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This study aims to explore the factors influencing the readiness to adopt massive open online courses (MOOCs) for teaching among faculty members in Omani higher education by considering the influence of gender, disciplines, and personal factors such as attitude (ATT), self-efficacy (SE), technical competencies (TC), and access to tools (ACT). A quantitative survey research design was utilized to investigate the difference and relationship between gender and faculty disciplines (science vs. non-science) towards MOOC readiness (MR) and personal factors. The findings reveal no significant differences between gender in both disciplines towards perceived MOOC readiness. As for individual characteristics, while non-science disciplines indicate no differences between gender, the science discipline indicates significant differences in ATT. In terms of association, male faculty members reflected high associations between and within all personal factors and MR; however, female members did not show such association by only associating SE and TC with MR. Nevertheless, more similarities were observed between male and female faculty members in the non-science discipline, indicating a focus on technical factors. These findings contribute to understanding the difference between gender and faculty discipline when explored based on personal factors that influence the future use of MOOCS for teaching in Omani higher education.

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects >50% of pregnancies in many Arab countries. However, few studies have explored the impact of Ramadan fasting on pregnant women with GDM and no such study has been conducted in Oman. Therefore, this is the first study in Oman which aimed to examine the experience of pregnant women with GDM during Ramadan fasting. Methods: This study employed a rigorous qualitative design, guided by a constructivist grounded theory approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with women with GDM in the North Batinah Governorate of Oman at four primary health-care institutions. Purposive and theoretical sampling was utilized. Results: The experiences of 20 women were discussed during the interviews. Two main themes, “encouraging experiences” and “worrying experiences” emerged from the constant comparative analysis. Encouraging experiences included belief, family influence, embarrassment, sharing spiritual moments, and coping approaches. Worrying experiences included health problems, fear of harming babies, and advice from health-care professionals. This led to the development of the core category “Finding A Balance,” which means that women with GDM who fasted and did not fast during Ramadan were attempting to maintain their blood sugar to avoid harming themselves and their fetus. Conclusion: The insights gained from understanding the experiences of pregnant women with GDM are crucial as they guide the development of the best approaches to health education and supportive programs for pregnant women with GDM. Pregnant women with GDM who wish to fast should be informed about the potential risks associated with fasting during pregnancy.

Background: Dysphagia is the most common and significant neuromuscular disorder following a massive stroke. Patients with dysphagia are at a higher risk of developing pneumonia, experiencing prolonged hospital stays, and requiring nasogastric tube placement, which can increase post-stroke morbidity and mortality.Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of post-stroke dysphagia on various clinical outcomes in acute stroke patients. These outcomes included the degree of impairment, mortality rate, presence of nasogastric tube (NGT), incidence of stroke-associated pneumonia, and duration of hospitalization.Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional design, involving a sample of 274 patients with acute stroke admitted to two tertiary hospitals in Oman over a six-month period. The researcher utilized a non-probability convenience sampling technique from June 2 to November 21, 2021. The Modified Rankin Scale was used to assess the level of impairment, including death upon discharge. The Glasgow Coma Scale and Gugging Swallowing Screen were employed to evaluate dysphagia. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 23 software, which included descriptive analysis, correlations, and regression analysis, with statistical significance set at p

Abstract The core and surface structure and magnetic properties of mechano synthesized LaFeO3 nanoparticles (30–40 nm), their Eu3+-doped (La0.70Eu0.30FeO3), and Eu3+/Cr3+ co-doped (La0.70Eu0.30Fe0.95Cr0.05O3) variants are reported. Doping results in a transition from the O′-type to the O-type distorted structure. Traces of reactants, intermediate phases, and a small amount of Eu2+ ions were detected on the surfaces of the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles consist of antiferromagnetic cores flanked by ferromagnetic shells. The Eu3+ dopant ions enhance the magnetization values relative to those of the pristine nanoparticles and result in magnetic susceptibilities compatible with the presence of Eu3+ van Vleck paramagnetism of spin–orbit coupling constant (λ = 363 cm−1) and a low temperature Curie–Weiss like behavior associated with the minority Eu2+ ions. Anomalous temperature-dependent magnetic hardening due to competing magnetic anisotropy and magnetoelectric coupling effects together with a temperature-dependent dopant-sensitive exchange bias, caused by thermally activated spin reversals at the core of the nanoparticles, were observed.

