Kfas Annual Report 2009 English 002.Indd
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KFAS LOGO A SYMBOL OF SCIENCE, TRADITION AND CULTURE KFAS’ logo epitomizes the nation’s traditional and scientific culture. It celebrates the glorious past and envisages the future that encompasses immense opportunities and aspirations along life’s journey on its endless coast. Each icon embedded within the logo signifies an individual and unique idea, represented by a scientific symbol. KFAS’ support for traditional and cultural values is denoted by the two hands that uphold the symbolic emblem. The scientific symbols (sun, mathematical equation, microscope, atomic orbit and the sail), illustrated here to represent individual disciplines in science, are derived from the KFAS logo. The background of the sail behind every symbol demonstrates the Kuwaiti perspective behind all scientific endeavors. 1 Board of Directors 2 Members Adel K. Al-Sabeeh Adnan A. Shihab-Eldin Hassan A. Al-Ebraheem Mohammed E. S. Al-Duwaihees Naief H. Al-Mutairi Yaqoub M.A. H. Hayaty Ali A. Al-Shamlan Director General Sulaiman A. Al-Awadi Board Secretary RESEARCH DIRECTORATE The Research Directorate (RD) derives its inspiration and symbol from the heart of KFAS’ logo. The Directorate logo is a blend of the sun and the sail, representing the infinite energy that sets the boundless directions in Science and Technology. The English letters ‘R’ and ,’ﺏ ‘ and ’ ﺃ ‘ ,D’ and the Arabic letters‘ embedded within the logo, represent the title of the Directorate. 4 Staff Mahmood Y. Abdulraheem Director Mohammad A. Taqi Shafiqa A. Al-Awadi Fatimah M. Al-Awadhi Mohamed A. Darwish Sheba M. Mathew Johaina A. Al-Hamdan Aisha S. Al-Olaimi Manal S. Al-Ebrahem Anwar O. Bin Amer Hanan J. Boodai Nadia H. Masri Sunita V. D'Souza Mirvette M. Samara Sawsan M. Sayed Hadia M. Saker Mohammed Shaker Sheikh Zahid Ali Hind A. Al-Bahairi Part-time Consultants Nazar M. Chaudry Sukumaran N. Sreekumar Research Areas 6 Biological Sciences (BS) Research in Biological Sciences are represented by the sun that reflect life and the study related to it. By attributing green to the particular area of science, it signifies research pertaining to living organisms on land, sea and air as well as studies on natural resources. Engineering Sciences and Technology (ES) Projects in Engineering Sciences and Technology are associated with the mathematical equation of relativity by Albert Einstein and classified by a shade of blue, relating to the technical thrust on the application of science and mathematics and the processes of matter, products, systems and structures. Medical Sciences (MS) The microscope is the icon used to indicate research in Medical Sciences and is categorized by pink. It identifies the diagnostic probe undertaken in research to address healthcare problems and maintain the optimum welfare of the people. Natural Sciences (NS) Research studies in Natural Sciences, reflected by the natural shade of beige, are symbolized by the atomic orbit icon to imply research in basic sciences that is implemented to preserve and conserve the natural spheres of sciences for promoting complete environmental progress. Social Sciences and Humanities (SS) The traditional sail, classified by mauve, provides the oriental setting to studies in Social Sciences. It highlights the rich national heritage, culture and values that sustain human development and valuable efforts undertaken to trigger social progress in the country. Scientific Directorates and Offices 8 Annual Report 2009 / Research Directorate Research Directorate Supports and promotes basic and applied research in the country. Enhances scientific activities by encouraging Kuwaiti establishments, scientists, and researchers. Establishes research programs and collaborates with international scientific community for national progress. Scientific Cultural Directorate Supports scientific, cultural programs, publication of scientific books and production of documentary films. Aims at developing national scientific and technical potentials and establishes KFAS’ scientific role at the international level. Prizes Office Awards annual prizes in various disciplines for meritorious contributions by scientists and researchers in the State of Kuwait and other Arab and Islamic countries. International Programmes Office Monitors and executes agreements established with organizations and academic institutions around the world. Supportive Directorates 10 Annual Report 2009 / Research Directorate Directorate of Administration Supervises the implementation of administrative rules and regulations. Conducts administrative tasks and public relations. Directorate of Finance Supervises and monitors KFAS’ funds to scientific projects and activities. Collects and maintains record of contributions from Shareholding Companies. Directorate of Engineering