ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORT 2013
VOLUME XlX CAMS RESEARCH 2013
FACTS & FIGURES
2,810,200 RO Total Budget
60 Research Projects in Total
o 30 Internal Grant Projects (7 awarded in 2013)
o 5 Strategic Projects (1 awarded in 2013)
o 25 Externally-Funded Projects (10 awarded in 2013)
339 Publications
o 137 Journal Articles
o 4 Books (3 edited)
o 25 Book Chapters
o 145 Conference Presentations
o 15 Technical Reports
o 1 PhD Dissertation
o 12 Newspaper Articles
Annual Research Report 2013
Volume XIX
Table of Contents
Page Foreword i Research Committee ii Introduction 1 Research Projects and Budgets 1 Internal Grant Research and Development Projects 2 His Majesty‘s Strategic Research Projects 5 Externally-Funded Research Projects 6 University Day 2013 Oral Presentations by Faculty 13 Posters 18 Some Significant Research Completed in 2013 21 Summary of Internal Grant Projects Awarded in 2013 29 Research by Graduate Students Summary of Research Proposals - PhD Students 39 Thesis Abstracts of Postgraduate Students who 43 Graduated in 2013 (PhD & MSc)
International Collaborations 63 Publications in 2013 73 Appendix - CAMS Research Profile in 2013 115
List of Tables
Table Title Page 1 Summary of research and development projects held by 1 the College in 2013 2 Internally-funded research and development projects 2 awarded in 2013 3 Ongoing in 2013 - internally-funded research and 3 development projects awarded in previous years 4 Internally-funded research and development 4 projects completed in 2013 5 Research project awarded in 2013 funded through His 5 Majesty‘s Trust Fund (HMTF) 6 Research projects awarded in previous years funded through 5 HMTF 7 Research project completed in 2013 funded through HMTF 5 8 Research projects awarded in 2013 funded through 6 The Research Council-FURAP (Faculty Mentored Undergraduate Research Award Program)
9 Research projects awarded in previous years funded by 6 The Research Council (TRC) in Oman 10 Research completed in 2013 funded by TRC in Oman 7 11 Research projects awarded in 2013 funded through 7 Contract Research (CR) 12 Research projects awarded in previous years funded through 8 CR 13 Research projects awarded in 2013 and completed in the 8 same year funded through CR
14 Research project completed in 2013 funded through CR 9 15 Reseearch projects awarded in previous years funded 9 through External Grants (EG) 16 Research project awarded in previous years and completed 9 in 2013 funded through EG 17 International collaborations in 2013 63 18 Summary of total publications in 2013 73 Foreword
The College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences develops its research programs towards three main objectives: creating new knowledge though research and postgraduate education, disseminating this knowledge and undertaking community engagement. The following pages illustrate the efforts of our faculty members, staff and students towards these three objectives during 2013.
In 2013, the total research budget at CAMS reached nearly 3 million Omani Rials (2,810,200). Our research funding in 2013 includes one new strategic research grants from His Majesty Sultan Qaboos‘ Research Fund and individual grants from the TRC. CAMS researchers were also successful in attracting research funds from external sources with 832,548 OR worth of externally funded projects from a variety of funding organizations, both private and public.
As the Masters programs in the College stabilize with approximately 20 students graduating every year (14 in 2013) the PhD program maintains a regular growth with 6 new students registered in 2013. One PhD student graduated this year. In total, there were 64 students registered in the various graduate programs at CAMS in 2013, of which 20 in the doctoral programs.
Although the number of faculty in the College remained stable (66), the productivity of the College increased also in 2013 with 339 publications of which 137 were in peer-reviewed journals and 145 consisted of conference publications. This success reflects the individual effort of our faculty to attract funding, to supervise graduate students and to publish their findings but rests also on the commitment of both the Research Committee and the Postgraduate Committee to improve the research organization and the quality of our postgraduate programs.
The lists of funding, of published papers and research outlines presented in this annual reports are indicators of the vibrant research culture at CAMS but only partially reflects the breadth of the research activities carried out by our faculty, technicians and students. I would like to acknowledge these sometimes silent collaborators for their continuous effort in developing our research programs. I would like also to thank the Deanship of Research, the Deanship of Postgraduate Studies, and the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Postgraduate Studies and Research for their continuous support to improve the research culture at CAMS.
Michel R. Claereboudt Assistant Dean for Postgraduate Studies and Research
i
Research Committee (2013)
Dr. Michel Claereboudt, Chair Prof. Isam Kadim Dr. Rashid Al-Yahyai Dr. Mostafa Waly Dr. Sergey Piontkovski Dr. Slim Zekri Dr. Manickavasagan Annamalai
ii
The Year in Review
Introduction
The College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences is doing well in terms of research input and output. In 2013, the trend initiated some 5 years ago of increased contribution of externally funded projects continued. This year, of the nearly 1 million Omani Rials awarded to CAMS researchers, more than 84% came from external sources of funding (The Research Council, Oil companies, Ministries and other research funds). The total number of peer- reviewed papers was 137 and a total of scientific 339 publications were recorded out of which, 145 were presented at international conferences.
We have also outlined some of the research completed in 2013 that is of significant importance to either the scientific community or to the Omani community at large on themes ranging from water management, to a strategy for optimal replanting of date palms or the consumption of whole grain products for a healthier lifestyle.
This emphasizes the essential role research in the agricultural, food, and marine sciences plays in the harmonious development of the society.
Research Projects and Budgets
Table 1. Summary of research and development projects held by the College in 2013.
No. of Budget Total Source of Fund Proj (RO) (RO)
SQU Internal Grants 231,800 Awarded in 2013 7 69,900 Awarded in previous years 13 105,900 Completed in 2013 10 56,000 His Majesty’s Trust Fund 424,300 Awarded in 2013 1 82,300 Awarded in previous years 3 257,000 Completed in 2013 1 85,000 The Research Council (TRC ) FURAP 4,800 Awarded in 2013 2 4,800 The Research Council 882,200 Awarded in previous years 5 750,200 Completed in 2013 1 132,000 Contract Research 895,852 Awarded in 2013 5 810,013 Awarded in previous years 3 52,324 Awarded in 2013 & completed in the same year 3 17,735 Completed in 2013 1 15,780 External Grants 371,248 Awarded in previous years 4 276,948 Awarded in previous yrs & completed in 2013 1 94,300 Total 2,810,200 1
Internal Grant Research and Development Projects
Table 2. Internally-funded research and development projects awarded in 2013.
Principal Amount No. Title of Research Investigator (RO)
1 Characterization of fungal pathogens A. Al-Sadi 11,000 associated with root rot and wilt of Date palms in Oman
2 Development of begomoviral resistance in A.J. Khan 11,000 sweet pepper due to the expression of non- pathogen derived antiviral genes*
3 Atnospheric cyclones and biological S. Piontkovski 11,000 productivity of the ocean
4 The population dynamics, pathology and G.Yoon 11,000 treatment of parasites on commercially important demersal fishes in Oman
5 Effects of processing methods on retaining N. Guizani 11,000 bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of some mushroom cultivars
6 Estimating the capital stock and investment S. Bose 4,900 in artisanal fishery: a case study of Wilayat Al-Seeb
7 The preferences and determinants of dairy M. Mbaga 10,000 farmer‘s participation in alternative marketing channels: a study of the small-scale dairy farmers in Oman Total 69,900
*Project was terminated in October 2013.
2 Table 3. Ongoing in 2013 - internally-funded research and development projects awarded in previous years.
Year Principal Amount No. Title of Research Granted Investigator (RO)
1 Diabetes education in primary health 2010 L. Al-Subhi 6,400 care in Oman: factors predicting diabetes control, effect on knowledge and metabolic control
2 Extraction and value addition to 2011 A. Al-Maskri 6,500 Omani basil oil
3 Glycemic index and glycemic load of 2011 A. Ali 8,000 traditional Omani foods: studies on the effects of methodological and food factors
4 Catching and economic performance 2011 H. Al-Masroori 6,000 of the demersal longline fishery
5 Plant-soil approach for irrigation 2011 S. Al-Jabri 8,000 scheduling of fruit crops
6 Possibility of utilization solar stills to 2011 A. Al-Ismaili 5,000 provide greenhouse water demand in arid environments
7 Identification of camel meat quality 2012 I. Kadim 10,250 parameters using proteomics
8 Utilization of Prosopis juliflora for 2012 O.M. Gaafar 8,850 feeding Omani livestock
9 Influence of crop duration and 2012 F. Al-Said 8,850 grafting on crop productivity and quality in greenhouse cucumber
10 Bioactive compounds from Oman 2012 S. Dobretsov 10,250 marine organisms
11 Feasibility of soft-coral and sea- 2012 M. Claereboudt 9,000 cucumber identification using fluid particle imaging and automated shape analysis
12 Evaluation of the effect of soil 2012 H. Jayasuriya 8,550 compaction and tillage management on the growth and yield of crops
13 Computer simulation model for 2012 Y. Al Mulla 10,250 improving wheat production Total 105,900
3 Table 4. Internally-funded research and development projects completed in 2013.
Year Principal Amount No. Title of Research Granted Investigator (RO)
1 Effect of thermal processing and enzyme supplementation on the 2008 W. Al Marzooqi 11,500 nutritive value of local agricultural by-products as feed ingredients in chicken diets
2 Performance evaluation of a solar 2010 M.A. Basunia 4,000 tunnel dryer for drying of lemons in Oman
3 Aroma profile of pasteurized camel 2011 Z. Al-Attabi 3,000 milk
4 Comparative oxidase respiratory 2011 E. Johnson 6,000 burst and phagocytosis of neonatal and adult ovine polymorphonu- clear leuokocytes
5 Screening novel biomarkers for 2011 M. Essa 8,000 early detection of autism in Omani children
6 Biochemical, physiochemical and 2011 I. Al-Bulushi 6,000 microbial characteristics stability of traditionally dried E. punctifer in Oman during ambient storage
7 An analysis on optimal plan on 2011 H. Kotagama 3,500 new-planting and re-planting of date palm in Oman through a multiperiod linear programming optimization model
8 Physicochemical properties and 2011 M.S. Rahman 4,000 antimicrobial activity of Omani frankincense
9 Nutrification of traditional foods 2011 M. Annamalai 6,000 with Omani dates
10 A supply chain management 2010 O. Al Jabri 4,000 approach to promoting competitive advantage of small-scale fishery sector in Oman Total 56,000
4 His Majesty’s Strategic Research Projects
Table 5. Research project awarded in 2013 funded through His Majesty‘s Trust Fund (HMTF).
Year Principal Amount No. Title of Research Granted Investigator (RO)
1 Characterizing the nature of 2013 A. Al-Sadi 82,300 resistance to Witches‘ Broom Disease in Omani lime Total 82,300
Table 6. Research projects awarded in previous years funded through HMTF.
Year Principal Amount No. Title of Research Granted Investigator (RO)
1 Potential sources of soil-borne 2010 A. Al-Sadi 87,500 plant pathogenic fungi and bacteria into farms in Oman
2 Economical, social and environ- 2010 S. Dobretsov 80,000 mental impacts of marine biofouling in the Sultanate of Oman
3 Value added functional products from less utilized 2011 M.S. Rahman 89,500 biomaterials locally available in the Sultanate Total 000,222
Table 7. Research projects completed in 2013 funded through HMTF.
Year Principal Amount No. Title of Research Granted Investigator (RO)
1 Feasibility of managed aquifer 2009 M. Ahmed 85,000 recharge using excess treated wastewater in Oman
Total 85,000
5 Externally-Funded Research Projects
Table 8. Research projects awarded in 2013 funded through The Research Council Faculty Mentored Undergraduate Research Award Program (FURAP):
Amount No. Title Mentor (RO)
1 The efficiency of household A. Al-Maktoumi 2,400 water filters in various regions 2 Characterization of urban S. Al-Ismaily 2,400 soil at A‘Seeb area
Total 4,800
Table 9. Research projects awarded in previous years funded by TRC, Oman. Principal Year Amount No. Title Investigator Awarded (RO)
1 Oceanographical regime shift in the S. Piontkovski 2010 146,000 Sea of Oman 2 Effect of dietary supplementation of M. Essa 2011 201,000 fruits grown in Oman on cognitive decline in Alzheimer‘s dementia, mild cognitive impairment, vascular cognitive impairment and traumatic brain injury
3 Development of Computer Vision M. Annamalai 2011 98,850 (CV) technology for quality assess- ment of Dates in Oman
4 Monitoring groundwater using S. Zekri 2012 173,350 energy water smart meters and precision irrigation
5 Numerical modeling of ocean Y.V.B. Sarma 2012 131,000 circulation to investigate the regional marine environment and climate around Sultanate of Oman Total 002,022
6 Table 10. Research project completed in 2013 funded by TRC, Oman.
Principal Year Amount No. Title Investigator Granted (RO)
1 Molecular characterization of A.J. Khan 2010 132,000 begomovirus associated with tomato and other crops and screening of tomato cultivars tolerant to leaf curl virus Total 132,000
Table 11. Research projects awarded in 2013 funded through Contract Research (CR).
Principal Sponsor/ Amount No. Title Investigator Agency (RO)
1 Mapping, monitoring M. Al-Wardy Ministry of 728,145 and mitigation of land Environment & degradation in Oman Climatic Affairs 2 Monitoring coral M. Claereboudt Oman Oil Co. 68,800 communities and Exploration & artificially created Production, LLC substrates near (OOCEP) Musandam Gas Processing Plant
3 The role of small and S. Bose The Research 7,040 medium enterprises Council, Oman (SMEs) and agricul- tural cooperatives in promoting sustainable agriculture for rural development and food security
4 Screening of viral, A. Al-Sadi Royal Court Affairs 4,428 viral-like and bacterial diseases in Citrus
5 Implementation and M. Claereboudt Ray International, 1,600 performance evaluation LLC of environmental technologies for oil contaminated soils and water
Total 312,218
7 Table 12. Research projects awarded in previous years funded through CR. Principal Year Sponsor/ Amount No. Title Investigator Granted Agency (RO)
1 Wastewater treatment M. Ahmed 2012 IIC, Oman/ 20,400 reuse at A‘Saffa Poultry A‘Saffa Farm at Thamrait, Dhofar Governance
2 Evaluation and A. Al-Busaidi 2012 Haya Water 27,000 assessment of treated sludge (KALA Fertilizer) application in agriculture 3 Development of low fat and M.S. Rahman 2011 IIC, Oman 4,924 low sugar Omani halwa*
Total 52,324 *Discontinued.
Table 13. Research projects awarded in 2013 and completed in the same year funded through CR.
