% (95% CI: 69.5-81.4), specificity of 55.2% (95% CI: 44.1-65.8), a positive likelihood ratio of 1.69 (95% CI: 1.32-2.16) and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.43 (95% CI: 0.32-0.59) for hydronephrosis using CT as the criterion standard. Conclusion: When evaluating patients with suspected renal colic, a bedside renal POCUS performed by emergency physicians has a moderate sensitivity to detect hydronephrosis and grade its severity. Therefore, it should be utilised in the ED to screen patients for hydronephrosis; however, more training is required to improve the test's accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The Sultanate of Oman is country a low TB-incidence, with less than seven cases per 105 population detected in 2020. Recent years have witnessed a persistence in TB cases, with sustained incidence rate among expatriates and limited reduction among Omanis. This pattern suggests transmission from the migrant population. The present study examined the genetic profile and drug resistance-conferring mutations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis collected from Omanis and expatriates to recognise possible causes of disease transmission. Methods. We examined M. tuberculosis cultured positive samples, collected from Omanis (n D 1,344) and expatriates (n D 1,203) between 2009 and 2018. These isolates had a known in vitro susceptibility profile to first line anti-TB, Streptomycin (SM), Isoniazid (INH), Rifampicin (RIF), Ethambutol (EMB) and Pyrazinamide (PZA). The diversity of the isolates was assessed by spacer oligo-typing (spoligotyping). Drug resistance-conferring mutations resulted from full-length sequence of nine genes (katG, inhA, ahpc, rpoB, rpsL, rrs, embB, embC, pncA) and their phenotypic relationship were analysed. Results. In total, 341/2192 (13.4%), M. tuberculosis strains showed resistance to any drug, comprising mono-resistance (MR) (242, 71%), poly-resistance (PR) (40, 11.7%) and multi-drug resistance (MDR) (59, 17.3%). The overall rate of resistance among Omanis and expatriates was similar; however, MDR and PZAR were significantly higher among Omanis, while INHR was greater among expatriates. Mutations rpsL K43R and rpoB S450L were linked to Streptomycin (SMR) and Rifampicin resistance (RIFR) respectively. Whereas, katG S315T and inhA ≥C15T/G≥ 17T were associated with Isoniazid resistance (INHR). The resistance patterns (mono-resistant, poly-resistant and MDR) and drug resistance-conferring mutations were found in different spoligo-lineages. rpsL K43R, katG S315T and rpoB S450L mutations were significantly higher in Beijing strains. Conclusions. Diverse drug resistant M. tuberculosis strains exist in Oman, with drug resistance-conferring mutations widespread in multiple spoligo-lineages, indicative of a large resistance reservoir. Beijing's M. tuberculosis lineage was associated with MDR, and multiple drug resistance-conferring mutations, favouring the hypothesis of migration as a possible source of resistant lineages in Oman. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study aim. Effective Tuberculosis (TB) control measures in Oman have reduced the annual incidence of tuberculosis cases by 92% between 1981 and 2016. However, the current incidence remains above the program control target of <1 TB case per 100,000 population. This has been partly attributed to a high influx of migrants from countries with high TB burdens. The present study aimed to elucidate Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection dynamics among nationals and foreigners over a period of 10 years. Methods. The study examined TB cases reported between 2009 and 2018 and examined the spatial heterogeneity of TB cases and the distribution of M. tuberculosis genotypes defined by spoligotypes and MIRU-VNTR among Omanis and foreigners. Results. A total of 484 spoligoprofiles were detected among the examined isolates (n = 1295). These include 943 (72.8%) clustered and 352 (27.2%) unique isolates. Diverse M. tuberculosis lineages exist in all provinces in Oman, with most lineages shared between Omanis and foreigners. The most frequent spoligotypes were found to belong to EAI (318, 30.9%), CAS (310, 30.1%), T (154, 14.9%), and Beijing (88, 8.5%) lineages. However, the frequencies of these lineages differed between Omanis and foreigners. Of the clustered strains, 192 MTB isolates were further analysed via MIRU-VNTR. Each isolate exhibited a unique MIRU-VNTR profile, indicative of absence of ongoing transmission. Conclusions. TB incidence exhibits spatial heterogeneity across Oman, with high levels of diversity of M. tuberculosis lineages among Omanis and foreigners and sub-lineages shared between the two groups. However, MIRU-VNTR analysis ruled out ongoing transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine historical economic relations between Oman and Malay maritime networks. The history of the economy between the two countries started from the ancient centuries then extended and developed to the recent time years, this is obviously shown in the commercial exchange activities between Malaysia and the Sultanate of Oman. This study intends to discover the impacts of Omani maritime trades on international relations especially with the main nations in Southeast Asia India, China, and the Malay Archipelago. The central claim of this documentary is to collect the information by using the library review method. The result of the study concludes that the history of Oman- Malaysia is a wealth of the economic activities which made the trade exchange strong between them and each countryaffected the other in the level of social life generally and economic side in specific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Omani family historical records have a wealth of cultural and social content. The Omani's maritime heritage is one aspect of the tremendous historical legacy of Arabians in the Gulf territory. 