IntroductionThe United Arab Emirates is among the countries affected by substance use disorders (SUDs), which have economic and social impacts. Relapse after successful rehabilitation is a major issue in the treatment of SUD. Several factors increase the risk of relapse in patients with SUD, such as craving and negative social experiences. Resilience could empower patients struggling with SUD. This study aims to explore levels of resilience and relapse risk in adult Emirati patients diagnosed with SUD, and also the possible correlation between the two variables.MethodsTwo hundred eighty-six Emirati adult patients with SUD completed a self-administered questionnaire for demographics, resilience (Connor and Davidson Resilience Scale), and relapse risk (Stimulant Relapse Risk Scale). Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, SD, etc.) were used to describe study participants and variables. Inferential statistics were used to analyze the relationships, associations, and correlations between resilience and relapse risk, the main variables, and the participants demographics.ResultParticipants’ mean total score for resilience was 72.92 out of a maximum possible score of 100 (SD = 16.99), while their mean total score for relapse risk was 59.07 out of a maximum possible score of 105 (SD = 12.23). Furthermore, examining the correlation between the resilience subscales and the relapse risk subscales revealed similar significant, negative, low-to-moderate correlations between all the subscales (r = -0.486).DiscussionProtective and risk factors to enhance resilience and reduce relapse risk in patients with SUD were discussed.

C-H borylation is a powerful strategy for the construction of C-B bonds due to the synthetic versatility of C-B bonds. Various transition metals affect the powerful functionalization of C-H bonds, of which Ir is the most common. Substrate-directed methods have enabled directed Ir-catalyzed C-H borylation at the ortho position. Amongst the powerful directing groups in Ir-catalyzed C-H borylation are N-containing carbocyclic systems. This review covers substrate-directed Ir-catalyzed ortho-C-H borylation of aromatic C(sp2)-H bonds in N-containing carbocyclic compounds, such as anilines, amides, benzyl amines, hydrazones, and triazines.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the use of online and e-learning in Omani general and higher education institutions. Consequently, the pandemic imposed contemporary technological challenges when considering training programs for Omani teachers. This research seeks to record proactive steps, at the Omani and Arab levels, to examine the effectiveness of online, in-service teacher training programs. In addition, this research seeks to explore the effects of online training modules on teachers' knowledge of Gifted Students with Learning Disabilities (GSLD). In other words, the research aims to examine the effects of a training module on Omani teachers' awareness of GSLD. According to a convenience sampling method, a total of 60 Omani teachers participated in the research. Participants were teachers of students with Learning Disabilities (LD) at the resource room program in the Muscat Governate, in the Sultanate of Oman. They were distributed equally into two groups: control (n=30), and experimental (n=30). Following the development of a Self-Awareness Scale (SAS) and the training program module, the SAS was administered to both groups as a pre-test and a post-test. The teachers in the experimental group received a two-week online training module to improve their awareness of GSLD. Results indicated that there were significant differences in the post-test of the SAS in favor of teachers in the experimental group.

Successful disaster risk reduction (DRR) and preparedness require the active participation of all genders and age groups. However, gender roles and relations are often overlooked in disaster management. This study explores the critical role of women in enhancing gender-responsive resilience within DRR in Oman. It highlights existing gender disparities in DRR strategies and emphasizes the need for inclusive policies that leverage women's knowledge, leadership, and adaptive capacities. By examining Oman's experience with natural disasters (cyclones) and COVID-19, the research underscores the importance of integrating gender perspectives in DRR for more effective outcomes. Utilizing a quantitative survey and statistical analysis, the study investigates variables shaping women's participation in DRR, including knowledge, communication, experience, social protection, and voluntarism. Findings demonstrate the crucial role of women in enhancing disaster resilience and their potential in mitigating disaster risks effectively. Policy recommendations advocate for empowering women and promoting their active participation in DRR to strengthen community resilience and contribute to broader socio-economic development goals in Oman. This study calls on policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders to support the pivotal role of women in building resilient societies and to adopt a more equitable approach to disaster management.

The traditional Japanese river training structure, known as “Seigyu”, designed to divert flow, reduce flow velocity, and promote geomorphological changes, is expected to contribute to the management of river morphology. Seigyu is highly impervious at the bottom giving it a unique function. Twelve Seigyus were installed in the Kizu River in Japan to assess their ability to serve as a sediment management structure, which is necessary when considering sediment replenishment from upstream dams constructed upstream. Images and videos were recorded by a UAV to assess the flow and morphology around Seigyu via image-based analysis. Additionally, the shift in its function caused by the transformation of Seigyu itself, such as tilting and clogging, was investigated. The detected geomorphological changes indicated that Seigyu contributed to the formation of complex morphological patterns and the continuous shift in the sediment budget from erosional to depositional. Even after tilting approximately 25°, Seigyus’ effects were sustained. High-velocity flow, which occurred between two Seigyus in the early stages after implementation, did not appear or at least decreased in velocity after debris was trapped between the Seigyus. These results suggest that the effects of Seigyu persist even after its transformation, and future simulations and implementations should consider these changes.