Principal Sponsor/ Amount No. Title Investigator Agency (RO)
1 Performance evaluation of M. Ahmed PDO, Oman 4,615 hybrid adsorption-ceramic membrane microfiltration approach for produced water treatment
2 Whole wheat products M. Annamalai IIC, Oman 4,480 development and awareness creation in Oman – Phases IV to VI
3 Development of monitoring S. Bose Ministry of 8,640 and control program for Agriculture & lobster fishery in the Fisheries Sultanate of Oman
Total 17,735
8 Table 14. Research project completed in 2013 funded through CR. Principal Year Sponsor/ Amount No. Title Investigator Granted Agency (RO)
1 Whole wheat products M. Annamalai 2011 IIC, Oman 15,780 development and awareness creation in Oman – Phases II & III Total 15,780
Table15. Research projects awarded in previous years funded through External Grants (EG). Principal Year Sponsor/ Amount No. Title Investigator Granted Agency (RO)
1 Determination of I. Kadim 2011 Ministry of 164,500 chemical contaminates Agriculture of meat and meat products which threaten human health sold in Oman
2 Role of nurseries and A.M. Al-Sadi 2012 VALE Brazil 29,948 propagation techniques through Univ of in spreading citrus Federal Viscosa, pathogens Brazil
A. Al Sadi 3 Studies on Citrus 2012 VALE Oman 47,500 diseases caused by Pelletizing Co., Citrus Tristeza Virus LLC (CTV), phytoplasma and viroid in Oman
M.L. Deadman 4 Mango wilt disease in 2012 VALE Oman 35,000 Oman: resistance, Pelletizing Co., resistance mechanisms LLC and environmental interactions Total 009,673
Table 16. Research project awarded from previous years and completed in 2013 funded through EG. Principal Year Sponsor/ Amount No. Title Investigator Granted Agency (RO)
1 Diversity, stocks and K. Al-Rashdi 2008 MFW 94,300 feasibility of sea-cucumber M. Claereboudt aquaculture in Oman
Total 94,300 9
10
University Day May 5, 2013
11
12 Oral Presentations by Faculty
Abstracts
The Brucella Protein BP26 Binds Select Molecules of the Extracellular Matrix
Yasmin El Tahir1, Amna Al-Araimi1, David Pascual2 and Eugene H. Johnson1
1Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, College of Agricultural &Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 34, Al-Khod 123, Sultanate of Oman 2VeterinaryMolecular Biology, P.O. Box 173610 Montana State University Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
Brucella is an intracellular bacterial pathogen is the causative agent of brucellosis. Brucella proliferates within several types of phagocytic and non- phagocytic cells. An essential step utilized by bacteria to colonizating a host involves adhesion to a variety of tissues and, consequently, the establishment of infection is adherence to host tissue surfaces. Thus for adhesion, Brucellae are proposed to have the capacity to bind to cultured human cells and key components of the extracellular matrix, such as fibronectin and vitronectin.
However, little is known about the molecular basis of Brucella adherence. In many cases, adherence is mediated by one or more adhesins that can act simultaneously or in distinct steps of an infectious process. In an attempt to identify bacterial adhesion factors expressed by Brucella spp., BP26, a Brucella periplasmic protein which is conserved among all Brucella spp. was investigated as a one of the potential candidates.
The present study focused on BP26 protein that is conserved in all Brucella species. The ability of BP26 protein to bind extracellular matrix molecules was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using immobilized and soluble fibronectin, vitronectin, type I collagen and laminin. BP26 protein bound in a concentration-dependent manner to both immobilized and soluble typeI collagen and vitronectin. BP26 bound in a concentration-dependent manner to soluble but not immobilized fibronectin. Interestingly, BP26 did not bind to laminin in any form.
Our results highlight the role of BP26 protein in the binding of Brucella to the extracellular matrix molecules in vitro. These are novel findings that offer new insight into understanding the interplay between Brucella and host target cells. 13 Estimates of Fishing, Natural and Total Mortality from Female to Embryo Ratios: A Model Illustrated for the Milk Shark Rhizoprionodon acutus from Oman
Anesh Govender and Aaron C. Henderson
Department of Marine Science and Fisheries College of Agricultural & Marine Sciences Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 34, Al-Khod 123 Sultanate of Oman
In this study, we develop an age structured model that provides estimates of instantaneous mortality rates (total, natural and fishing mortality) in sharks. We illustrate the model with data collected from the Rhizoprionodon acutus fishery of Oman. Input data include age estimates, selectivity and maturity at age and female to embryo ratios per age class harvested. Moreover, from the model outputs we suggest that female to embryo ratios can be used to predict fishing mortality rates in shark fisheries. The use of the embryo:female ratio as a predictor of fishing mortality is based on the premise that generally older female sharks would produce more embryos. Hence, the selective removal of older individuals would result in skewed embryo:female ratios. An independent estimate of Z (eg. from a catch curve) is required to constraint the model outputs of natural and fishing mortalities.
14 Neuroprotective Effects of Omani Pomegranate Juice Extracts on Quinolinic Acid-Induced Excitotoxicity in Human Primary Neurons (RC/AGR/FOOD/11/01)
Essa MM1, Subash S1, Braidy N2, Al-Adawi S3, Al-Asmi A3, Vaishnav R3, Al-Senawi H3, Guillemin GJ 4,5
1Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Agricultural & Marine Sciences Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 34, Al-Khod 123, Sultanate of Oman 2Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney Australia 3College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O.Box 35, Al-Khod 123, Sultanate of Oman 4St Vincent’s Centre for Applied Medical Research, St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, Australia 5Neuropharmacology group, MND and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
Quinolinic acid (QUIN) excitotoxicity occurs in most neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer‘s disease, is mediated by elevated intracellular Ca2+ levels, and nitric oxide (NO•) mediated oxidative stress resulting in DNA damage, PARP activation, NAD+ depletion and cell death. We evaluated the effect of a series of Omani pomegranate juice extracts (i.e. helow, malasi, qusum, and hamedh) with antioxidant properties on QUIN induced excitotoxicity on primary cultures of human neurons. We found that helow and malasi can attenuate QUIN-induced excitotoxicity to a greater extent than qusum and hamedh. Similarly, both helow and malasi were able to attenuate QUIN-induced Ca2+ influx and nNOS activity to a greater extent compared to qusum, and hamedh. All extracts reduced the oxidative effects of increased NO• production thereby reducing the formation of 3- nitrotyrosine and PARP activity, and hence preventing NAD+ depletion and cell death. In addition to the well-known antioxidant properties of these natural phytochemicals, the inhibitory effect of some of these compounds on specific excitotoxic processes such as calcium influx provides additional evidence for the beneficial health effects of pomegranate juice extracts in excitable tissue, particularly within the CNS.
15 Storing Water Underground: A Response to Anticipated Water Shortage Due to Climate Change
Mushtaque Ahmed
Department of Soils, Water and Agricultural Engineering College of Agricultural & Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University P.O. Box 34, Al-Khod 123, Sultanate of Oman
Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) is practiced widely to store water during periods of surpluses and withdraw during deficits from an aquifer. MAR also known as artificial recharge, is the infiltration or injection of water into an aquifer. Infiltration methods also include recharge basin, surface spreading, irrigation pits and trenches. Injection is carried out using a bore (injection well or series of bores for deeper or confined aquifer). Treated wastewater effluent (TE) is considered a promising option to meet water demand of many practices, such as irrigating agricultural and urban lands, or recharging it into groundwater aquifers (to enhance storage capacities or to mitigate seawater intrusion) for future uses. In Muscat, the Oman Wastewater Services Company (OWSC) will have 80% of the households in the network by 2015 with a surplus of 100,000 m3/day of treated wastewater during winter months. The aquifer along the northern coast of Oman is conducive for MAR. Data show that Treated Effluent (TE) volumes will increase from 7.6 Mm3 in 2003 to 70.9 Mm3 in 2035. Lower Samail catchment area was chosen as area for possible reinjection. Modelling studies were done with two well-known packages. Numerical simulations made with HYDRUS3D show that, areas with loamy sand soils are ideally suited for infiltration ponds. It was observed that water percolates as a plug in these soils, and if such sites are found, there will not be a need to inject water for recharge. In the event soils are sandy loams or heavier, then injection may be necessary. It is recommended that the recharge should be practiced over permeable zones with higher hydraulic conductivity values in order to reduce the water-table mound. Numerical simulations with MODFLOW show that when groundwater level is limited to 10 m below the ground surface, no feasible solution that satisfies the optimization problem was found (with 4 month recharge and no abstraction), but when the head constraint is relaxed to 5 m below the ground, a feasible solution was found. Therefore, in order to maximize the amount of water injected into aquifer, MAR was subjected to the following constraints: limit groundwater mound below 5 meters, maximum allowable injection rate is 1000 m3/day and decision variables are injection rate and location of the wells. Results show that 68 injection wells with a total injection rate of 62,205 m3/d was found to be a feasible option, there will be a discharge of maximum 7,500 m3/day towards the sea and the injection rate of each wells ranges from 200 -1000 m3/d. The preliminary financial analysis has shown that the project will require government subsidy in order to be implemented. Issues such as ownership of the water, quality requirements of recharged water, uses of such waters, health and safety considerations and cost recovery need concrete government decisions after discussions with all stakeholders and on the basis of proper environmental and technical analysis.
16 Monitoring Groundwater Using Energy Water Smart Meters and Precision Irrigation (RC/AGR/ECON/12/01)
Slim Zekri
Department of Natural Resource Economics, College of Agricultural &Marine Sciences Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 34, 123 Al-Khod, Sultanate of Oman
Ground water usage for agriculture is a significant contributor to the depletion of groundwater reserves in Oman. Previous awareness campaigns, stakeholder‘s participation to the management of the resource, introduction of modern irrigation techniques have so far shown a limited impact on ground water depletion.
This project proposes the introduction of intelligent energy and water metering network to allocate fair groundwater allocation to farmers and insure sustainable farming options through precision irrigation.
The technological options for sensors based irrigation systems will be presented and illustrated. The expected cost benefit at the farm level and social benefits at the community level will be discussed.
17 Posters
The following Posters were also presented by the faculty during the University Day in 2013:
Topic Authors Potential of Managed Aquifer Salem Al-Jabri Recharge of Treated Wastewater Mushtaque Ahmed Effluents in Muscat, Sultanate of Ali Al-Maktoumi Oman S.A. Prathapar S. Al-Hakawati
Fluctuations of Sardine Landings in Hamed Al-Oufi the Sea of Oman Sergey A. Piontkovski Saud Al-Jufaili
Witches‘ Broom Disease of Lime in Abdullah Al-Sa’di et al. Oman: Challenges and Potential Solutions
Fish Grown in the Desert Aquaculture Group, MASF, CAMS, and Dr. GilHa Yoon
18
Some Significant Research Completed in 2013
19 20 Some Significant Research Completed in 2013
Research Theme: Environmental and Biological Research
Feasibility of Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) Using Excess Treated Wastewater in Oman (SR/AGR/SWAE/09/01)
Mushtaque Ahmed (PI) 1, Anvar Kacimov (Co-PI) 1, Ali Al Maktoomi1, Salem Al Jabri1, Malik Al Wardy1, Slim Zekri2, Hamed Al Busaidi1, Mahad Baawain3, Osman Abdallah 4, Salem Al Hakawati5, Yuri Obnosov6, Nurul Akhand7 (Co-Investigators)
1Department of Soils, Water and Agricultural Engineering, 2Dept of Natural Resource Economics, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), 3Dept of Civil & Architectural Engineering, College of Engineering, SQU, 4Dept of Earth Sciences, College of Science, SQU, 5Oman Wastewater Services Company (Haya Water), P.O. Box 1047, PC 133, Al-Khuwair, Oman, 6Kazan State University, Russia, 7International Center for Biosaline Research (ICBA), P.O. Box 14660 Dubai, UAE
Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) is practiced widely to store water during periods of surpluses and withdraw water during periods of deficit from an aquifer. It consists of injecting water into the aquifer through recharge wells or infiltration ponds. Although aquifers are a very good mean of storing water and MAR have minimum requirement surface land area and can be used to mitigate sea water intrusion. MAR also has some disadvantages: only part of the water can be recovered and the quality of the aquifer may be affected by the water injected. The feasibility of MAR depends on the physical properties of soils, on the cost of processing wastewater and injecting it in the aquifer and on the local hydrogeology of the aquifer.
The main aims of this study were thus to evaluate cost (including wastewater availability), to model the behavior of the aquifer under various recharge schemes and to estimate the impact of MAR on groundwater quality and quantity.
An economic model was developed to estimate the cost of treatment and further treatment of wastewater to reach international standards and compared to experiences in MAR carried out elsewhere. A series of numerical models were then used to quantify the rates and volumes of recharging water and its fate under various recharging and recovering scenarios according to the specific geological characteristics of the chosen experimental area of lower Samail catchment near Seeb.
21 In Muscat, there will likely be a surplus of 100,000 m3/day of treated effluent (TE) during winter months by 2015. The aquifer along the northern coast of Oman (Lower Samail Catchment) is conducive for MAR. Treated effluents volumes are likely to increase from 7.6 Mm3 in 2003 to 70.9 Mm3 in 2035. HYDRUS 3D simulations showed that, areas with sandy loam soils are suited for infiltration ponds and numerical simulations with MODFLOW (in combination with PEST and GWM) show that injection wells can be used for recharge without causing undue water ponding. An economic analysis was done to see the cost of MAR on the basis of the assumption that for advanced treatment before injection a 85,000 m3/day single pass RO system with feed pressure of 13.6 bar has to be used. The analysis is based on a 30 yr period with 5% interest rate (assuming that the project will be undertaken by the Government of Oman). Preliminary analysis has shown that a minimum cost of USD 0.353/m3 will be incurred for further Reverse Osmosis (RO) membrane treatment and injection.
The research showed that an advanced treatment of the excess effluent and subsequent recharging of aquifers is a technically feasible project. The Samail lower catchment is suitable as location for MAR. However, the financial analysis results have shown that the project will require government financial incentives to make it a reality. Furthermore, in order to be implemented issues such as ownership of the water, quality requirements of recharged water, uses of such waters, health and safety considerations and cost recovery need to be considered before a final decision is made.
22 Research Theme: Humanities and Social Sciences Research
An Analysis on Optimal Plan on New-planting and Replanting of Date Palm in Oman through a Multiperiod Linear Programming Optimization Model (IG/AGR/ECON/11/01)
Hemesiri Kotagama (PI)1, Slim Zekri (Co-PI)1, Hemanatha Jayasuriya (Co-I)2, Juma Al-Musalami (Co-I)1
1Department of Natural Resource Economics, 2Dept of Soils, Water and Agricultural Engineering, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University
Date palm is among the most significant crop, both culturally and socio- economically, in the Sultanate of Oman. Since 2000, the cultivated extent, productivity and production of date fruits have stagnated at around 200000 tons and nearly 37% of date palm trees are more than 50 years old. The Government of the Sultanate has implemented a program to rejuvenate the sector by planting 1 million trees. These trees could either be planted as new trees requiring additional land, water and other resources or alternatively replace aged and unproductive trees without additional commitment of land or water. Replanting of perennial crops is an agronomic practice that maximizes and sustains long term benefits and although the optimal age for replanting has been estimated for many crops, it has not yet been scientifically estimated for date palm. The aim of this study is thus to provide such estimate using mathematical models resting on a solid data sets (both historical and collected for the purpose of this study) of production, water consumption, value of crop etc. using both a Comparison of Equivalent Annual Net Revenue (CEAN) and a Multiperiod Linear Programming Optimization Model.
The Khalas variety of date was considered for this study and the age-yield relationship was estimated as a parabola with maximum yield at age 32 approximately. The base data used in the models were an average price of 0.250 OR/kg, a cost of cultivation of 914 OR/ha, a tree density of 125 trees per ha and an interest rate of 4%.
