Query: Sultanate of Oman

title: Mapping of Neoproterozoic source rocks of the Huqf Supergroup in the Sultanate of Oman using remote sensing
abstract: In recent years, the Neoproterozoic Huqf Supergroup formations of the Oman Salt Basins have been the target for oil exploration. The present study maps the surficial exposure of the Huqf Supergroup in and around Khufai Dome of the Huqf area in the Sultanate of Oman using low cost multi spectral remotely sensed satellite data and image processing methods such as decorrelation stretching, principal component analysis (PCA) and spectral angle mapper (SAM) as alternative to expensive and time consuming tools, which have the capability and potential to be used by geoscientists for oil exploration. In this research, the study of Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) spectral bands 8, 3 and 1 by decorrelation stretching well discriminated the Masirah Bay, the Khufai, the Shuram and the Buah Formations of the Nafun Group, the source rocks of Huqf Supergroup with the Quaternary deposits. The analysis of visible and near infrared shortwave infrared spectral bands of ASTER by PCA clearly showed the occurrence and spatial distribution of such formations in the RGB principal component images (R:PC1, G:PC2, B:PC3) The spatial distributions of such formations are assessed by confusion matrix after using maximum likelihood (ML) spectral angle mapper (SAM) and spectral information divergence (SID) algorithms. The matrix of ML algorithm has provided the best overall accuracy of 92.93% and kappa coefficient of 0.92. The minerals of the formations were detected by SAM. Further, the detection of such mineral groups was confirmed through the ASTER thermal infrared (TIR) spectral indices image developed using the carbonate index (CI) quartz index (QI) and mafic index (MI) All results of image analyses are evaluated in the field and laboratory studies. The study also evaluates the satellite data and image processing methods for the formations of Jabal Akhdar, the equivalent formations of the Khufai Dome, to show the sensor capability and the use of the image processing methods to study the source rocks. The results of the study provided similar discriminations comparable to the Khufai Dome. Therefore, the data and the techniques are recommended to the exploration geologists for use in similar regions of the world.

title: Modeling the Impact of the Oil Sector on the Economy of Sultanate of Oman
abstract: This study constructs and analyses a simple macroeconomic model that specifically tailored to model the impact of oil sector on the economy of Sultanate of Oman. The constructed model of the study measures the impact of oil sector on the Oman economy for the last three decades and also provides some forecasting for the major macroeconomics indicators related to the Oman economy. Model simulations indicate that the oil sector has large and positive impact on Oman gross domestic product and its influence spills over to all other non oil sectors of Oman economy. The study found that largest influence of oil was on the gas sector and the least economic sector influenced by oil was agricultural sector. The findings of the study suggest that Oman economy is far from being diversified and that the proposed model helps the policy makers in Oman to identify and forecast the impact of oil on other components of the Oman economy

title: Beach erosion along Al Batinah coast, Sultanate of Oman
abstract: Coastal erosion is observed in some locations along Al Batinah coast, Sultanate of Oman, and is an important factor to consider for the coastal zone management. The overall sediment supply by wadis to the coast is roughly 1.5 x 106 m3/year, out of which approximately 48 is trapped by water retention dams. The remaining 52 is more than eight times the sediment transport rate along the coast. The numbers indicate abundance of sediment supply with respect to removal rates but local conditions could vary. We investigated the potential erosion/accretion at selected sites including the SE and NW of major engineering structures such as harbors and desalination plants. Beach profile surveys were repeated five times for the study sites between February 2006 and March 2008 using a total station. The more detailed studies of the beach profiles broadly came to the conclusion that Al Batinah coast was fairly stable. The maximum erosion rate measured was 0.8 m/year. Most profiles showed some variability, but overall, there was stability over the monitoring period. The cases of accretion or erosion were all closely associated with harbors and other coastal engineering structures; however, no cases were extreme. Seasonal accretion in the form of spring tide berms of 1 m, sometimes varying from 1.5 to 2 m, was observed in June and November compared to the profiles measured in February. Most severe erosion and major sediment transport phenomena in Al Batinah coast are believed to occur during major storms events.