1Unquestionably, the memories of the Omanis regarding navigation and the ocean have a central and gracious role.2 Maritime history, as it has been developed among the Omani people from the ancient civilizations, tends to be written by the sailors for the sailors. Oman exemplifies the model of a state enjoying the various marine activities such as fishing, shipbuilding, trades, and sailing towards the east and west of the surrounding area. The interactivity of land and sea instead of life at sea would seem to be the focus for historians exploring oceanic themes. The Sultanate of Oman could play an important role in the construction of the maritime trade movements from the Arabian Sea to the Indo-Pacific, China, and the Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia. The author provides valuable details about the factors that make Omani maritime prominent over all the region since the old generations. This paper seeks to provide and explore the history of Omani maritime, celestial navigation science at Omanis, and the most famous boatswain and trader, and his contributions in maritime science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research study has investigated the challenges faced due to the pandemic (COVID-19). This paper further provides recommendations that can be adopted by academics, learners, and administrators to make the education system more robust and sustainable. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic can be felt in various fields across the world including higher education. The closure of face-to-face (FtF) learning in educational institutions worldwide has impacted over 95% of the world's student population. Therefore, in wake of this, many institutions have quickly adopted to offer complete online teaching and learning in a very short period. However, such a quick transition has raised several challenges. 1) What are the challenges encountered by academics and their readiness to adapt to the rapid remote learning transition? 2) What are the challenges encountered by learners (students), and their readiness to adapt to the rapid remote learning transition? 3) What are the recommendations for strategic planners or high-level administrators in institutions to tackle such pandemic risks effectively in the future? To address research questions mixed methods are used. A qualitative questionnaire survey is framed by an extensive literature review to understand the perceptions of academics and learners. A total of (n=525) academician samples and (n= 1460) student samples have been collected. The academic and learner's perceptions are analyzed by estimating the Pearson correlation coefficients. The mean and SD values based on academic rank stood at 3.01±0.96, and by experience stood at 2.96±0.98. Similarly, learner's perceptions stood at 2.67±0.95. Keywords: FtF (Face to Face); problem-oriented and project-based learning (POPBL); LMS (Learning management system); emergency remote teaching (ERT); emergency risk (COVID-19): Standard deviation (SD). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Agricultural & Marine Sciences (JAMS) is the property of Sultan Qaboos University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Despite proven benefits, most countries fail to meet international targets for appropriate complementary and Breast Feeding (BF) practices. This study assessed feeding practices of children under two years of age and correlated them with family parameters in Oman, a high income country in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Methods: Data from this study originated from the latest Oman National Nutrition Survey (ONNS). Assessment of children and their mothers’ socioeconomic, anthropometric, and nutritional variables was conducted at the household level. Evaluated feeding practices included age appropriate BF, diet diversity, and minimum acceptable diet (MAD). Results: Pairs of mothers and infants (n = 1344) were assessed. Early BF, exclusive BF at 6 months, infant formula, and iron rich meals were provided to 81, 29, 44, and 84% of children, respectively. Age appropriate BF and MAD were found in 58% and 35% of children, respectively. Low maternal education, younger age, low household income, and governorate negatively affected diet acceptability. Conclusion: Omani children successfully received early BF postpartum and consumed iron rich meals. Yet, rates of exclusive BF rates at six months and MAD for children under two were low. Comprehensive strategies should be placed to assess and influence children feeding practices in the Sultanate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bilateral chylothorax is a rare condition that occurs after a thyroidectomy and neck dissection, which can lead to severe morbidity and, potentially, death, if not managed properly. We report a rare complication of neck surgery and subsequent bilateral pleural effusion in a 35-year-old female patient who presented at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital in 2018 with shortness of breath and respiratory distress. The bilateral pleural effusion and related symptoms occurred one week after a total thyroidectomy with central and left lateral neck dissection. The patient was managed conservatively and subsequently recovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of cooling systems has increased because of drastic changes introduced after the oil revolution in the local architecture by using modern building designs and practices that may not suit Oman's climate. The traditional architecture in this country is characterized by its passive cooling design features, which the locals fine-tuned through trial and error. These sustainable passive design practices developed over the ages have the ability to provide healthy and comfortable spaces for their occupants while preserving environmental and natural resources. These strategies are still evident in many traditional settlements and buildings in Oman. The present research evaluates the effect of natural ventilation in achieving thermal comfort in traditional Omani houses. For this purpose, a traditional house in a hot-arid climate zone with vernacular architecture typology was chosen as a case study. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was used to model the house and analyse the airflow and temperature levels in its spaces. The results show the efficiency of such a design to enhance natural ventilation and thermal comfort in similar geo-climatic regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the course of a community gastroenteritis outbreak by Salmonella and implement interventional activities and roles to prevent occurring such an outbreak in the future. Methods: From August 27 to 2 September 2015, 101 individuals were reported among a local community. All affected individuals had a history of food consumption at a local restaurant. A rapid response team conducted active surveillance and interview with the affected individuals and workers of the restaurant. Food items and stools from food handlers and affected individuals were cultured and sent for genotyping. An environmental audit of the restaurant had been conducted. Results: The total majority of the affected individuals were male and more than 70% belonged to the young age group from 15 to 45 years. Out of the total, 97% had diarrhea, 70% fever, 56% abdominal cramps and 49% vomiting. All those affected were managed symptomatically except for 14 cases admitted for intravenous rehydration. Breakdown of food safety and basic personal hygiene were detected in the environment of the restaurant and among the workers. There are 39 out of 49 stool cultures of cases, six out of 18 food handlers, and five food samples were positive for Salmonella spp. The identical DNA fingerprinting pattern among S. Weltevreden strains originating from human cases and food was detected. Conclusion: This is the first reported community foodborne of S. Weltevreden outbreak in Oman. The importance of food safety and rigors environmental safety is emphasized. Basic personal hygiene and training of food handlers in restaurants are recommended with public health measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) in the Arabian Peninsula is predicted to be high, as suggested from published case reports. Of particular concern, is carbapenem-resistant E. coli (CR-EC), due to the importance of this species as a community pathogen. Herein, we conducted a comprehensive molecular characterization of putative CR-EC strains from Oman. We aim to establish a baseline for future molecular monitoring. We performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for 35 putative CR-EC. Isolates were obtained from patients at multiple centers in 2015. Genetic relatedness was investigated using several typing approaches such as MLST, SNP calling, phylogroup and CRISPR typing. Maxiuium likelihood SNP-tree was performed by RAxML after variant calling and removal of recombination regions with Snippy and Gubbins, respectively. Resistance genes, plasmid replicon types, virulence genes, and prophage were also characterised. The online databases CGE, CRISPRcasFinder, Phaster and EnteroBase were used for the in silico analyses. Screening for mutations in genes regulating the expression of porins and efflux pump as well as mutations lead to fluoroquinolones resistance were performed with CLC Genomics Workbench. The genetic diversity suggests a polyclonal population structure with 21 sequence types (ST), of which ST38 being the most prevalent (11%). SNPs analysis revealed possible transmission episodes. Whereas, CRISPR typing helped to spot outlier strains belonged to phylogroups other than B2 which was CRISPR-free. The virulent phylogroups B2 and D were detected in 4 and 9 isolates, respectively. In some strains bacteriophages acted as vectors for virulence genes. Regarding resistance to β-lactam, 22 were carbapenemase producers, 3 carbapenem non-susceptible but carbapenemase-negative, 9 resistant to expanded-spectrum cephalosporins, and one isolate with susceptibility to cephalosporins and carbapenems. Thirteen out of the 22 (59%) carbapenemase-producing isolates were NDM and 7 (23%) were OXA-48-like which mirrors the situation in Indian subcontinent. Two isolates co-produced NDM and OXA-48-like enzymes. In total, 80% (28/35) were CTX-M-15 producers and 23% (8/35) featured AmpC. The high-risk subclones ST131-H30Rx/C2, ST410-H24RxC and ST1193-H64RxC were detected, the latter associated with NDM. To our knowledge, this is the first report of ST1193-H64Rx subclone with NDM. In conclusion, strains showed polyclonal population structure with OXA-48 and NDM as the only carbapenemases in CR-EC from Oman. We detected the high-risk subclone ST131-H30Rx/C2, ST410-H24RxC and ST1193-H64RxC. The latter was reported with carbapenemase gene for the first time here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Divorce and family dissolution are global issues linked to various socioeconomic, demographic, and spatial variables. In the last decade, the divorce rate has increased dramatically across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia). Rapid economic development, social transformation, and modernization have directly led to deep cultural changes in marriage and marital instability. Although the geographic perspectives of family formation and divorce risks have received considerable global attention, the spatial variations of divorce rates have not been examined across Arab countries or GCC communities. This study uses univariate and bivariate local indicators of spatial association (LISA) as well as Moran's I and spatial econometric regression models (spatial lag and spatial error) to examine the geographic distribution of divorce rates in Oman at a subnational level. Data sets from the 2010 census were used for the modeling and geospatial analysis and a range of statistical variables, including women's employment, female educational levels, urban residence, economically inactive females, and polygamous marriage, was examined. Spatial autocorrelation patterns and clusters of divorce rate associations were calculated and causal influences of sociodemographic characteristics on divorce were modeled. The findings revealed that the effects of sociodemographic variables on divorce and family instability across Omani subnational boundaries vary spatially. Hence, urban, suburban, and rural differences are significant predictors explaining the outcomes of family dissolution. There were high divorce rates, particularly in the northwest and northeast areas. Females' educational level was a negative predictor of divorce, whereas other variables were positively correlated with divorce rates. Although many global nonspatial studies have investigated divorce rates, there is a lack of research on family formation and dissolution in the Arab world and GCC states. This study fills the gap in the literature by contributing to the understanding of the role that the spatial structure of various sociodemographic variables plays in affecting divorce rates within local Omani communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal is the property of Sultan Qaboos University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)