Both models suggested an optimal replanting age between 50-55 years of age that was mostly sensitive to the interest rate with low interest rate shortening the optimal age of replanting. Changes in price, yield and cost did not change the optimal age of replanting. The model also estimated that adopting such optimal replanting strategy would increase the total revenue of the sector by 7 million OR/ year (13% of the 2011 value for the sector).
The model can easily be scaled at the scale of a region, a farm or a whole country.
23 Research Theme: Environmental and biological research
Whole wheat products development and awareness creation in Oman (CR-AGR-SWAE-11-01-1 IIC P-2010-006)
Manickavasagan Annamalai (PI)
Department of Soils, Water and Agricultural Engineering, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University
Whole grain foods are key sources of health promoting nutrients, including dietary fiber, resistant starch, antioxidant, trace minerals, certain vitamins, and phytonutrients, and play important roles in disease prevention. Despite recommendations of a consumption of whole grain in excess of 3 servings per day, the consumption levels in Oman are low, around one serving per day and decreasing.
A research project was initiated in collaboration with the industry (Atyab Food Tech) and the IIC (Industrial Innovation Center) to (1) assess awareness and attitude towards whole grain products and its current level of consumption; (2) reformulate traditional food products (Samoon, Khubs and Rikhal) to include a higher proportion of whole grain flour while maintaining consumer approval; (3) assess the nutritional value and sensory perception of these new products. The first objective was assessed using questionnaires in a stratified sampling strategy around the Sultanate. For the second objectives recipes of traditional foods with increasing proportion (0%, 0%, and 100%, whole wheat flour) were prepared and baked according to the standards used in the industry. The sensory values of this product was estimated from 30 untrained panelist working in the bread industry and their nutritional values assessed by chemical analysis.
Although 95% of the interviewed household declared baking wheat product at home, less than 10% bought whole wheat flour. Similarly, although people eat rice 5-7 days a week, less than 5% of the households declared to have consumed brown rice. On average, however, 60% of the respondents were aware of the health benefit of whole grain and whole wheat and 90% responded they were willing to consume whole wheat bread regularly. There was a higher awareness of the health benefits of whole wheat among male respondents. There was no significant effect of family income on the consumption of whole wheat product.
As expected, the overall nutritional values of all recipes were very similar with the exception of fibers that were up to 5 times higher in whole wheat recipes. A value index was calculated to account for both the nutritional quality (protein + fibers) and sensory value appearance, color, mouth feel and taste). For all three products the reported value index was considerably higher for the whole wheat product. This was a result of a higher nutritional 24 value but also of a clear preference of the panelist for the whole wheat product in terms of taste, and mouth feel. Color of the crust was the only characteristics for which panelists gave a low score.
A large scale awareness campaign of the nutritional benefit of whole grain is necessary to increase awareness among some part of the population. Although whole grain products have clearly a better mouth feel and taste, the unfamiliar color and taste for some consumers may warrant the creation of 50/50 products and perhaps smaller whole wheat samoon for children to be consumed as sandwiches with various filling.
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Summary of Internal Grant Projects Awarded in 2013
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28 Characterization of Fungal Pathogens Associated with Root Rot and Wilt of Date Palms in Oman
Abdullah Al-Sadi, P.I.
Duration: 3 years Budget (RO): 11,000
Date palm is the most important crop in Oman and the Arabian Peninsula. Despite many challenges which face date palm production, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. albedinis and Ceratocystis radicicola are considered among the most serious fungal pathogens which affect date palm production in different parts of the world.
In Oman, little attention has been given to fungal pathogens associated with root diseases of date palm. However, some diseases have been observed recently in a number of districts. Symptoms of these diseases were characterized by yellowing of date palm leaves followed by wilt and death of the affected trees. Preliminary investigations revealed association of more than 25 fungal species with date palms and confirmed that at least 7 of these fungi cause new diseases on date palms. However, due to limitations in the preliminary study, little is still known about these causal agents, their distribution, date palm cultivars which are severely affected and threats which these fungi may impose on date palm production in Oman and elsewhere. The main objective of this study is to characterize fungal pathogens associated with root rot and wilt of date palms in Oman, their distribution and date palm cultivars which are affected.
29 Development of Begomoviral Resistance in Sweet Pepper Due to the Expression of Non-pathogen Derived Antiviral Genes
Akhtar Jamal Khan, P.I.
Duration: 3 years Budget (RO): 11,000
Whitefly transmitted begomoviruses are currently the main biotic constraint to sweet pepper production in Oman and many other countries in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Sweet peppers are naturally susceptible to a wide range of plant viruses that produce different symptoms such as mosaic, mottling, leaf distortion, vein etching, yellowing, stunting and narrowing of leaves. In Oman both hot pepper and sweet pepper are major commercial crops among grown vegetables. Following the conceptual development of virus resistance strategies ranging from coat protein-mediated interference of virus propagation to RNA-mediated virus gene silencing, much progress has been achieved to protect plants against RNA and DNA virus infections. Geminiviruses are a major threat to world agriculture, and breeding resistant crops against these DNA viruses is one of the major challenges faced by plant virologists and biotechnologists. Recently transgene-based approaches have been developed to achieve durable geminivirus resistance in crops. Although most of the strategies have been tested in model plant systems, they are ready to be adopted for the protection of crop plants. Furthermore, a better understanding of geminivirus gene and protein functions, as well as the native immune system, which protects plants against viruses, will allow us to develop novel tools to expand our current capacity to stabilize crop production in geminivirus epidemic zones. The main objective of present study is to develop resistance against geminivirus using a novel strategy based on non- pathogen derived resistance using G5, GroeL and AZF genes.
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Atmospheric Cyclones and Biological Productivity of the Ocean
Sergey Piontkovski, P.I.
Duration: 3 years Budget (RO): 11,000
Atmospheric tropical cyclones are important elements of the ocean- atmosphere interaction responsible for significant cooling and vertical mixing of the upper layers of the ocean. In terms of biological consequences, the cyclone wind field causes local mixing resulting in the injection of nutrients into the upper layer of the ocean and inducing phytoplankton bloom. The proposal sets up the basis for the analysis of the relationship between physical characteristics of atmospheric cyclones, sea surface temperature, and biological productivity of the upper mixed layer of the ocean.
A multilateral data from various satellites will be used, to analyze 20 cyclones. The expected results will be presented in the form of scientific papers, conference presentations, outreach activities, and the SQU course materials.
31 The Population Dynamics, Pathology and Treatment of Parasites on Commercially Important Dermasal Fishes in Oman
Gilha Yoon, P.I.
Duration: 3 years Budget (RO): 11,000
The Sultanate of Oman has 3000 km of coast line and numerous natural fishery resources which represent a promising valuable, renewable source of revenue and, as such, makes the Sultanate of Oman one of the most important countries in the Middle East. The commercially important species of marine fish that are landed at Omani ports, the Omani aquaculture industry looks set to continue to grow and to look at a number of potential native species suitable for aquaculture. The presence of parasites in natural waters and cultured farms may cause reductions in growth rate or in reproductive performance or result in mass mortalities thereby imposing serious threats to the emerging Omani aquaculture industry or result in the catastrophic destruction of wild populations. It is proposed, therefore, that the project will evaluate the impact of ectoparasites such as monogeneans and copepods on gills and skin and endoparasites inside of body on commercially important Omani species and additionally of those species that are under consideration for aquaculture in the future and assist the government in formulating strategies to minimize their impacts on host populations, on the livelihoods of those dependent upon these species of fish and on the Oman fisheries industry.
32 Effects of Processing Methods on Retaining Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Some Mushroom Cultivars
Nejib Guizani, P.I.
Duration: 3 years Budget (RO): 11,000
Nowadays, the interest in the role of dietary antioxidants in human health has prompted research in the field of food science. Fruits and vegetables are good sources of these bioactive compounds; their marketing potential depends on its antioxidant potency. Among the known vegetables, mushrooms have been reported to be good sources of phenolics. Cultivation of mushroom in Oman has grown in the recent years and will continue to grow in the future. Developing such area will greatly help in the Omani food security. Along with the consumption of fresh mushroom, the dried forms including dried powders of mushrooms have been used as food ingredients to produce flavor and functionality. Drying methods play an important role in the production of dried mushrooms; and the bioactive compounds as well as their antioxidant capacity might be lost during drying process. This study will investigate the contribution of phenolics and flavonoids to the antioxidant capacity of extracts from four strains of mushroom (White, White giant, Portabella and Crimini) of the species Agaricus Bisporous. The effects of processing methods (drying, freezing and freeze-drying) on total contents of phenolics and flavonoids and the antioxidant capacity of the mushroom extracts will also be studied.
33 Estimating the Capital Stock and Investment in Oman Artisanal Fishery: A Case Study of Wilayat Al-Seeb
Shekar Bose, P.I.
Duration: 3 years Budget (RO): 4,900
This case study will investigate the status of the capital stock and investment in the traditional fishery using an empirical approach that specified the vessel acquisition price as a function of vessel characteristics. The artisanal fishery of wilayat Al-Seeb, Muscat Governorate will be used as case study. The selection of the study site is influenced by several factors such as, costs, information availability and geographical proximity, amongst others. It is envisaged that the replication of the study would be useful for generating insights into the pattern of fishery investment and subsequently the design of effective management policies in relation to the future investment in the fishery.
34 The Preferences and Determinants of Dairy Farmer’s Participation in Alternative Marketing Channels: A Study of the Small-scale Dairy Farmers in Oman
Msafiri Mbaga, P.I.
Duration: 3 years Budget (RO): 10,000
By 2020 it is expected that the Oman economy will not be predominantly reliant on oil, but rather, will have diversified into non-oil sectors. The non-oil sector's contribution is expected to increase to 29 percent in 2020 from the 7.5 percent registered in 1996. Agriculture is one of the non-oil sectors of the Oman economy. Even though currently the sector makes only a very small contribution to Oman‘s GDP, as oil deposits dwindle agriculture will be increasingly important. The vision for the agricultural sector, aims at achieving among other things, an annual growth rate of approximately 4.5 percent and a contribution to the GDP of 3.1 percent by 2020. Agricultural commodities produced in Oman include crops (date palms, perennial crops, fruits and vegetables) and livestock (dairy and beef cows, sheep, goats, and camels). Among the livestock commodities produced in Oman, dairy milk production is somewhat promising. Recent statistics for example (Table 1) shows that Oman reached 44.7 % self- sufficiency in dairy products in 2010.
Table 1: Oman self-sufficiency in dairy product (2006-2010). Self- Local available for Year Import Export Food gap sufficiency production consumption (%) 2006 46,700 99,902 37,767 62,135 108,835 42.9 2007 47,630 107,178 45,000 62,178 109,808 43.4 2008 48,600 155,860 79,716 76,144 124,744 39.0 2009 49,570 154,568 67,625 86,943 136,513 36.3 2010 69,600 147,404 61,295 86,109 155,709 44.7
A recent study (Mbaga, 2011) investigated among other things, the efficiency of small-scale dairy producers in Oman. The study found that Oman has the potential to reach self-sufficiency in dairy production if the problems facing small-scale dairy producers in the county are addressed.
Most of the small-scale dairy farmers in Oman own indigenous breed dairy cows which produces very little amount of milk per day—as low as 2 to 10 liters. Individually therefore these dairy farmers are weak but if they were to organize themselves into some form of a cooperative, it is possible to pool together their milk output and make it viable as a business. In addition, the availability of a market would stimulate investment towards more milk production. Historically, cooperatives have proved to be the 35 best institutions in the provision of services, such as training, microfinance and bulk procurement of inputs to members at affordable costs. In this case cooperative might help to upgrade the dairy cows leading to improved milk yield by providing members (farmers) with Artificial Insemination (hereafter AI) facilities and or alternatively by establishing heifer breeding centers.
Therefore as identified in Mbaga (2011), one of the major problems facing small-scale dairy farmers in Oman is lack of market for their milk. Forming small-scale dairy cooperatives is one way to address this problem and most importantly because cooperatives have added advantage in that, they could also provide other services such as the provision of inputs and volume discount through bulk procurement of inputs.
This proposed study therefore builds on the previous internal grant (IG/AGR/ECON/07/01) which among other things, found that small- scale dairy farmers in Oman lack reliable market for their milk. The overall objective of this study is, therefore, to propose alternative dairy marketing channels in addition to the existing (status quo) channel, and to assess dairy farmer‘s preference for these channels in order to identify one that farmers prefer most. Furthermore, is to identify the determinants of dairy farmers choice or preference of a given market channel among the proposed channels.
A random sample of a cross section of 300 dairy farmers will be analyzed. The outcome of this project will provide useful information that might lead to the formation of small-scale dairy cooperatives based on whether the cooperative marketing channel is the one preferred. Furthermore, depending upon the availability of graduate students in the NRE department, this project will generate at least two master theses.
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Research by Graduate Students
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38 Summary of Research Proposals PhD Students
Functional genomics of candidate effectors of Witches‘ broom disease of lime (WBDL) and related phytoplasmas
Student Name : Ali Al-Subhi Supervisors : Dr. Abdullah Al-Saadi and Dr. Saskia Hogenhout Department : Crop Sciences
Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) has been a major commercial crop during the 1970s and early 1980s. Traditionally, acid lime has become part of the daily diets of Omani people and others in the Arabian Peninsula. In the early 1970s, new symptoms were observed on Omani lime trees, characterized by clustering of leaves, which become small in size and light green to yellow in color. The disease was called Witches‘ broom disease of lime, which was found to be caused by a wall-less microorganism called Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia. Diseased trees are usually killed within 5 years of appearance of symptoms. Witches‘ broom of lime (WBDL) is a serious disease in all northern parts of the Sultanate of Oman. By the end of 1990s, witches‘ broom disease has drastically reduced production of Omani lime by infecting more than 95% lime orchards throughout the Sultanate.
Witches‘ broom disease of lime (WBDL) has also been reported in the UAE, Iran, India and Saudi Arabia. However, little is known about the molecular aspects of interactions between host, pathogen and vector. Indeed this is critical for understanding the lime defense mechanisms and may also serve as a basis for disease management. Phytoplasmas are obligate pathogens which can't be cultivated in artificial media, but at the same time they cause diseases in a wide range of economically important plants. Due to difficulties in conducting lab experiments on these obligate pathogens, genome sequencing and related studies have been utilized as powerful tools to comprehend phytoplasma biology. Through production of specific molecules (proteins), called effectors, phytoplasma is able to overcome physical and biochemical plant defenses. Effectors can help phytoplasma to multiply in plant hosts and dispersal by insect vectors. Moreover; effectors modulate plant host growth and interactions between plant and insect vector.
Therefore in this study, we will get engaged in research to understand the mechanisms of interaction between Omani lime and Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia. The project will include full genome sequencing for Ca. Phytoplasma aurantifolia and transformation of effectors into plants and assessment of developmental phenotypes of transgenic plants. The main objective is to study phytoplasma genes involved in symptom induction. Knowledge in these areas may help develop future management strategies for witches‘ broom disease of lime in Oman and elsewhere.