title: The experiences of newly graduated nurses during their first year of practice in the Sultanate of Oman A case study.
abstract: Studies have demonstrated that the transition experience of new graduate nurses is complex and frequently negative, leading to dissatisfaction with nursing and increased attrition. Existing studies of new graduate nurses' transition experiences tend to be concerned with the experiences of new graduate nurses in the West. To date, no study has been conducted examining the transition experience in any Middle Eastern country where the cultural context surrounding nursing education and practice is different.  To explore the experiences of new graduate nurses during their transition period in the Sultanate of Oman.  A qualitative case study utilising an embedded single case design was conducted to investigate the transition experience of new nursing graduates from one university in the Sultanate of Oman. Data were collected from the perspective of new graduate nurses and also from the perspective of other key informants who are key organisational actors such as clinical instructors, managers and preceptors. As is characteristic of case study design, this study employed triangulated methods including individual and focus group interviews, observation and documentary analysis. Data collected were thematically analysed using Microsoft Access.  This study showed that nursing is not an attractive choice for Omani students to study and pursue as a future career. During the transition period, new graduate nurses experienced reality shock resulting mainly from a theory practice gap. They found themselves with limited practical experience but a high level of theoretical knowledge that was difficult to utilise in practice. They experienced many competing priorities in their working environment which resulted in task orientation and compromised patient care. Many new graduate nurses resented their involvement in basic nursing care, which they believed should not be part of their role as degree nurses.  Omani new graduate nurses' transition experiences are complex and highly affected by the working conditions and the status of nursing in Oman. Basic nursing care was believed by new graduate nurses to negatively affect the status of nursing.

title: INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN SULTANATE OF OMAN AN EMPIRICAL STUDY Alexandrina
abstract: Located in the south eastern corner of Arabian Peninsula, the Sultan of Oman is one of the fastest developing economies having a rich history and culture of exploration abroad. The country is categorized under the high income economies and is placed in the top 50 leading nations in peace. Despite neighboring countries that are hugely endowed with oil and gas resources, the nation's economy is hugely diversified and oil forms only a small fraction of the economic activities, which also include fishing, light manufacturing and agriculture among others. In addition, a stable government coupled with relatively low taxes makes Oman an attractive investment destination for entrepreneurs and local as well as foreign investors searching for tax havens. The country also recognizes the importance of technology and innovation to economic development, which is foreseen by the research council. The research council undertakes an important duty of ensuring that research in the country is well developed. This research looks at some of the factors that impact on the individual decision to venture into entrepreneurship as well as a qualitative analysis of the link between entrepreneurship and innovation. The key findings of the empirical study will be examined in detail in bid to analyze the relevance of the findings in relation to existing theories and research in the field.

title: Foreign Investment Promotion Analysis in Sultanate of Oman: The Case of Dhofar Governorate
abstract: The stiff rate of competition among the developing countries to attract foreign investments in the regions of their countries has created the deeper understanding of the main foreign direct investment incentive. It is obvious that the foreign investment became a priority for most of the governments. This research paper aimed at examining the main approaches and factors in foreign investment promotion within Dhofar Governorate in Sultanate of Oman. Data collected from relevant scholarly papers and government reports, interviews with officials in charge of foreign investment promotion and the conclusions from participation in meetings and public debates have been utilized in the analysis. Economic and political stability are among the factors which actually motive foreigners to invest in the region. Additionally, high purchasing power, a big market size and low cost of doing business in the region has been reported to be very desirable. It is evidence that the government from Sultanate of Oman have promoted aspects of foreign investments by offering a number of incentives such as favorable government policies and laws, and offering lower tax rates, creating free zones, business incubators, etc.

title: An Overview of Coastal and Marine Resources and their Management in Sultanate of Oman
abstract: Coastal areas of Oman are in the focus of intensive tourism, urbanization and other development activities and are subject to changing physical processes causing significant natural environment modifications and such changes have been seen over the past few years. Government of Oman has worked out comprehensive coastal zone management plans towards protection of coral reefs, wetlands, mangrove, turtles and other resources, including land and groundwater resources in order to meet the challenges of environmental protection along with the development. Integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) has result an approach with the government developing legislations for coastal zone protection, management plans, recovery and governance along with awareness raising programs. However, public participation along with capacity building efforts could be increased at all levels; the better it would be for the coast and for posterity. This review also shows that in the past few years, there have been more research and technical studies through projects that have increased scientific knowledge and allowed access to the best techniques and knowledge available at international and national levels. However, knowledge also needed on coastal processes to establish techniques for minimizing risks and climate change adaptation focusing on biotic communities and environmental quality. Further, Omani coastal zone management would benefit from the application of economic valuation techniques and instruments.