While telemedicine has shown promise for diagnosis and treatment, its integration into specialised clinics and mainstream healthcare is slow. A study at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman, investigated parental perceptions of virtual clinics and telemedicine experiences among parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) conducted from January 2021 to January 2022; the cross-sectional study involved 130 participants. The study revealed that 70% of participants were male, and the mean age of the children was 6.1 ± 0.26 years. Regarding telemedicine awareness, 53% of respondents were informed, yet encountered obstacles such as poor internet service and lack of awareness. Despite challenges, 46% of respondents viewed telemedicine positively. Parents showed significant differences in their perception of virtual interviews based on interview purpose (P = 0.034), clinic type (P

Objectives: To compare clinical manifestations, laboratory characteristics, and outcomes of children presenting to tertiary care with SARS-CoV-2 or common human coronavirus (HCoV) infection. Methods: Children 13 years of age or younger presenting in 2020 with SARS-CoV-2 and those presenting with HCoV between 2017 and 2019 were included. Clinical and laboratory features were compared using appropriate statistical tests. The study was conducted at the two main tertiary hospitals in Muscat, Oman. Results: The study included 255 cases (131 SARS-CoV-2 and 124 HCoV). Median age was 1.7 years (interquartile range 0.5-5.6), and 140 patients (55%) were males. Among children with HCoV infection, diarrhea was less common compared to children with SARS-CoV-2 (4% vs 23%, P

الملخص: أهداف البحث: ترتبط أمراض القلب والأوعية الدموية بتأثيرات نفسية كبيرة يمكن أن تكون لها تأثير سلبي على التوقعات طويلة الأجل. هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى تحديد التأثير النفسي لأول قبول مستشفى مع متلازمة الجلطة القلبية الحادة أو القصور القلبي الاحتقاني في السكان العمانيين البالغين. طرق البحث: كانت هذه دراسة استبيانية مقطعية تستخدم مقياس القلق والاكتئاب في المستشفى. تم إشراك المرضى من أقسام الأمراض القلبية والطبية في المستشفى لدينا. تم استبعاد الأشخاص الذين تمت إضافتهم إلى المستشفى للشكاوى المماثلة. تم تقديم الاستبانة بين اليوم الثالث والسابع من قبولهم، بمجرد أن يكونوا مستقرين سريريا. النتائج: تم تضمين ما مجموعه 116 مريضا (متوسط العمر 60.3+13.8 سنة)؛ 78 ذكور (67,8%)؛ 52 مريض مع متلازمة الجلطة القلبية الحادة و64 مريض مع مرض القصور القلبي الاحتقاني في الدراسة. 45 (38.8%) من المرضى كان لديهم قلق متوسط إلى شديد و32 (27.6%) كان لديهم اكتئاب متوسط إلى شديد. كان الأشخاص الذين يعانون من القلق الشديد أصغر سنا. لم يكن هناك أي عوامل أخرى يمكن أن تتنبأ بالقلق أو الاكتئاب. كان لدى الأشخاص الذين يعانون من القصور القلبي الاحتقاني نسبة أكبر من الأشخاص الذين يعانون من الاكتئاب الشديد (31,4%). لم تكن هناك اختلافات أخرى بين الأشخاص الذين يعانون من متلازمة الجلطة القلبية الحادة أو القصور القلبي الاحتقاني. الاستنتاجات: يعاني نسبة كبيرة من المرضى الذين يتم قبولهم في مستشفانا في عمان، من أمراض القلب والأوعية الدموية من القلق الشديد والاكتئاب. يجب أن يكون الأطباء المعالجون ومقدمو الرعاية أكثر انفتاحا على تحديد هؤلاء المرضى ويجب اتخاذ خطوات لمعالجة رفاهيتهم النفسية إلى جانب الإدارة الطبية لمرضهم. Abstract: Background and objectives: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are associated with substantial psychological effects that can adversely influence long term prognosis. The aim of this study was to determine the psychological effect of the first hospital admission for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or congestive heart failure (CHF) in an adult Omani population. Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire based study used the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Patients were recruited from the in-patient cardiology and medical wards of our institution. Patients with a prior hospital admission for CHF and ACS were excluded. The questionnaire was administered between days 3 and 7 after admission once patients were clinically stable. Results: The study included 116 patients (mean age 60.3 + 13.8 years; 78 (67.8%) men), comprising 52 patients with ACS and 64 patients with CHF. Based on the scores, a total of 45 (38.8%) patients had moderate to severe anxiety, and 32 (27.6%) had moderate to severe depression. Patients with severe anxiety tended to be younger, and no other factors predicted anxiety or depression. The proportion of patients with severe depression was higher among patients with CHF (31.4%), and no other differences were observed between patients with ACS or CHF. Conclusion: A substantial proportion of patients admitted to our institution in Oman with CVD had severe anxiety and depression. Treating physicians and caregivers should be more open to identifying these patients, and steps should be taken to address their psychological wellbeing along with the medical management of their illness.