39 Antibiotic- and Disinfectant-resistance of Bacteria Isolated from Fruits and Vegetables Imported into or Grown in Oman
Student Name : Zahra Sulaiman Nasser Al-Kharousi Supervisor : Prof. Nejib Guizani Department : Food Science and Nutrition
Antibiotics are one of the most successful agents used originally to treat infections. The term ―resistance‖ describes ―the relative insusceptibility of a microorganism to a particular treatment under a particular set of conditions‖. Today, we are in a situation where resistance to all useful antibiotics has been reported. Bacteria have got specific construction kits to adapt to harsh environmental conditions including presence of antibiotics and thus develop resistance to them. Once developed, the resistance traits can be transferred to other pathogenic or non-pathogenic bacteria by horizontal gene transfer. Non- pathogenic environmental bacteria might act as a reservoir for transferring resistance genes to the pathogenic bacteria. Antibiotics are largely used in food production and the food chain is considered an important route for transferring antibiotic resistant bacteria or their genes from animals to humans. Bacteria can contaminate fruits and vegetables at any point from their production to consumption. Studying antibiotic resistance in these bacteria is of a special concern because fruits and vegetables are likely to be consumed raw and thus might affect the faecal resistome.
Lessons that are learnt from antibiotic resistance can be used to study disinfectant resistance. Disinfectants are largely used in the food industry as part of the hygienic practices but now there is a growing concern of the possibility of exerting a selective pressure on microorganisms leading to disinfectant-resistant isolates. Disinfectant-resistant bacteria might cause food spoilage or might lead to a failure in a food processing process. The prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes in human gut was found to vary among countries according to the type of antibiotics used. In Oman, several bacteria isolated from water, fish, chicken and turtles were found to be resistant to many antibiotics but there are no studies on fruits and vegetables. This study will focus on the resistance of bacteria isolated from fruits and vegetables imported into or grown in Oman to some antibiotics and disinfectants. This will be beneficial to the country to provide safety data on consuming such important foods and it would be possible to address some guidelines on the appropriate use of antibiotics and disinfectants.
40 Ten types of fresh imported or local fruits (watermelon, pomegranate, mango, annona, tomato, banana, fresh soft dates (rutab), grapes, guava and papaya) and 10 types of fresh imported or local vegetables (cucumber, cabbage, lettuce, cauliflower, parsley, capsicum, green onion, radish, carrot and spinach) will be analysed for their total bacteria and contents of Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus. Identification of bacteria will be done using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Bacteria will be tested for their resistance to antibiotics using the standard Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Resistance of the isolated bacteria to disinfectants (benzalkonium chloride and chlorhexidine) will be investigated by determination of minimum inhibitory concentration. PCR will be used to determine antibiotic or disinfectant resistance genes using specific primers. It is expected to find some antibiotic resistant bacteria that might show a reduced sensitivity to disinfectants as well.
41 Walnut and Traumatic Brain Injury: A Nutritional, Biochemical, and Behavioural Approach
Student Name : Parvathy Radhika Kumar Supervisor : Dr. Mohamed M. Essa Department : Food Science and Nutrition
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is becoming one of the leading causes of death worldwide. TBI is an acquired brain trauma, featured by the damage to brain caused by any sudden trauma/injury. Rate of TBIS is the highest in mortality figures in young Omani population due to the increased incidence of road traffic accident. Oman ranks fifth among the countries with the highest Road Traffic Accident (RTA) rates in the world. The fatality rate in Oman has reached 30 per 100,000 people.TBI is characterized by tissue damage and imbalance in the cerebral blood flow and metabolism. These irregular metabolic patterns could lead to the over-accumulation of lactic acid due to anaerobic glycolysis and increased membrane permeability. Depletion of ATP reserves would disrupt the membrane–ion pumps. The excess Ca2+ will cause the activation of lipases, proteases, and lipid peroxidases that produce free fatty acids and free radicals. The formation of oxyradicals is also due to the excitotoxicity and the unavailability of endogenous antioxidant systems. These events lead to the peroxidation of cellular structures, proteins, vascular systems in brain, and the cleavage of DNA and eventually cell apoptosis. Loss of memory, cognitive abilities and neurodegenerative disorders are the after-effects of TBI.Only symptomatic treatments are available till date for TBI. Walnuts, a common tree nut, are rich in melatonin, phytochemicals, like polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, alkaloids, vitamin E, and minerals along with Omega-3fatty acids. Polyphenolic compounds provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and also help in neuronal signalling, and neurogenesis. It has been established through laboratory experiments that the dietary supplementation of Omega-3 fatty acids, could reduce the oxidative stress developed in brain due to TBI. Here through our research work, we propose to study the effects of walnut supplementation in TBI survivors. We would be conducting a dose dependent nutritional intervention of walnuts in TBI induced animal models. The influence of the walnut diet would be analysed by behavioural, and biochemical assessments. The other phase of our study includes the walnut supplementation study in Omani post TBI survivors. The participants in the study would be assessed for their nutritional, behavioural and biochemical status prior to and after the walnut intake. The results would be compared with normal healthy controls.
42 Thesis Abstracts of Postgraduate Students who Graduated in 2013
PhD
Maximizing the Use of Reclaimed Water for Crop Production in Arid Regions
Student Name : Saif Ali Salim Alkhamisi Supervisor : Dr. Mushtaque Ahmed Department : Soils, Water and Agricultural Engineering
Water resources augmentation together with conservation have been adopted by the Sultanate of Oman to combat water scarcity. Use of Reclaimed Water (RW) from sewage treatment for irrigation contributes to this strategy. Over 55 sewage treatment plants in Oman‘s different governorates produce more than 100 million m3 ( M m3) of RW per year, which can be used for irrigation. Agriculture in Oman, contributes to partial food sovereignty and forms an important part of rural livelihoods. It accounts for 3.2% of the GDP in Oman in which fruits occupy an area of 53% followed by perennial forages (30%), vegetables (11%) and field crops (6%).
If Oman decides not to use expensive water from desalination plants or fresh groundwater for irrigation, then the maximum area that can be irrigated solely with RW, will be determined by the day when demand for evaporatranspiration is maximum. During other days, there will be surplus of RW, unless a conjunctive water management strategy, by supplementing RW with groundwater is formulated. If a conjunctive water management strategy is adopted, then the area under crops may be increased, and groundwater withdrawal will be reduced. Hence, the objective of this study was mainly to maximize the use of RW, supplemented by groundwater, by identifying short season crops, and changing the area under cultivation of such crops. Field studies were conducted to assess yield components of wheat, cowpea and maize crops rotation grown with RW for irrigation. Furthermore, the impact of RW irrigation on soil physical and chemical properties prior/after wheat, cowpea and maize cultivation were also assessed
Results show that by using RW conjunctively with groundwater (assuming irrigation salinity of 1 dS/m and RW availability of 38,267 m3/d) cropping area can be increased from 695 ha to 2245 ha of wheat, 313 ha to 782 ha (250% increase) of cowpea and 346 ha to 754 ha (318% increase) of maize. Of the total irrigation requirement 24.24 M m3, 57.6% was to be met with RW and 42.4% was to be met with groundwater. The results on the effect of reclaimed water irrigation on soil physico-chemical characteristics indicated 43 that the soil salinity in all soil depths decreased with time. It was 1.79 dS/m after wheat crop, 1.01 dS/m after cowpea, and 0.76 dS/m after maize. The soil pH was not affected by the irrigation with reclaimed water. The organic carbon did not show significant difference between the wheat and cowpea harvest timing. OC% was increasing with time in soil irrigated with reclaimed water. The saturated hydraulic conductivity, ksat didn‘t show significant difference among the water types and the interaction between water types and soil depths. The soil nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were not affected by any of the three water irrigation types. Total N was highest after cowpea harvest in RW irrigation. The highest concentration of P and K was found to be in the upper layers. P and K decrease with the increase in soil depth. Although RW didn‘t significantly show any effect with respect to sodium and magnesium concentration, they increased with time of harvesting. Calcium concentration was affected by the interaction of irrigation water type with soil depth.
The highest Ca was observed in soil irrigated with desalinized water at 60 and 90 cm soil depth, though the RW contained higher Ca. RW didn‘t affect the soil trace elements concentration like Iron (Fe), Sulphur (S) and Manganese (Mn), Silicon (Si), Barium (Ba), Boron (B), Cobalt (Co), Lead (Pb) and Zinc (Zn). Fe and Mn were affected by soil depth and harvest timing. Fe concentration increased with soil depth and decreased with harvesting time. Mn decreased with time of harvesting. Si and B concentrations in the soil were found to be higher in the middle stage (after cowpea harvesting) for all soil depths. Ba decreased with time. Zn was increasing with time and decreasing with soil depth. The effect of reclaimed water was obvious on wheat agronomic characters. The RW irrigation increased wheat plant height (cm), chlorophyll, leaf area (cm2), leaf length (cm), grain yield (t/ha) and the WUE (kg grain/m3). The RW irrigation improved all cowpea growth characters under study except the dry forage yield. The RW irrigation affected the growth parameters of maize. N concentration was also higher under RW irrigation in respect to wheat tissue, cowpea pods and maize cobs. RW had no effect on the element concentrations in wheat straw, cowpea plants and maize plants except for Ni concentration in wheat plants, and Na and Mn concentrations in maize plants. Based on the findings of this study, in order to full utilization of RW, it can be concluded that decision makers should consider use of RW conjunctively with GW in areas where groundwater of relatively good quality is available for irrigating wheat, cowpea and maize (on a rotational basis). All trace elements were in a very low concentration in the soil after growing wheat, cowpea and maize crops and as such are not likely to pose any environmental concerns. There were no adverse impact of reclaimed water irrigation on yield and chemical characteristics of plants and grains of crops under study. The positive impacts of yield and WUE is significant.
44 MSc
Effects of Feeding Prosopis Juliflora Pods with and without Exogenous Enzyme on Performance, Meat Quality and Health of Broiler Chickens
Student Name : Kaadhia Khalaf Al-Kharousi Supervisor : Dr. Waleed Al-Marzooqi Department : Animal and Veterinary Sciences
The feed industry in the Sultanate of Oman is stable only through importation of up to 100% of feed ingredients, which increases the cost of formulated diets. This results to an increase in the cost of production of livestock in general and poultry in particular. Prosopis juliflora pods are one of the cheap and readily available feed sources in Oman.
Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the use Prosopis juliflora pods as a partial replacements of corn for growing broiler chicken. The main objective of Experiment 1, ileal digestibility assay, was to assess the nutritional value of Prosopis juliflora pods compared with corn for feeding broiler chicken. The two test ingredients, corn and Prosopis juliflora pods, were incorporated individually as the sole source of energy. Forty birds of Cobb 500 were divided into two groups with four replicates, each replicate containing 5 birds. Prosopis juliflora pods had lower apparent metabolizable energy (AME) content (10.64 vs 15.26) and apparent ileal digestibility coefficient for crude fiber (0.24 vs 0.63).
Based on the results of experiment 1, a growth study was conducted to test the effect of exogenous enzymes on the nutritive value of Prosopis juliflora pods (experiment 2). Three level of Prosopis juliflora pods (5%, 10% and 15%) with and without enzyme supplementation were evaluated. One hundred sixty birds of Cobb 500 were divided into eight groups with four replicates each 5 birds. Daily feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio were recorded. At the end of the growth experiment 2, 64 birds were randomly selected to evaluate carcass and meat quality characteristics.
Substitution of corn by 10%, and 15% Prosopis juliflora pods were significantly (P>0.001) depressed the AME. Enzyme supplementation did not improve crude fiber digestibility. The inclusion of Prosopis juliflora pods in the diet except at 5% decreased average daily gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Addition of Prosopis juliflora pods caused a significantly (P>0.001) increased the weights of bird's total digestive tract, pancreas, small intestine and caecum. Addition of Prosopis juliflora pods or exogenous enzyme had no effect on carcass or meat quality characteristics, haematology and serum biochemistry and sensory evaluation. This study indicated that Prosopis juliflora pods can be included at level of 5% in broiler's diets without affecting the broiler performance.
45 Artificial MicroRNA Mediated RNA Silencing to Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus Infecting Tomato in Oman
Student Name : Maha Rashid Al-Rushadi Supervisor : Dr. Akhtar Jamal Khan Department : Crop Sciences
Tomato yellow leaf curl disease is the most devastating viral disease of tomato and other dicot species caused by Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV). TYLCV is a whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) transmitted geminivirus belongs to the family Geminiviridae, genus Begomovirus. The management of the disease in Oman is mainly based on cultural practices and use of pesticides, which is not sufficient to reduce disease incidence. The deployment of host-plant resistance is the most practical mean to control this disease.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short 21 to 23 nucleotide long RNA sequences homologous to target viral Rep sequences with important regulatory role. miRNAs control the expression of target transcripts by binding to complementary sequences leading to cleavage or translational inhibition of the target RNA. Plants carrying sense or antisense transgenes can exhibit spontaneous silencing.
To achieve this goal, sense and antisense transgenes derived from Rep (replication associated protein) ORF of TYLCV-OM driven by 35dS CaMV promoter and Nos terminator were synthesized commercially. Susceptible tomato cultivar (Moneymaker) was used as explants and co-cultivated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain AGL1 harboring plant expression binary vector carrying miRNA gene. Transformed shoots were selected on kanamycin medium and the presence of the transgene in the primary transformants was confirmed by PCR using CaMV promoter specific primers. Seeds were collected and sown. Integration of amiRNA genes into F1 transgenic plants was confirmed by PCR. F1 tomato seedlings were challenged with TYLCV-OM.
Putative transgenic plants obtained through Agrobacterium mediated transformation have 70% transformation efficiency. Seeds from transgenic plants have been collected to test resistance against TYLCV-OM in F1 generation. Severe disease symptoms of TYLCV infection appeared on susceptible tomato plants whereas no symptoms developed on transgenic plants.
The findings of this study were consistent with previous studies demonstrating amiRNA-mediated resistance is an effective silencing strategy to introduce anti- viral transgenes in host plants. Transgenic expression of Rep-specific amiRNAs was found to be an effective method to inhibit TYLCV infection in tomato plants.
46 Efficacy of Date-Pits Extract for Primary Prevention of Colon Cancer in Rats
Student Name : Bushra Rashid Saif Al Ghafri Supervisor : Prof. Mohd Shafiur Rahman Department : Food Science and Nutrition
Date-pits contain extractible high value functional components. Presently, however, very little are being used and date-pits are discarded or used as animal feed. Phenolic compounds of date-pits mainly phenolic acids and and flavonids, have been shown to possess health beneficial properties, such as antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, antimutagenic and anti- inflammatory activities. Colorectal cancer has been reported as the second most common cause of cancer deatlh in the Western world. In Oman, the cancer incidence report of the year 2010 presented that colon cancer is the most frequent in Omani males. The present thesis investigated the phytonutrients composition of date-pit extract (DPE) and its effect in azoxymethane (AOM)-induced oxidative stress in rat colonic cells. Results showed that DPE contains phytonutrients capable of inhibiting chemically- induced oxidative stress in the rat colonic cells. A protective effect with DPE was observed against AOM-induced oxidative stress in rat colonic cells as evident by a significant decrease in MDA and oxidized DCF formation in AOM injected and DPE fed group. In conclusion, our results support the notion that DPE contains anticarcinogenic phytonutrients capable of inhibiting chemically-induced oxidative stress in the rat colon. Further studies are required to investigate the dose-dependent effect of DPE and molecular mechanism underlying the DPE protective effects against AOM- mediated colon cancer pathogenesis and any cell toxicity associated with DPE should also be explored in order to determine its safety as supplements.