title: Development of ground shaking maps for the Sultanate of Oman
abstract: This study presents research toward the development of ground shaking maps after a real earthquake, or for scenario earthquakes originating from seismic sources within and around the Sultanate of Oman. Major important earthquake sources that are important for the Sultanate of Oman are the Makran zone, the Zagros zone, the Zendan Minab system, the Oman Mountain zone, the Owen fracture zone and the Gulf of Aden zone. The earthquakes that take place on these zones, particularly those from Makran, already resulted and are likely to result in ground shaking levels that may be significant for the country. The hazard module of software package ELER was customized for use in the development of shake maps in the Sultanate of Oman. For this purpose, (1) major active faults and systems within and around Oman were defined and implemented; (2) ground motion prediction equations suitable for use and representative of tectonic conditions in Oman were identified and implemented; (3) the effect of local site conditions in resulting ground shaking levels was attended by implementing the Vs30 maps into ELER methodology; and (4) scripts were developed for the consideration of ground motion data coming from strong motion stations and from seismometers in and around Oman. They were used in the adjustment of ground motion distribution maps, such as peak ground acceleration, peak ground velocity and spectral acceleration maps produced using ground motion prediction equations. Example runs of different scenarios reflecting the use of newly adopted information are presented.

title: Carbonation rates of peridotite in the Samail Ophiolite, Sultanate of Oman, constrained through 14C dating and stable isotopes
abstract: Detailed 14 C dating as well as stable C and O isotope analyses were conducted on carbonates formed during alteration of the peridotite layer of the Samail Ophiolite, Sultanate of Oman. 14 C results obtained in this and previous studies indicate that surface travertines range in age from modern to >45,000 yr BP, indicating long term deposition and preservation. Travertine deposition rates in two localities were ~0.1 to 0.3 mm/yr between ~30,000 and 45,000 yr BP. Using an estimate of total travertine area, this would result in a maximum of ~1000 to 3000 m 3 /yr of travertine being deposited throughout the ophiolite during this time period. This travertine deposition would have sequestered a maximum of ~1 to 3 x 10 6 kg CO 2 /yr. Ca rich carbonate veins that are associated with the surface travertine deposits have ages ranging from ~4000 to 36,000 yr BP (average: 15,000 yr BP) Mg rich carbonate veins exposed in outcrops have ages ranging from ~8000 to 45,000 yr BP (average: 35,000 yr BP) Detailed sampling from numerous locations (3 locations in this study and 10 locations in the previous studies) indicates that no carbonate veins from the natural peridotite weathering surface are older than the ~50,000 yr BP dating limit of 14 C. However, 14 C dating of Mg rich carbonate veins from three roadcut exposures (Qafeefah, Fanja, and Al Wuqbah) indicates that a significant number of roadcut veins are 14 C dead >50,000 yr BP) A location weighted average indicates that ~40% of veins sampled at the three roadcuts are 14 C dead. An average including veins sampled at both roadcuts and outcrops indicates that overall ~8% of Mg rich carbonate veins are 14 C dead. Mg rich carbonate veins are estimated to sequester on the order of 10 7 kg CO 2 /yr throughout the ophiolite.

title: Mapping of subsurface fault structures by VLF EM method in Al Khoud area, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
abstract: The subsurface fault structure near Al Khoud area of Muscat city, Sultante of Oman, was investigated using very low frequency electromagnetic (VLF EM) method at two different transmitter frequencies namely 15.1 and 16.0 kHz. The measured in phase and out of phase components were processed and interpreted in order to determine the depth to the top and width of the fault by Kharous Hjelt filtering and the amplitude of analytical signal approach. In addition, the principal profiles from the contour maps of in phase and out of phase components when processed and interpreted yield similar results for depth and width of the fault structure. The over all results suggest that the nature of fault structure is dipping as it lies at a wide range of depth from different profiles. The results are presented highlighting the merits of the methods.