Provides technical and maintenance support and supervises construction projects. Table of Contents 12 Annual Report 2009 / Research Directorate PREFACE 15 INTRODUCTION 17 RESEARCH DIRECTORATE (RD) 18 RD Mission 18 RD Objectives 18 RD ACTIVITIES 18 A. Development and Administration of Scientific Programs 18 1. Research Funding Program 18 2. Water Resources Program 19 3. Kuwait Shareholding Companies Program 20 4. Environment Program 20 B. Funding Scientific Research 22 1. Research Project Submission (Proposal) 23 2. Research Project Evaluation 23 3. Research Project Execution 24 C. Information and Scientific Documentation 24 1. Development of Information System 24 2. Printing and Publication 24 3. Distribution 25 PEER-REVIEWER INSTITUTIONS 26 STATISTICAL OVERVIEW 28 1. Annual Statistical Indicators (2009) 28 2. Cumulative Indicators (1978 -2009) 32 FUNDED RESEARCH AREAS 34 Biological Sciences 36 Engineering Sciences and Technology 74 Medical Sciences 112 Natural Sciences 134 Social Sciences and Humanities 154 INDEX: LIST OF PROJECTS 188 PARTNERS IN DEVELOPMENT 208 Preface 14 Annual Report 2009 / Research Directorate Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) recorded another successful year (2009) in the annals of scientific accomplishments, particularly with reference to fiscal contributions in support and promotion of scientific programs, projects and activities, as they constitute some of the major elements of scientific advancement. We are convinced that multi-dimensional progress can be achieved with keen and constant support for research initiatives and in the realization of developmental plans, which set the strategic directions towards achieving KFAS’ mission and facilitating scientific, economic, educational and social development in the country and the region. During the year, KFAS was able to bring to record significant scientific achievements under the benevolent leadership of the Chairman, His Highness, the Amir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (may God Almighty bestow protection and care upon him), whose directives, guidance and support prompted us to take progressive strides towards new horizons of science. KFAS has once again reiterated its continued commitment to science and technology at all levels and advancement of progress and prosperity in the nation. At the national level, KFAS earnestly sought to address its objectives and arrive at solutions to emerging problems; at the regional level, it established effective co-operation with scientists for the promotion of scientific research in diverse areas and at the global level, collaboration with international scientific institutes kept us abreast with modern developments. With more than three decades of significant contributions to high-priority research projects and dissemination of valuable outcomes, KFAS has managed to establish a vital link with the world scientific community. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the Research Directorate team for the efficient administration of research projects and the renewed efforts and dedication in developing comprehensive and purposeful research programs. Pertinent and sound decision-making mechanisms, optimum exploitation of available resources to address priority issues and effective communication form the basis on which a scientific organization thrives. I hereby express my sincere gratitude to the Kuwaiti Shareholding Companies for rendering their financial support and encouragement to continue with our earnest efforts to address global issues. KFAS will continue to work towards greater accomplishments for the fulfillment of its noble vision and for the betterment of the humankind. Professor Ali Abdullah Al-Shamlan Director General, Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences 15 Introduction 16 Annual Report 2009 / Research Directorate The vital outcomes of diverse scientific research projects sponsored by Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) have once again pointed out the significance of scientific research and its positive role in addressing crucial and emerging issues in the State of Kuwait. This was also reiterated by international peer-reviewers who evaluated research project proposals and expressed strong support for research studies and projects with potential benefits to the nation. It is in recognition of the immense role of the Kuwaiti Shareholding Companies in promoting various scientific activities that the Research Directorate initiated the Kuwaiti Shareholding Companies Program, with an attempt to link basic and applied research for achieving greater scientific advancements. During the year, two specific projects were implemented, namely, ‘Institutional Development of Companies’ and ‘Enhancing the Capabilities of the Kuwaiti Shareholding Companies in the Decision-Making Process: Developing