47 Classification of Dates Based on Hardness Using Gray Scale Images
Student Name : Neima Hareb Al-Shekaili Supervisor : Dr. Manickavasagan Annamalai Department : Food Science and Nutrition
The important quality attributes to evaluate date fruits are color, flavor, moisture content and absence of defects. Hardness is considered to be a defect in dates mainly caused by lower moisture content. It affects the appearance and consumer acceptability.
The ability of monochrome imaging technique to classify dates based on their hardness was investigated. Dates are classified into three classes; soft, semi- hard, and hard, based on hardness.
A total of 1800 Fardh variety (600/class) were obtained from Al-Batinah, Al- Dakhliah and Al-Sharkiah regions (600/region). Images of individual date samples were captured using an image acquisition system. After imaging, the hardness and moisture content of each date were measured using a texture profile analyzer (TPA) and oven drying method, respectively (60/class). An algorithm was developed to extract seven histogram and nine texture features from the images using Matlab software. The classification accuracy of the monochrome imaging was obtained using linear discriminant analysis. Finally, the features extracted were correlated with the instrumental measurements of hardness and moisture content and prediction models were developed.
When dates were classified into soft, semi-hard and hard classes (three classes models) with sixteen features extracted, the mean classification accuracies were 59%, 67%, 76% and 66% for Al-Batinah, Al-Dakhliah, Al- Sharqiah and three regions together respectively. However, the accuracies increased to 83% for Al-Batinah, 84% for Al-Dakhliah, 86% for Al-Sharqiah and 83% for the three regions together when classifying into soft and hard (two classes models, (soft and semi-hard dates together)). The histogram features were more contributing in the date classification based on hardness than texture features. The prediction models for hardness using the sixteen features extracted had R2 value equal to 0.860, 0.715, 0.798 and 0.570 for Al-Batinah, Al-Dakhliah, Al-Sharqiah and combined regions together respectively. While the moisture prediction models had R2 value equal to 0.43 for Al-Batinah, 0.67 for Al-Dakhliah, 0.53 for Al-Sharqiah and 0.34 for combined regions together. It may be possible to develop and use monochrome imaging system in handling facilities for grading of dates based on hardness. However, the effects of differences in dates characteristic growing in other regions and countries which affects the classification must be studied.
48 Effects of Antiepileptic Drug Therapy on Calcium and Vitamin D Status in Omani Children with Epilepsy
Student Name : Sana Saleh Al-Yafaey Supervisor : Dr. Mostafa Waly Department : Food Science and Nutrition
The effects of antiepileptic drugs (AED) on Calcium metabolism and Vitamin D (25OHD) levels are well documented. Chronic AED use is highly correlated with bone loss and disturbance in the bone mineralization, mainly by reducing serum vitamin D (25OHD) levels and interfering with calcium metabolism.
The study was aimed to assess the nutritional and biochemical status of calcium and Vitamin D along with other items that are important for the calcium regulation such as: phosphorous, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (a bone marker) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) which is an important regulator hormone of calcium metabolism and albumin in epileptic Omani children on antiepileptic drugs.
A descriptive study approach was applied in the Royal Hospital (Sultanate of Oman/Muscat) and only 36 epileptic (20 males, 16 females) were recruited according to the inclusion criteria for this study. The ages ranged from (0-15).
Compared to reference values, the study showed that intake of dietary vitamin D was significantly reduced in concomitant with low serum levels of it. Despite the low calcium intake in both genders but the serum levels of both calcium and phosphorus were normal. Regarding the weight of it was comparable for both groups.
The enrolled study subjects have vitamin D deficiency and normal serum calcium level, this was independent of their daily dietary intake of these nutrients.
49 Thermal Characteristics of Date-Pits Powder
Student Name : Sithara Sureschandran Supervisor : Prof. Nejib Guizani Department : Food Science and Nutrition
Date fruit plays a vital role in the economic and social lives of the people of Arab world. The date-pits are considered as a waste product from date fruit processing industry and it contains mainly complex carbohydrates and oil. The wide utilization of the date-pits powder requires understanding of its physico- chemical and structural characteristics. This thesis presents the studies of polyphenol contents, moisture sorption isotherm and thermal characteristics of date-pits. The polyphenol contents varied from 21-62 mg gallic acid equivalent/g date-pits when acetone, ethanol, methanol and water were used as extraction solvents at 22, 45, and 600C. The measured moisture isotherm was modeled by BET and GAB models. The BET and GAB monolayer values of date- pits were estimated as 4.3 and 4.1 g/100 g dry-solids. BET monolayer indicated the amount of bound water to the specific polar sites, however GAB model could be used to predict the complete isotherm. The DSC thermogram of freeze-dried date-pits (moisture: 6.7 g/100 g date-pits) showed two endothermic peaks, a shift and an exothermic shift at high temperature after solids melting. The first endothermic peak was due to the melting og oil and the second one for solids- melting, while first shift indicated the glass transition and second exothermic shift after solids-melting was due to the interactions of melted solid components. At the heating rate 50C/min, the melting peaks of oil and solids were observed at 2.7 and 1970C, respectively, and the exothermic shift was observed at 2900C. The melting peak temperature was decreased and melthing enthalpy was increased with the increasing water content. The decrease of peak temperature could be due to the plasticization of solids with water and the increase of enthalpy could be due to the formation of hydrogen bond density requiring more energy. The peak temperature was modeled with Flory-Huggins model and the water-solids interaction parameter was estimated as 6.8x10-3. Heating rate (5- 1000C/min) and annealing condition were also used to explore the structural characteristics of the date-pits. The melting peak temperature increased exponentially with increasing heating rate and the data was fitted with Mehl- Johnson-Avrami and Kissinger models. The activation energy was observed as 5.6x103, and 9.2x103 J/g, respectively at moisture contents 6.7 and 17.2 g/100 g date-pits. These values are one order lower than the rice starch reported earlier in the literature, and the process with lower activation energy revealed lower interactions of the components in the pits. In the case of annealing, the melting peak temperature increased exponentially with increasing annealing time, which indicates more crystalline (i.e., ordered structure) region formation or further perfection of the existing crystalline regions. The melting enthalpy decreased with the increasing annealing time also an indication of the formation of more crystalline regions. Thermal characteristics have the potential to identify the structural characteristics which is important for the stability determination and would benefit for the modification of the components.
50 Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Figs (Ficus carica) Grown in Oman on Alzheimer’s Disease Transgenic Mice Model
Student Name : Ahood Ahmed Al-Jabri Supervisor : Dr. Mohammed Essa Department : Food Science and Nutrition
Alzheimer's disease is one of the most common types of dementia which is characterized by progressive loss of memory, affects daily activity and decline in intellectual function. Regular consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in phenolic compounds is usually associated with lower risk of neurodegenerative diseases and better cognitive performance in the elderly. Figs grown in Oman are the richest in many nutrients and are good sources of anti-oxidant properties. Usually, the current available drugs could cause some side effects among the consuming AD patients. Therefore, it is needed to find out drugs without any side effects. The current study was designed to find out the effect of dietary supplementation of figs on the memory anxiety and learning skills in Alzheimer‘s disease transgenic (APPSw 2576 from Taconic form, NY, USA) mouse model. Animals (32 transgenic and 15 controls) were divided into 3 groups, 1. Wild type, 2. AD mice (both were fed with control diet), 3. AD mice with fig diet (4% diet from Research Diet Inc, USA) for the duration of 9 months. For every 3 months, the behavior of all mice were examined by T-maze test (for position discrimination learning ability), Rota rod test (for psychomotor coordination), elevated plus maze test (for anxiety-related behavior) and open field test to analyze the effect of diet rich in figs on memory, anxiety and learning skills. The results showed that , APP mice that were fed with regular diet demonstrates memory deficit, anxiety-related behavior, and sever impairment in spatial learning ability, position discrimination learning ability and motor coordination compared with wild type mice on the same diet. While, the diets rich in 4% figs when fed to APP mice showed a significant improvement in their behaviors compared to the AD mice on the diet without figs. It was concluded that, the dietary supplementation of figs may have the beneficial effect in reducing the risk, delaying the onset or slowing the progression of AD. Further studies needed to validate and determine the mechanism of action of these fruits against AD.
51 Nutritional Assessment of Omani Adults Undergoing Chronic Hemodialysis in a Secondary Hospital
Student Name : Khadeeja Sulaiman Al-Aamri Supervisor : Dr. Mostafa Waly Department : Food Science and Nutrition
Malnutrition is prevalent worldwide in hemodialysis patients (HD); however it has not been assessed in HD patients in Oman. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of malnutrition and the associated anemia in Omani adults undergoing chronic HD.
A descriptive cross sectional study approach was applied, and among 62 Omani adults undergoing chronic HD (34 males and 28 females) was involved in according to inclusion and exclusion criteria for this study. Dietary assessment correlated with anthropometric (Body Mass Index (BMI), Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), or biochemical (albumin and hemoglobin) measurements.
Subjects comprised 55% males and 45% females. The sample size were all Omanies (n=62). Approximately 58% of the subjects achieved the recommended body mass index for hemodialysis patients. The mean MUAC was 214.17 ± 55.48mm for females and 221.35 ± 45.04mm for males. The mean energy intake of males was 1051.35±319.44 kcal/day and for females was 743.39 ± 189.39 kcal/day. About 13% of patients with a phosphorus intake of > 900mg/day. However, 55% of patients showed a serum value of PO4> 1.45 mmol/L. However, 76% of patients showed a serum value of potassium > 5.1 mmol/L.
Most of studied subject failed to meet the requirement of protein and caloric intake which appear to affect their biochemical data negatively. Longitudinal study is required to determine the cause and effect mechanism between the associated factors and quality of life.
52 Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Omani Pomegranate on AppSw 2576: Alzheimer’s Disease Transgenic Mice Model
Student Name : Zayana Ali Said Al.Buraiki Supervisor : Dr. Mohammed Essa Department : Food Science and Nutrition
Alzheimer disease (AD) is a relentlessly progressive degenerative disorder of the human central nervous system. The number of affected people is increasing worldwide annually. Chemical drugs used in the treatment have many side effects therefore finding new treatment pathway is mandatory in order to solve this global problem. Although there are no proven ways to delay onset or slow progression of (AD), studies suggest that diet can affect risk. The active compounds in some fruit have been found effective in delaying the onset of AD. This study used Omani pomegranate to find out its effect on transgenic mice model of Alzheimer‘s disease. Behavioral tests have been done to examine the improvement or decline in the learning abilities, anxiety and motor coordination in three groups of animal models (wild type, diseased with normal diet, and diseased fed 4% pomegranate diet). The procedures involved studying their behaviors at 0 month of starting treatment, 3, 6, and 9 months. It include five behavioral tests which are morris water maze and T-maze test to assess the learning & memory abilities, elevated plus-maze and open field tests for anxiety and motor coordination was assessed by rota rod. Pomegranate has been shown its effectiveness in reducing the behavioral AD symptoms in the mice model. There was significant difference (p<0.05) and improvement in the behavioral activities of mice fed with 4% pomegranate compared with the diseased control group. This difference was obvious in the pomegranate treated mice at the periods of 6th and 9th months. They showed high improvement in the learning ability, less anxiety and good motor coordination compared with the diseased group in all tests have been used. The study concludes that, pomegranate might have the ability to reduce the onset of AD and slow down its progression in AD transgenic mice.
53 Biological Aspects of the Minstrel Sweetlips (Plectorhinchus schotaf) in the Arabian Sea Coast of Dhofar Governorate, Sultanate of Oman
Student Name : Haitham Khamis Al-Busaidi Supervisor : Dr. Saud M. Al-Jufaily Department : Marine Science and Fisheries
The Minstrel sweetlips Plectorhinchus schotaf (Haemulidae) is an important species harvested in the traditional fishery in Oman, but, there is a lack of data on their basic biology. The objective of this thesis was to provide basic biological information of P. schotaf in relation to morphometric linear relationships, length-weight relationships, condition factor, sex ratio, spawning season and size at 50% maturity. 976 samples were collected, (558 female and 418 male) from Dhofar Governorate off the coast of the Arabian Sea from March 2010 to February 2012.
Females and males had different mean total length 28.04 ± 3.69 cm for females and 28.63 ± 4.46 cm for male and different mean total weight 353.25 ± 133.68 g for females and 382.20 ± 169.74 g for males (P 0.05). All morphometric linear relationships were highly correlated (P < 0.001). All length-weight relationships showed negative allometry and a significant difference between the sexes (P 0.05). Males were better than females in condition factor which decreases with an increase in length. The gonadosomatic index showed a single protracted spawning season which occurred from October to January. There was an inverse relationship between condition factor and gonadosomatic index during the spawning season. The overall sex ratio was skewed and was significantly different from 1:1 (P < 0.001) in favor of females. The length at 50% maturity was 18.00 cm for females and 19.50 cm for males.
The current study recommends continuing fishing with passible increases in the fishing effort for this species. However it is recommended to reduce fishing effort during the spawning season from October to January. Finally it recommends that future studies concentrate on various biological and ecological aspects of this species and to use the results of the current study as a reference point.
54 Omani Consumers “Ethnocentrism and Willingness to Pay for Locally Produced Agricultural Products”
Student Name : Lamya Salim Al-Abri Supervisor : Dr. Msafiri Mbaga Department : Natural Resource Economics
The continued spread of globalization has resulted in levels of global product availability that is not only unprecedented, but would have been regarded as impossible not too long ago. Products of almost every conceivable national origin (both industrial and fresh agricultural products) are now widely available throughout the world. Because the ―country of origin‖ (COO) label of a product is a factor that in many cases influences the buying behaviour of consumers, government policy makers and businesses know that they need to investigate consumer attitudes toward both domestic and imported products and the findings of these investigations needs to be used to formulate more effective national “buy local” campaigns and marketing strategies.
This issue has never been important in Oman than it is now when the country has embarked on strategies to diversify the economy. The success of the diversification strategies by the Oman government would, among other things, depend on the success of the promotion of ―locally produced‖ products. Therefore investigating and understanding consumer attitudes toward both domestic and imported products becomes important. This study intends to do just that by investigating consumer ethnocentrism of Omanis and their willingness to pay premium for locally-produced products.
Results indicate that Omani consumers are ethnocentric, and overall they have positive attitude towards locally produced products. Omani consumers would buy locally produced agricultural products, instead of imported ones, when the price and quality of the locally produced products are as good as imported products. Furthermore, a majority of the consumers think that Oman locally produced products are not of poorer quality. In terms of price the views are mixed, while some stated that Oman beef and chicken are highly priced, others (minority) said that Oman tomatoes and cucumbers are highly priced.
Regarding Omani consumer‘s attitudes towards ―Origin Oman‖ or ―Buy Locally-Produced Products‖ campaign, majority of consumers think the campaign is successful in persuading Omanis to think about changing their food shopping in favor of local products. Furthermore, consumers think the government should do more and if possible work together with the industry in these campaigns.