Abstract Objectives To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cervical cancer and Pap smear screening among Omani women attending a tertiary clinic in Muscat, Oman, and to establish correlations with selected sociodemographic factors. Methods An observational, cross-sectional study was carried out among Omani women aged 18–50 years old attending the outpatient clinic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, from October 2019 to February 2020. A validated Arabic-language questionnaire was utilized to collect data regarding the participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, their knowledge of cervical cancer and related risk factors, and their knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to cervical cancer screening and Pap smear testing. Results Of the 380 respondents, 86 and 55% had previously heard of cervical cancer and Pap smear testing, respectively; however, only 26% were knowledgeable concerning these topics. Knowledge scores were significantly associated with various sociodemographic factors, including marital status and a previous awareness of cervical cancer (odds ratio: > 1, p

The fabric of any good society has always been woven with its virtuous individuals. Islam promulgates moral values in all members of society and bars individuals from indulging in moral corruption. It advocates measures to curb such evils as lying, cheating, betrayal, exploitation, consuming forbidden (haram) things, spreading rumors and others. It also aims to inculcate virtues like patience, forgiveness, reconciliation, restraining anger, being kind and merciful to those who have wronged, helping out the needy and the destitute. This edification is a noble human goal deeply rooted in Islamic thought as Islam is a primarily the religion of peace. Islam presents God as the Benign and Merciful Creator and His last Prophet as Mercy sent for this world and Hereafter. The study is divided into two sections: The inculcation of virtuous values and prohibition of moral evils in any society through effective Shariah rulings.