55 With regard to the socio-demographic characteristics affecting consumer preferences and Willingness to Pay (WTP) for ―Origin Oman‖ or ―Oman locally produced food product‖, age was found to have significant effect on the willingness to pay premium for beef and chicken BUT is insignificant for locally grown tomato and cucumber. Income was found to be a statistically significant driver of consumer willingness to pay a premium for beef, tomato and cucumber. Male consumers are willing to pay higher premium for locally produced beef than female consumers. Married consumers are willing to pay higher premium for locally produced beef than single consumers. There are however no statistically significant difference in premiums between married and single consumers for locally produced chicken, tomato and cucumber.
Consumers with levels of education less than College Diploma are willing to pay a higher premium for local products than consumers with College Diploma and above. Self-employed consumers are willing to pay higher premium for locally produced beef, and chicken, but there is no statistically significant difference in premiums between different types of employment in the case of locally produced tomato and cucumber. These results are broadly consistent with previous studies in the literature.
56 X-ray Imaging of Stored Dates to Detect Infestation by Saw-toothed Beetles
Student Name : Nawal Khamis Al-Mezeini Supervisor : Dr. Manickavasagan Annamalai Department : Soil, Water and Agricultural Engineering
Insect infestation is a serious problem in stored dates and it significantly affects the marketability of dates in domestic and international markets. At present, infestation is detected by manual inspection method. It is not possible to detect the internal infestation by the current method. An accurate detection method for internal and external infestations preferably at early life stages of the insect would be highly beneficial to take corrective measures such as fumigation or cleaning. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the capability of X-ray imaging in detecting internal infestations caused by saw-toothed beetle (Oryzaephilus surinamensis Linnaeus) in Fardh dates. Artificially infested dates were incubated at 30 ± 1˚C and 70 ± 5 % relative humidity. A total of 40 sound and infested dates were x-rayed for different life stages (egg, larvae, pupae, and adult) of O. surinamensis. An algorithm was developed to extract 44 features (histogram and textural attributes) from the X-ray images. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was used to discriminate the sound and infested dates using extracted features. The histogram features played an important role in the classification of sound and infested dates. An overall classification accuracy of 80% was achieved when life stages were treated separately (5 classes: sound, egg, larvae, pupae, and adult). While, discrimination efficiency increased to 87.5% when there were 2 classes (sound vs. infested dates; larvae, pupae and adult). In pairwise discriminant analysis, the highest classification accuracy (96.9%) was achieved between sound dates and dates infested with adults. Further studies are required to investigate the effect of moisture content and hardness of dates in the discrimination between the sound and infested dates.
57 Detecting Surface Cracks on Dates Using RGB Imaging Technique
Student Name : Sawsana Hilal Al-Rahbi Supervisor : Dr. Manickavasagan Annamalai Department : Soil, Water and Agricultural Engineering
Oman produces an average of 268,011 tonnes of dates annually. But the annual export from Oman is low mainly due to the poor quality of the processed and packaged dates. Surface crack is a type of defects which depreciates date quality. At present, cracked dates in processing and packing lines are removed manually by graders. The efficiency of manual sorting is affected by several factors such as the variation in human visual inspection. The objective of this study was to determine the efficiency of a computer vision system with RGB color camera to detect the surface cracks on dates. Three grades of 'Khalas' varietydates(high-crack dates, low-crack dates and no-crack dates) were obtained from two commercial dates processing factories in Oman. After the confirmation of grade standards by a dates-quality-expert, the samples were imaged individually using a color camera (105 dates in each grade). Eleven features were extracted from each image and used in classification models.Red, hue and value intensities of three grades of dates were significantly different from each other. In a three classes model, the classification accuracy was 62%, 58% and 78% for high- crack, low-crack and no-crackdates, respectively using linear discriminant analysis (LDA). LDA yielded a classification accuracy of 88% and 75% for the dates with-crack and without-crack, respectively in a two classes model. In pairwise discrimination, the highest classification (96%) was achieved between high-crackand no-crack dates, and the lowest accuracy (59%) was between low-crack and high-crack dates. The skin delamination was the main reason of the misclassification.
58 Nondestructive Measurement of Total Soluble Solid (TSS) Content of Dates Using NIR Reflectance Imaging
Student Name : Ganeshmoorthy Karuppannan Supervisor : Dr. Manickavasagan Annamalai Department : Soil, Water and Agricultural Engineering
Date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera) is one of the most ancient edible fruits in the Arab world. About 61% of the fresh weight of the fruit contains total soluble solid (TSS). TSS content of a date fruit is an important commercial attribute for quality analysis. At present, TSS content of date is being measured using destructive techniques that are laborious and time consuming. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of Near Infrared (NIR) imaging technique to determine TSS content of dates nondestructively. ‗Fardh‘, ‗Khalas‘ and ‗Naghal‘ varieties of dates at Tamar stage and ‗Khalas‘ variety at two ripening stages (Khalal and Tamar) were collected for TSS determination (n = 400 date fruits in each category). These date varieties are most common in Oman and having significantly different TSS content. The digital NIR camera which covers the full spectrum range from 900 to 1700 nm (SU320KTS-1.7RT, Goodrich, USA) was used for capturing the images of three varieties and two ripening stages. Immediately following image acquisition, the TSS content (ºBrix) of each sample was measured using a digital refractometer (PR-32α, Palette, ATAGO, CO. LTD., Japan). A multiple linear regression (MLR) model along with dummy variable concept was established between measured TSS and NIR reflectance for varieties and for ripening stages, respectively. It showed that TSS and reflectance were inversely proportional to each other and the percentage of reflectance changed significantly (α=0.05) depending on TSS. The correlation coefficient (r) between TSS content and NIR reflectance was obtained to be 0.62 for three varieties and 0.98 for two ripening stages. It evidenced that NIR imaging technique has potential possibility to use as a nondestructive TSS measurement tool for dates.
59
60
International Collaborations
61
62 International Collaborations
Table17. International collaborations in 2013.
Type of Cooperation/ Contact Person/ No. Organization Contact Person Extent of Benefit
Animal and Veterinary Sciences 1 University of Porto, Collaborative research Prof O.M. Gaafar/ Portugal (HM project)/ Training Omanis and Dr. Albano Fereira helping with DNA analyses
2 Al-Farabi Kazah Collaboration research Prof Isam T. Kadim/ National University (PhD student) Training a PhD Kazakhstan student with meat quality characteristics
3 University of Kassel and Prof Dr Eva Schlecht Prof O.M. Gaafar/ University of Animal husbandry in Goettingen, Germany the tropics and subtropics
4 University of Kassel, Prof Dr Andreas Buerkert Prof O.M. Gaafar/ Germany Organic plant production and agroecosystems Research in the tropics and subtropics
Crop Sciences 5 University of Florida, Research/ Dr Rashid Al-Yahyai/ USA Prof Bruce Schaffer Tropical fruit production research
6 UCD School of Postgraduate Research/ Dr Rashid Al-Yahyai/ Agriculture, Food Dr Owen Doyle Prof Michael Sciences & Vet Med, Deadman/ Ireland Ornamental plant research
7 Laboratory of Tristeza virus / Dr Abdullah Al-Sadi/ Phytosanitary Dr Grazia Licciardello Genomics and Biotechnologies, analysis Science and Technology Park of Sicily, Italy
8 Science and Technology Tristeza virus / Dr Abdullah Al-Sadi/ Park of Sicily, Italy Mr Antonino Catara Genomics and analysis
63 Table 17 . . . .
Type of Cooperation/ Contact Person/ No. Organization Contact Person Extent of Benefit
9 Genomics Laboratory WBDL/ Dr Abdullah Al-Sadi/ Weill Cornell Medical Dr. Joel A. Malek Genomics and College in Qatar analysis
10 Instituto de Biologia Tristeza virus/ Dr Abdullah Al-Sadi/ Molecular y Celular de Dr Jesús A. Sánchez Techniques for Plantas, Spain Navarro detection of viruses
11 Abu Dhabi Food Control Acid lime diseases / Dr Abdullah Al-Sadi/ Authority, UAE Rashid Al-Shariqi, Dir. Gen New diseases of citrus
12 Nottingham University, WBDL / Dr Abdullah Al-Sadi/ UK Prof Matthew Dickinson Techniques for detection of phytoplasma
13 Dept of Agriculture Supervision of Omani PhD Prof M. Deadman/ The University of students/ Capacity building for Reading, UK Dr S.R. Gowen Oman
14 Environmental Studies Supervision of Omani PhD Prof M. Deadman/ Centre, Univ. of Surrey, student/ Capacity building for UK Prof Steve Morse Oman
15 University of Perdue, Molecular identification of Prof M. Deadman/ USA plant pathogenic fungi/ Development of a Prof Cathie Aime compendium of plant pathogens in Oman
16 Faculty of Agriculture Research/ Dr Mumtaz Khan/ Dalhousi University, Dr Q. Zaman, Chair, Precision farming Canada Precision Agriculture
17 International Rice Research/ Dr Mumtaz Khan/ Research Institute (IRRI) Prof Paul Quick Metabolomics, abiotic Phillipines stress mechanism
18 Primary Industries, New Research, Material Dr Mumtaz Khan/ South Wales, Australia transfer/ Dr T. Khurshid Citrus variety testing research
19 CREC, University of Lime hybrids testing Dr Mumtaz Khan/ Florida , USA (WBDL)/ Prof J. Grosser Citrus/Lime
64 Table 17 . . . .
Type of Cooperation/ Contact Person/ No. Organization Contact Person Extent of Benefit
Food Science and Nutrition 20 University of Tunis II- Collaborative research/ Prof N. Guizani Ecole Supérieure des Dr Salwa Bornaz Industries Alimentaires, Tunisia
21 Dept of Pharmacology Collaborative research/ Dr M. Essa University of New South Prof Gilles J Guillemin Wales, Australia
22 Washington State Collaborating in research Dr M. Essa University, USA and publishing books/ Dr Mushtaq A. Memon
23 National Institute of Collaborating in research Dr M. Essa Health, USA and publishing books/ Dr Mohammed Akbar
24 Nagasaki International Collaborating in research / Dr M. Essa University, Japan Prof Yukihiro Shoyama
25 Developmental Collaborative research/ Dr M. Essa Neuroscience NYSIBR, Dr Ted Brown/Abha USA Chauhan
26 Department of Scientific collaboration/ Dr A. Ali Nutritional Sciences, Emeritus Prof A.V. Rao and University of Toronto Prof Nancy Kreiger
27 Department of Scientific research Dr A. Ali Pharmacology, collaboration/ University of Sargodha, Prof M. S. Akhtar Pakistan
Marine Science and Fisheries 28 Indian Institute of Research/ Dr Y.V.B. Sarma/ Science, Bangalore, Dr P. N. Vinayachandran Development of India numerical modeling facility at SQU
29 Indian National Center Data/ Dr Y.V.B. Sarma for Ocean Information Dr S. Shenoi Services, Hyderabad, India
65 Table 17 . . . .
Type of Cooperation/ Contact Person/ No. Organization Contact Person Extent of Benefit
30 University of Maryland, To study nutrient uptake Dr A. Al Azri Center for Environ- and phytoplankton mental Science, ecology/ Horn Point Laboratory Prof Patricia Glibert
31 Bigelow Lab in Maine, Scientific research on Dr A. Al Azri USA Arabian sea project/Impact of global warming on phytoplankton blooms/ Dr Joaquim Goes and Helga Gomes
32 Rosentiel School of Joint project - study Dr A. Al Azri Marine and Atmospheric interaction of phyto- Science, USA plankton and zooplankton in upwelling region/ Prof Sharon Smith
33 International Islamic Joint Research Dr S. Al Barwani University of Malaysia (IIUM)
34 University of British Re-construct catches of Dr A. Govender Columbia fishes in Oman from 1950 to the present time/ Prof Daniel Pauly
35 Florida Museum of Taxonomy/ Dr M.R. Claereboudt/ Natural History Gustav Paulay Acquisition of taxonomic expertise, identification of specimen
36 University of Vienna, Taxonomy of bryozoans Dr M.R. Claereboudt/ Dept. of Paleontology and biodiversity/ Identification of Andrei Ostrovsky bryozoans
37 Dusseldorf University, Knowledge transfer/ Dr S. Dobretsov/ Germany Prof. Peter Proksch Several manuscripts were published/ Identiication of natural products
66 Table 17. . . .
Type of Cooperation/ Contact Person/ No. Organization Contact Person Extent of Benefit
38 Roskilde University, Visits exchange, knowledge Dr S. Dobretsov/ Denmark transfer/ 1 MSc and 1 PhD Prof Benni Hansen students working at MSF Dept. There are perspective of the future publications
39 Smithsonian Marine Visits exchange, knowledge Dr S. Dobretsov/ Station, USA transfer/ Several joint Prof Valerie J Paul publications were published
40 Carl-von-Ossietzky- Visits exchange, knowledge Dr S. Dobretsov/ University Oldenburg, transfer/ 1 joint PhD student Germany Prof Peter Schupp working at MSF Dept. There are perspective of the future publications
41 King Abdullah Visits exchange, knowledge Dr S. Dobretsov/ University of Science transfer/ 1 joint publication and Technology Dr Chris Voolstra (KAUST), Saudi Arabia
42 Marine Ecological Visits exchange, knowledge Dr S. Dobretsov/ Services, France transfer/ One (1) joint Dr Jeremy Thomason publication was published
43 California University, Analysis of mesoscale Dr S. Piontkovski/ USA eddies of the Arabian Sea/ Series of joint papers Dr Nik Nezlin
44 NOAA/Climate Lab., Assembly of historical Dr S. Piontkovski/ USA data/ Assembly of the Syd Levitus & Alex Mishon Arabian Sea database
45 Institute of Biology of Taxonomy of zooplankton/ Dr S. Piontkovski/ the Southern Seas, Dr Alexandra Gubanova Series of joint papers Ukraine
46 University of Western Modeling of physical Dr. S. Piontkovski/ Australia, Australia dynamics in the Sea of New proposal for TRC Oman/Drs. Greg Ivey and funding Michael Meuleners
67 Table 17. . . .
Type of Cooperation/ Contact Person/ No. Organization Contact Person Extent of Benefit
47 Qatar University, Qatar Algal blooms development/ Dr S.Piontkovski/ Abdulrahman AlMuftah New proposal for Qatar Research Fund
Natural Resource Economics 48 Department of Research project: Market Dr H. Boughanmi Agribusiness and potential of organic food Research Consumer Sciences, products in GCC publications, UAE University, Al-Ain, countries/ Regional recognition UAE Dr Safdar Muhammad of SQU
49 Department of Collaborative research on Dr S. Bose Economics, School of local government decision- Conference Business and making in Canada and on presentation, Economics, Thompson financial markets in Research Rivers University (TRU) developing countries/ publications, Kamloops, British Dr H. Rahman International Columbia, Canada recognition of SQU expertise
Soils, Water and Agricultural Engineering 50 International Center for Collaborative research/ Dr S. Al-Rawahy/ Biosaline Agriculture Dr Shabbir Shahidq Provided seeds for (ICBA) field trials and technical assistance
51 Dept. of Biosystems Writing a paper on a joint Dr Y. Al-Mulla Engineering, research work Washington State Univ.
52 Rhodes University, Collaborative research/ Dr M. Ahmed South Africa Dr Roman Tandlich
53 Kazan State University, Collaborative research/ Dr M. Ahmed Russia Prof Y. Obsonov
54 University of Highlands PhD Supervision/ Dr M. Ahmed and Islands, UK Prof Martin Price
55 AGU, Bahrain External Examiner Dr H. AbdelRahman
56 Journal of Land Journal article review/ Dr. H. AbdelRahman Degradaation and Prof. Artemi Cerdà Development, Spain
57 University of Nebraska, Collaborative Dr Ali Al-Maktoumi USA research/MAR Prof. Vitaly Zlotnik
68 Table 17 . . . .
Type of Cooperation/ Contact Person/ No. Organization Contact Person Extent of Benefit
58 California Institute of Collaborative research/ Dr Ali Al-Maktoumi Technology/USA Radar probing of groundwater in hyper-arid environments/ Prof Jean Philippe Avouac
59 University of Utrecht/ Collaborative research/ Dr Ali Al-Maktoumi Univ of Amsterdam, Suspended solids filtration The Netherlands in porous medium Dr Roud Shooting
60 UNESCO – IHE and Collaborative research/ Dr Ali Al-Maktoumi University of Utrecht, Feasibility of Managed The Netherlands Aquifer Recharge in lower Samail catchment/ Dr Andreja Jonoski
61 University of Putra Collaborative Research/ Dr Ali Al-Maktoumi Malaysia / Malaysia numerical modeling of seawater intrusion mechanisms in Salalah Plain aquifer, Oman/ Dr Thamer Ahmed
62 University of Manitoba Collaboration in PhD Dr Manickavasan Student Research (Teena Matthew)/ Summer training at University of Manitoba/ Prof Digvir Jayas Co-Supervision of PhD student (Mr. Chelladurai)
63 University of Minnesota Collaboration in Whole Dr Manickavasan Grains Project/ Prof Marla Reicks
69
70
Publications in 2013
71
72 Publications in 2013
Table 18. Summary of total publications in 2013.