الملخص: أهداف البحث: هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى استكشاف وتحليل الملامح الوبائية ورصد واستجابة كوفيد-19، وديناميكيات انتقالها وتشكل المجموعات. طرق البحث: تحليل استرجاعي لبيانات الرصد، بما في ذلك تتبع الاتصال، وعوامل الخطر، والمعلومات السريرية. أجريت تحليلات الانحدار اللوجستية الثنائية لتقييم احتمالات القبول، وتشكل المجموعات، وكونه حالة رئيسية. تم توضيح المجموعات باستخدام أنظمة البيانات الجغرافية وتحليل الشبكات وبرامج التصور. النتائج: تم تشخيص ١١٠٠ حالة إصابة بفيروس كوفيد-١٩ في الفترة من ٢٠ مارس إلى ٧ يونيو ٢٠٢٠، وكانت ١٤٤ حالة منها (١٣,١٪) بدون أعراض. كانت المدة المتوسطة من بدء الأعراض حتى القبول في المستشفى ٧ أيام (٤,٥ - ١٠)، ومدة الأعراض نفسها كانت ٥ أيام (٣ - ٩). تم تحديد 89 مجموعة تحتوي على ٧٣٦ مريضا. وتم تمييز ثلاث مراحل توضح إجراءات الرصد والسيطرة. بدأت المجموعات في المرحلة الثانية وزادت وضوحا في المرحلة الثالثة. المرضى الذين تجاوزوا سن ٥٠ عاما وأولئك الذين يعانون من الحمى لديهم فرصة أكبر للقبول في المستشفى، بنسبة ١٢,٨٥ (٩٥٪ م.م. ٥,١٣ – ٣٢,١٩) و ٢,٥٣ (٩٥٪ م.م. ١,٢٤ – ٥,١٧) على التوالي. وقد لوحظ تشكل المجموعات بين الإناث والمرضى الذين لم يظهروا أعراضا وبين سكان ولاية عوابي، بنسب ٢,٣ (٩٥٪ م.م. ١,٧ – ٣,١) و ٦,٣٩ (٩٥٪ م.م. ٢,٣٣ – ١٧,٢) و ٣,٥٤ (٩٥٪ م.م. ٢,٠٦ – ٦,٠٧) على التوالي. وكان لدى المرضى العاملين في قطاعات الشرطة والدفاع فرصة أعلى لكونهم حالة رئيسية، بنسبة ٧,٨٨ (٩٥٪ م.م. ٣,٣٥ – ١٨,٥٢). الاستنتاجات: يجب دعم التدخلات القائمة على الحالات من خلال التدابير الموسعة على مستوى السكان - خاصة قيود الحركة. يعد إنشاء فرق الوقاية أو وحدات المنطقة، أو من خلال الرعاية الأولية أمرا حاسما للسيطرة على الأوبئة المستقبلية. يجب أن تكون الوقاية دائما أولوية للفئات السكانية الضعيفة. Abstract: Objectives: This study was aimed at exploring and analyzing the epidemiological profile, surveillance, and response to COVID-19, including transmission dynamics and cluster formation. Methodology: This was a retrospective analysis of surveillance data, including contact tracing, risk factors, and clinical information. Binary logistic regressions were used to assess the likelihood of admission, cluster formation, and of each individual being an index patient. Clusters were demonstrated through geographic data systems, network analysis, and visualization software. Results: A total of 1100 COVID-19 cases were diagnosed from 20 March to 7 June 2020, of which 144 (13.1%) were asymptomatic. The median time from symptom onset to admission was 7 days (IQR, 4.5–10), and the median symptom duration was 5 days (IQR, 3–9). Eighty-nine clusters containing 736 patients were identified. The surveillance and control actions were divided into three phases. Clusters began to form in phase 2 and became more pronounced in phase 3. Patients ≥50 years of age and patients presenting with fever had relatively higher odds of admission: OR = 12.85 (95% CI 5.13–32.19) and 2.53 (95% CI 1.24–5.17), respectively. Cluster formation was observed among females, asymptomatic patients, and people living in Awabi: OR = 2.3 (95% CI 1.7–3.1), 6.39 (95% CI 2.33–17.2), and 3.54 (95% CI 2.06–6.07), respectively. Patients working in the police and defense sectors had higher odds of being an index patient: OR = 7.88 (95% CI 3.35–18.52). Conclusion: Case-based interventions should be supported by population-wide measures, particularly movement restrictions. Establishing prevention teams or district units, or primary care will be crucial for the control of future pandemics. Prevention should always be prioritized for vulnerable populations.

BACKGROUND: Up to 80% of stroke patients suffer from dysphagia. It is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs due to aspiration, pneumonia, and malnutrition, which represent a significant burden to stroke survivors, their relatives, and the healthcare system. Early recognition and management of post-stroke dysphagia is key to reducing its complications and enhancing patients’ quality of life. Despite the importance of dysphagia following a stroke and its adverse consequences, no study has investigated dysphagia after stroke in Oman. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of post-stroke dysphagia and its severity among acute stroke patients, assess the association between the selected factors and dysphagia, and identify dysphagia predictors. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was utilized to identify the prevalence and risk factors for post-stroke dysphagia among acute stroke patients (n = 274) admitted to two Omani tertiary hospitals over 6 months. Dysphagia was assessed using the Gugging swallowing screen. Descriptive analysis, correlations, and regression analysis were computed. RESULTS: The prevalence of dysphagia following stroke was 70.1%. Among those who had dysphagia, 37.5% had severe, 31.25% moderate, and 31.25% mild dysphagia. Aging, obesity, having a medical co-morbidity, hypertension, stroke location, low Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, and the use of thrombectomy or thrombolysis therapy were contributing factors and were found to be correlated with post-stroke dysphagia. This study revealed that old age [odds ratio (OR) = 0.961, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.933–0.989, P = 0.007)], obesity (OR = 0.387, 95% CI: 0.157–0.952, P = 0.039), and low GCS score (OR = 0.027, 95% CI: 0.009–0.077, p=

This study aimed to systematically assess the impact of clinical and demographic variables on the diagnostic yield of Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) when applied to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from a consanguineous population. Ninety-seven children were included in the analysis, 63% were male and 37% were females. 77.3% had a suspected syndromic aetiology of which 68% had co-existent central nervous system (CNS) clinical features, while 69% had other systems involved. The diagnostic yield of WES in our cohort with ASD was 34%. Children with seizures were more likely to have positive WES results (46% vs. 31%, p = 0.042). Probands with suspected syndromic ASD aetiology showed no significant differential impact on the diagnostic yield of WES.