Journal Articles 137 Book 1 Books Edited 3 Book Chapters 25 Conference Presentations (7 Proceedings; 50 Papers presented; 59 Abstracts; 145 29 Posters) Technical Reports 15 PhD Dissertation 1 Newspaper Articles (SQU – 5; Local – 7) 12
Total 339
Journal Articles
1. Abbas, M., Khan, M. M., Mughal, S. M., & Ji, P. (2013). Characterization and assessment of seasonal variation of Citrus tristeza closterovirus (CTV) in citrus in Pakistan. Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment, 11(3&4), 1063- 1068. 2. Abed, R. M. M., Al-Sadi, A. M., Al-Shehi, M. A., Al-Hinai, S., & Robinson, M. D. (2013). Diversity of free-living and lichenized fungal communities in biological desert crusts of the Sultanate of Oman and their role in improving soil properties. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 57, 685-705. 3. Abed, R. M. M., Dobretsov, S., Al-Fori, M., Gunasekera, S., Kumar, S. K., & Paul, J. V. (2013). Quorum-sensing inhibitory compounds from extremophilic microorganisms isolated from a hypersaline cyanobacterial mat. Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, 40, 759-772. 4. Aberle, N., Schulz, K. G., Stuhr, A., Malzahn, A. M., Ludwig, A., & Riebesell, U. (2013). High tolerance of microzooplankton to ocean acidification in an Arctic coastal plankton community. Biogeosciences, 10, 1471-1481.
73 5. Al -Said, F. A., Al-Yahyai, R. A., & Opara, U. L. (2013). Traditional cultivation of pomegranate in Oman. Acta Horticulturae (ISHS) 1007, 549-555. http://www.actahort.org /books/1007/1007_1063.htm. 6. Al-Adawi, A. O., Al-Jabri, R. M., Deadman, M. L., Barnes, I., Wingfield, B., & Wingfield, M. J. (2013). The mango sudden decline pathogen, Ceratocystis manginecans is vectored by Hypocryphalus mangiferae (Coleoptera: Scolytinae) in Oman. European Journal of Plant Pathology, 135(2), 243-251. 7. Al-Adawi, A. O., Barnes, I., Khan, I. A., Al Subhi, A. M., Al Jahwari, A. A., Deadman, M. L., Wingfield, B. D., & Wingfield, M. J. (2013). Ceratocystis manginecans associated with a serious 5 wilt disease of two native legume trees in Oman and Pakistan. Australasian Plant Pathology, 42, 179-193. 8. Al-Asmi, A., Al-Maniri, A., Al-Farsi, Y. M., Burke, D. T., Al- Asfoor, F. M. H., Al-Busaidi, I., Al-Breiki, M. H. A., Lahiri, S., Braidy, N., Essa, M. M., & Al-adawi, S. (2013). Types and socio-demographic correlates of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among people with epilepsy in Oman. Epilepsy and Behavior, 29, 361-366. 9. Al-Azizi, A., Al-Sadi, A. M., Dietz, H., Al-Said, F. A., & Deadman, M. L. (2013). Influence of carbon/nitrogen ratio on Pythium. aphanidermatum and on Pythium-induced damping-off of radish Journal of Plant Pathology, 95, 181-185. 10. Al-Azri, A., Piontkovski, S. A., Al-Hashmi, K. A., Goes, J. I., Gomes, H. d. R., & Glibert, P. M. (2013). Mesoscale and nutrient conditions associated with the massive 2008 Cochlodinium polykrikoides bloom in the Sea of Oman/Arabian Gulf. Estuaries and Coasts, 36(5), 1-14. doi: 10.1007/s12237-013-9693-1 11. Al-Barwani, S. (2013). Microsatellite DNA marker analysis in brown mussels, Perna perna (Linnaeus, 1758) from the coastal waters of Oman. Asian Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 8(2), 317-324. 12. Al-Bulushi, I., Guizani, N., & Dykes, G. (2013). Effect of ambient storage on the microbial characteristics of traditional dried anchovies (Encrasicholina punctifer). African Journal of Microbiology Research, 7(28), 3575-3581. doi: 10.5897/AJMR2013.2510 13. Al-Bulushi, I., Kasapis, S., Dykes, G. A., Al-Waili, H., Guizani, N., & Al-Oufi, H. (2013). Effect of frozen storage on the characteristics of a developed and commercial fish sausages. 74 Journal of Food Science and Technology, 50(6), 1158-1164. doi: 10.1007/s13197-011-0441-x 14. Al-Busaidi, R. M., Al-Jassasi, A., & Johnson, E. H. (2013). A serological study on foot and mouth disease in cattle from the Dhofar Region of Oman. Sultan Qaboos University Agricultural & Marine Sciences - A Research Journal, 18, 31-35. 15. Al-Farsi, Y., Waly, M. I., Al-Sharbati, M., Al-Shafaee, M., Al- Fahdi, S., Al-Farsi, O., Ouhtit, A., Al-Khaduri, M., & Al- Adawi, S. (2013). Variation in socio-economic burden for caring the children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Oman: caregiver perspectives. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 43(5), 1214-1221. 16. Al-Farsi, Y. M., Waly, M. I., Al-Sharbati, M. M., Al-Shafaee, M. M., Al-Farsi, O. A., Al-Khaduri, M. M., Gupta, I., Ouhtit, A., Al-Adawi, S., Al-Said, M. F., & Deth, R. C. (2013). Levels of heavy metals and essential minerals in hair samples of children with autism in Oman: a case-control study. Biological Trace Element Research, 15(2), 181-186. 17. Al-Farsi, Y. M., Waly, M. I., Deth, R. C., Al-Sharbati, M. M., Al- Shafaee, M., Al-Farsi, O., Al-Khaduri, M. M., Al-Adawi, S., Hodgson, N. W., Gupta, I., & Ouhtit, A. (2013). Impact of nutrition on serum levels of docosahexaenoic acid among Omani children with autism. Nutrition. doi: pii: S0899- 9007(13)00196-2. 10.1016/j.nut.2013.03.009. PubMed PMID: 23800562. 22 June 2013. 18. Al-Farsi, Y. M., Waly, M. I., Deth, R. C., Al-Sharbati, M. M., Al- Shafaee, M., Al-Farsi, O., Al-Khaduri, M. M., Gupta, I., Ali, A., Al-Khalili, M., Al-Adawi, S., Hodgson, N. W., & Ouhtit, A. (2013). Low folate and vitamin B12 nourishment is common in Omani children with newly diagnosed autism. Nutrition, 29, 537-541. 19. Al-Habsi, N. A., Davis, F. J., & Niranjan, K. (2013). Development of novel methods to determine crystalline glucose content of honey based on DSC, HPLC, and viscosity measurements, and their use to examine the setting propensity of honey. Journal of Food Science, 78, E845-E852. 20. Al-Harthi, S. A., Al-Sadi, A. M., & Al-Saady, A. A. (2013). Potential of citrus seedlings originating in the Middle East as sources of citrus viroids. Crop Protection, 48, 13-15. 21. Al-Hashmi, K. A., Al-Azri, A. R., Claereboudt, M. R., Piontkovski, S. A., & Amin, S. M. N. (2013). Phytoplankton community structure of a mangrove habitat in the arid environment of 75 Oman: the dominance of Peridinium quinquecorne. Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science, 8, 595-606. 22. Al-Hashmi, Z., & Al-Ismaily, S. (2013). Environmental soil microbiology: a novel research-oriented soil laboratory course for undergraduate students. Atlas Journal of Science Education, 2(2), 77-83. doi: 10.5147/ajse.2013.0101 23. Al-Hinai, K., Guizani, N., Singh, V., Rahman, M. S., & Al-Subhi, L. (2013). Instrumental Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) of date- tamarind fruit leather with different types of hydrocolloids. Food Science and Technology Research, 19(4), 531-538. 24. Ali, A., Al-Abri, E. S., Goddard, J. S., & Ahmed, S. I. (2013). Seasonal variability in the chemical composition of ten commonly consumed fish species from Oman. The Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences, 23(3), 805-812. 25. Ali, A., Al-Belushi, B. S., Waly, M. I., Al-Moundhri, M., & Burney, I. A. (2013). Dietary and lifestyle factors and risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in Oman. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 14 (2), 841-848. 26. Ali, A., Al-Zuhaibi, K. M., Waly, M. I., Al-Alawi, A., Al-Sabahi, J., & Sankar, D. (2013). Chemical composition, fatty acids content and glycemic index of two different types of Omani halwa. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 12(8), 753-760. 27. Ali, B. H., Al-Salam, S., Al Husseini, I. S., Al-Lawati, I., Waly, M. I., Yasin, J., Fahim, M., & Nemmar, A. (2013). Abrogation of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by emodin in rats. Fundamental and Clinical Pharmacology, 27(2), 192-200. 28. Ali, B. H., Al-Salam, S., Al Za'abi, M., Waly, M. I., Ramkumar, A., Beegam, S., Al-Lawati, I., Adham, S. A., & Nemmar, A. (2013). New model for adenine-induced chronic renal failure in mice, and the effect of gum acacia treatment thereon: comparison with rats. Journal of Pharmacological and Toxicological Methods 68, 384-393. 29. Ali, B. H., Babiker, H., Al-Salam, S., Waly, M. I., Nemmar, A., Al- Lawati, I., Beegam, S., & Ali, B. H. (2013). Comparative efficacy of three brands of gum acacia on adenine-induced chronic renal failure in rats. Physiological Research, 62(1), 47- 56. 30. Al-Ismaily, S., Al-Maktoumi, A., Kacimov, A., Al-Saqri, S., & Al- Busaidi, H. (2013). The impact of a recharge dam on the hydropedology of arid zone soils in Oman: anthropogenic formation factor. Journal of Hydrologic Engineering. 10.1061/(ASCE)HE.1943- 5584.0000886. 76 31. Al-Ismaily, S. S., Al-Maktoumi, A. K., Kacimov, A. R., Al-Saqri, S. M., & Al-Busaidi, H. A. (2013). Morphed block-crack preferential sedimentation in a reservoir bed: a smart design and evolution in nature. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 58(8), 1-10. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02626667.02622013.02838002. 32. Al-Jabri, O., Collins, R., Sun, X., Omezzine, A., & Belwal, R. (2013). Determinants of small-scale fishermen's income on Oman's Batinah Coast. Marine Fisheries Review, 75(3), 21-32. 33. Al-Khamisi, S. A., Prathapar, S. A., & Ahmed, M. (2013). Conjunctive use of reclaimed water and groundwater in crop rotations. Agricultural Water Management, 116, 228-234. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2012.07.013 34. Al-Kharusi, N., Babiker, H., Al-Salam, S., Waly, M. I., Nemmar, A., Al-Lawati, I., Yasin, J., Beegam, S., & Ali, B. H. (2013). Ellagic acid protects against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats: a dose-dependent study. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 17(3), 299-310. 35. Al-Maawali, Q. S., Al-Sadi, A. M., Al-Said, F., & Deadman , M. L. (2013). Etiology, development and reaction of muskmelon to vine decine under arid conditions of Oman. Phytopathologia Mediterranea, 52(3), 457-465. 36. Al-Mahmooli, I. H., Al-Bahri, Y., Al-Sadi, A. M., & Deadman, M. L. (2013). First Report of Euphorbia larica dieback caused by Fusarium brachygibbosum in Oman. Plant Disease, 97(5), 687. 37. Al-Mahmooli, I. H., Al-Balushi, F., Doyle, O., Al-Sadi, A. M., & Deadman, M. L. (2013). First Report of Gladiolus Corm Rot caused by Fusarium proliferatum in Oman. Plant Disease, 97(2), 284. 38. Al-Rahbi, S., Manickavasagan, A., Al-Yahyai, R., Khriji, L., & Alahakoon, P. (2013). Detecting surface cracks on Dates using color imaging technique. Food Science and Technology Research, 19(5). 39. Al-Rasady, I., Govender, A., & Al-Jufaili, S. (2013). Age and growth of longnose trevally (Carangoides chrysophyrys) in the Arabian Sea. Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 29(5), 1056- 1060. 40. Al-Rawahi, A., Rahman, M. S., Waly, M. I., & Guillemin, G. J. (2013). Thermal characteristics of a water soluble extract obtained from pomegranate skin: developing a state diagram for determining stability. Industrial Crops and Products, 48, 198-204. 77 41. Al-Rawahi, A. S., Rahman, M. S., Guizani, N., & Essa, M. M. (2013). Chemical composition, water sorption isotherm, and phenolic contents in fresh and dried pomegranate peels Drying Technology: An International Journal, 31(3), 257-263. 42. Al-Rawahi, S. A., Al-Sadi, A. M., & Al-Saady, A. A. (2013). Potential of citrus seedlings originating in the Middle East as sources of citrus viroids. Crop Protection, 48, 13-15. 43. Al-Saady, N. A., Khan, A. J., Rajesh, L., & Esechie, H. A. (2013). Effect of salt stress on germination, proline metabolism and chlorophyll content of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum gracium L.). Journal of Plant Science, 7, 176-185. 44. Al-Sadi, A. M. (2013). Phylogenetic and population genetic analysis of Ceratocystis radicicola infecting date palms. Journal of Plant Pathology, 95(1), 49-57. 45. Al-Sadi, A. M., AL-Wehaibi, A. N., Al-Shariqi, R. M., Al- Hammadi, M. S., Al-Hosni, I. A., Al-Mahmooli, I. H., & Al- Ghaithi, A. G. (2013). Population genetic analysis reveals diversity in Lasiodiplodia species infecting date palm, citrus, and mango in Oman and the UAE. Plant Disease, 97, 1363- 1369. 46. Al-Said, F. A., Al-Yahyai, R., & Opara, U. L. (2013). Traditional cultivation of pomegranate in Oman. Acta Horticulturae (107), 549-555. 47. Al-Shamsi, Q., Rahman, M. S., Abdullah, A., & Claereboudt, M. R. (2013). Consumers‘ preference mapping and their behavior with regard to traditional halwa using a structured survey questionnaire. Journal of Food Products Marketing, 19(4), 311- 328. 48. Al-Sharawi, Z., Burstein, A., Deadman, M., & Umar, A. (2013). The solution of a recursive sequence arising from a combinatorial problem in botanical epidemiology. Journal of Difference Equations and Applications, 19(6), 981-993. 49. Al-Shehi, A. A., & Khan, A. J. (2013). Identification of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Genn.) biotypes and associated bacterial symbionts in Oman. Journal of Plant Science, 8, 39-44. 50. Al-Subhi, K. K., Bose, S., & Al-Masroori, H. (2013). Fishers‘ compliance motivations: a case study of the Sultanate of Oman. Marine Policy, 37, 141-148. 51. Al-Yahyai, R., Al-Subhi, A. M., Al-Khanjari, S., & Al-Farei, Z. (2013). Phenotypic diversity of cultivated mangoes in Oman. Acta Horticulturae, 1007, ISHS 2013 267-278. Also in:
78 Proceedings of the 2nd All Africa Horticulture Congress. http://www.actahort.org/books/1007/1007_1028.htm. 52. Al-Yahyai, R., & Manickavasagan, A. (2013). Quality of Dates: influencing factors and assessment methods. Acta Horticulturae 1012, ISHS 2013, 1241-1246. http://www.actahort.org/books/1012/1012_1167.htm. Also in: Proceedings of the 7th International Postharvest Symposium. 53. Al-Zadjali, S., Morse, S., Chenoweth, J., & Deadman, M. (2013). Disposal of pesticide waste from agricultural production in the Al Batinah region of Northern Oman. Science of the Total Environment, 463-464, 237-242. 54. Anandhan, A., Essa, M. M., & Manivasagam, T. (2013). Therapeutic attenuation of neuroinflammation and apoptosis by black tea theaflavin in chronic MPTP/Probenic Model of Parkinson's disease. Neurotox Research, 23, 166-173. 55. Basunia, M. A. (2013). Comparison of five commonly used thin- layer moisture transfer models in fitting the re-wetting data of barley. Agricultural Engineering International: The CIGR Journal, 15(4), 228-235. 56. Basunia, M. A., Handali, H. H., & Al-Balushi, M. I. (2013). Drying of limes in Oman using solar tunnel dryers. International Journal of Environmental Science and Development, ISSN 20-0264, 4(6), 658-661. 57. Bose, S., Al-Kindy, F. Z., Al-Balushi, A. H., & Rajab, M. M. (2013). Accounting the unaccounted: a case of women's participation in shellfish harvesting in the Sultanate of Oman. Gender, Technology and Development, 17, 31-53. 58. Braidy, N., Selvaraju, S., Essa, M. M., Vaishnav, R., Al-Adawi, S., Al-Asmi, A., Al-Senawi, H., Alobaidy, A. A., Lakhtakia, R., & Guillemin, G. J. (2013). Neuroprotective effects of a variety of pomegranate juice extracts against MPTP-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in human primary neurons. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, Article ID 685909, 1-12, http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/685909. 59. Caleb, O. J., Mahajan, P. V., Al-Said, F. A., & Opara, U. L. (2013). Colour measurement and analysis in fresh and processed foods: a review. Food and Bioprocess Technology, 6, 36-60. 60. Caleb, O. J., Mahajan, P. V., Al-Said, F. A., & Opara, U. L. (2013). Modified atmosphere packaging technology of fresh and fresh-cut produce and the microbial consequences—a 79 review. Food and Bioprocess Technology, 6, 303-329. doi: 10.1007/s11947-02-0932-4 61. Caleb, O. J., Mahajan, P. V., Al-Said, F. A., & Opara, U. L. (2013). Transpiration rate and quality of pomegranate arils as affected by storage conditions. CyTA-Journal of Food, 11(2), 199-207. http://dx.doi.org/110.1080/19476337.19472012.19721807. 62. Chakkrapong, T., Soni, P., Salokhe, V. M., & Jayasuriya, H. P. W. (2013). Optimal stochastic multi-states first-order Markov chain parameters for synthesizing daily rainfall data using multi- objective differential evolution in Thailand. Journal of Meteorological Applications, 20(1), 20-31. doi: 10.1002/met.292 63. Choudri, B., Al-Busaidi, A., & Ahmed, M. (2013). Climate change, vulnerability and adaptation experiences of farmers in Al-Suwayq Wilayat, Sultanate of Oman International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, 5(4), 445-454. 64. Claereboudt, E. J. S., & Claereboudt, M. R. (2013). Quantifying sea urchins covering behavior by image analysis. Cahiers de Biologie Marine, 54, 587-592. 65. Dobretsov, S., Abed, R. M. M., & Teplitski, M. (2013). Mini- review: inhibition of biofouling by marine microorganisms. Biofouling, 29(4), 423-441. http://dx.doi.org/410.1080/0892 7014.08922013.08776042. 66. Dobretsov, S., Abed, R. M. M., & Voolstra, C. R. (2013). The effect of surface colour on the formation of marine micro and macrofouling communities. Biofouling, 29(6), 617-627. http://dx.doi.org/610.1080/08927014.08922013.08784279. 67. Essa, M. M., Braidy, N., Vijayan, K. R., Subash, S., & Guillemin, G. J. (2013). Excito-toxicity in the pathogenesis of autism. Neurotox Research, 23(4), 393-400. doi: 10.1007/s12640- 012-9354-3 68. Essa, M. M., Braidy, N., Waly, M. I., Al-Farsi, Y. M., Al-Sharbati, M., Subash, S., Ali, A., Al-Shaffaee, M. A., & Guillemin, G. J. (2013). Impaired antioxidant status and reduced energy metabolism in autistic children. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders 7, 557-565. 69. Essa, M. M., Subash, S., Braidy, N., Al-adawi, S., Lim, C. K., Manivasagam, T., & Guillemin, G. J. (2013). Role of NAD+, oxidative stress and tryptophan metabolish in autism spectrum disorders. International Journal of Tryptophan Research, 6(15-28 (Suppl 1)). doi: 10:4137/IJTR.S11355 80 70. Faye, B., Abdelhadi, O., Raiymbek, G., & Kadim, I. T. (2013). La viande de chameau: etat des connaissances, situation actuelle et perspectives (The production of camel meat: state of knowledge, current situation, and prospects). Viande Et Produits Carnés (Meat and Meat Products) (25 July, 2013. VPC-2013-29-6-2, 1-8 www.viandesetproduitscarnes.com ). 71. Faye, B., Abdelhadi, O., Raiymbek, G., Kadim, I. T., & Hocqette, J.-F. (2013). La production de viande de chameau:etat des connaissances, situation actuelle et perspectives (The production of camel meat: state of knowledge, current situation and prospects. INRA Productions Animales, 26(3), 247-258. 72. Guizani, N. (2013). Date palm fruits as functional foods (Editorial). International Journal of Nutrition, Pharmacology, Neurological Diseases, 3, 161. 73. Guizani, N., Rahman, M. S., Klibi, M., Al-Rawahi, A., & Bornaz, S. (2013). Thermal characteristics of Agaricus bisporus mushroom: freezing point, glass transition, and maximal- freeze-concentration condition. International Food Research Journal, 20(4), 1945-1952. 74. Guizani, N., Waly, M. I., Singh, V., & Rahman, M. S. (2013). Nabag (Zizyphus spina-christi) extract prevents aberrant crypt foci development in colons of azoxymethane-treated rats by abrogating oxidative stress and inducing apoptosis. Asian Pacific Journal for Cancer Prevention, 14(9), 5031-5035. 75. Hillebrand, H., Steinert, G., Boersma, M., Malzahn, A., Meunier, C. L., Plum, C., & Ptacnik, R. (2013). Goldman revisited: faster growing phytoplankton has lower N:P and lower stoichiometric flexibility. Limnology and Oceanography, 58(6), 2076-2088. 76. Iftikhar, Y., Mughal, S. M., Khan, M. M., Khan, M. A., Nawaz, M. A., & Hussain, Z. (2013). Symptomatic expression of tristeza- infected citrus plants in Pakistan. Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection, 46(1), 98-104. doi: 10.1080/03235408. 2012.734718 77. Johnson, E. H., Al-Habsi, K. R., & Al-Busaidi, R. M. (2013). A review of observations made on select parameters of the camel immune system. Sultan Qaboos University Agricultural & Marine Sciences - A Research Journal, 18, 1-6. 78. Kacimov, A. R., & Obnosov, Y. V. (2013). Pseudo-hysteretic double-front hiatus-stage soil water parcels catering a plant- root continuum: the Green-Ampt-Youngs model revisited. 81 Hydrological Sciences Journal, 58(1), 237-248. doi: 10.1080/02626667.2012.743028 79. Kadim, I. T., Al-Karousi, A., Mahgoub, O., Al-Marzooqi, W., Al- Maqbaly, R., Khalaf, S. K., Al-Sinani, S. S. H., & Raiymbek, G. (2013). Chemical composition, quality and histolochemical characteristics of individual dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) muscles. Meat Science, 93, 564-571. 80. Kadim, I. T., Mahgoub, O., Al-Marzooqi, W., Khalaf, S. K., & Raiymbek, G. (2013). Composition, quality and health aspects of the dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) and bactrial (Camelus bacterianus) camel meats: a review. Sultan Qaboos University Agricultural & Marine Sciences - A Research Journal, 18, 7-24. 81. Kasimova, R. G., Obnosov, Y. V., Baksht, F. B., & Kacimov, A. R. (2013). Optimal shape of an anthill dome: Bejan‘s constructal law revisited. Ecological Modeling (Elsevier), 250, 384-390. 82. Kavitha, M., Nataraj, J., Essa, M. M., Memon, M. A., & Manivasagam, T. (2013). Mangiferin attenuates MPTP induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration and improves motor impairment, redox balance and Bcl-2/Bax expression in experimental Parkinson's disease mice. Chemico-Biological Interactions, 206, 239-247. 83. Khan, A. J., Akhtar, S., Al-Matrushi, A. M., Fauquet, C. M., & Briddon, R. W. (2013). Introduction of East African cassava mosaic Zanzibar virus to Oman harks back to "Zanzibar, the capital of Oman". Virus Genes, 46, 195-198. doi: 10.1007/s11262-012-0838-2 84. Khan, A. J., Akhtar, S., Al-Zaidi, A. M., Singh, A. K., & Briddon, R. W. (2013). Genetic diversity and distribution of a distinct strain of Chili leaf curl virus and associated betasatellite infecting tomato and pepper in Oman. Virus Research, 177, 87-97. 85. Khan, A. J., Akhtar, S., Singh, A. K., & Briddon, R. W. (2013). A distinct strain of Tomato leaf curl Sudan virus causes tomato leaf curl disease in Oman. Plant Disease, 97, 1396-1402. 86. Khan, M. M., Abbas, M., Awan, F. S., Shahid, M., Ali, M., & Ahmad, S. (2013). Physio-biochemical and genetic changes in stored pea (Pisum sativum) seeds. International Journal of Agriculture and Biology, 15, 951-956. 87. Kilani, H., Al-Hazzaa, H., Waly, M. I., & Musaiger, A. (2013). Lifestyle habits: diet, physical activity and sleep duration
82 among Omani adolescents. Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal, 13(4), 510-519. 88. Kotagama, H. B., Al-Alawi, A. J. T., Boughanmi, H., Zekri, S., Jayasuriya, H. P. W., & Mbaga, M. (2013). Economic analysis determining the optimal replanting age of Date palm. Sultan Qaboos University Agricultural & Marine Sciences - A Research Journal, 18, 51-61. 89. Kumar, S. M., Johnson, E. H., Tageldin, M. H., & Padmanaban, R. (2013). Clinical and gross pathological findings of congenital spina bifida and sacroroccygeal agenesis in an Omani crossbred calf. Veterinary World, 6(6), 357-359. doi: 10.5455/vetworld.2013.357-359 90. Manickavasagan, A., Alahakoon, P. M. K., Al-Busaidi, T. K., Al- Adawi, S., Al-Wahaibi, A. K., Al-Raeesi, A. A., Al-Yahyai, R., & Jayas, D. S. (2013). Disinfestation of stored dates using microwave energy. Journal of Stored Products Research, 55, 1-5. 91. Manickavasagan, A., Al-Marhubi, I. M., & Dev, S. (2013). Rheological properties of rice-blackgram batter while replacing white rice with brown rice. Food Science and Technology International, 0(0), 1-9. doi: 10.1177/1082013213483612 92. Manickavasagan, A., & Al-Sabahi, J. (2013). Reduction of saturated fat in traditional foods by substitution of ghee with olive and sunflower oils - a case study with halwa. Journal of the Association of Arab Universities for Basic and Applied Sciences. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaubas.2013.06.003. 93. Manickavasagan, A., Al-Shekaili, H. N., Thomas, G., Rahman, M. S., Guizani, N., & Jayas, D. S. (2013). Edge detection features to evaluate hardness of Dates using monochrome images. Food and Bioprocess Technology. doi: 10.1007/s11947-013- 1219-0 94. Manickavasagan, A., Dubasi, G. R., Rahman, M. S., & Essa, M. M. (2013). Informal group intervention technique to promote a healthy dietary habit in adults. International Journal of Nutrition, Pharmacology, Neurological Diseases, 3, 24-28. 95. Manickavasagan, A., Mathew, T. A., Al-Attabi, Z. H., & Al- Zakwani, I. M. (2013). Dates as a substitute for added sugar in traditional foods - a case study with idli. Emirates Journal of Food and Agriculture, 25(11), 899-906. 96. Manickavasagan, A., Reicks, M., Singh, V., Sawsana, A., Intisar, A. M., & Lakshmy, R. (2013). Acceptability of a reformulated grain-
83 based food: Implications for increasing whole grain consumption. Food Science and Human Wellness, 2(3), 105-112. 97. Matthew, T., Manickavasagan, A., Mothershaw, A., Safiah, E., & Jayas, D. S. (2013). Potential of machine vision techniques for detecting fecal and microbial contamination of food products - a review. Food and Bioprocess Technology, 6(7), 1621-1634. 98. Mbaga, M., Boughanmi, H., Zekri, S., & Al-Jufaili, S. (2013). An alternative to the value of statistical life and its application to a cost benefit analysis of a fishing emergency rescue system in Oman. Insurance Markets and Companies Analysis and Actuarial Computations, 4(1), 43-50. 99. Mbaga, M. D. (2013). Alternative mechanisms for achieving food security in Oman. Agriculture and Food Security Journal, 2(3), 1-11. 100. Mditshwa, A., Fawole, O. A., Al-Said, F., R Al-Yahyai, R., & Opara, U. L. (2013). Phytochemical content, antioxidant capacity and physicochemical properties of pomegranate grown in different microclimates in South Africa. South African Journal of Plant and Soil 30(2), 81-90. 101. Meunier, C. L., Schulz, K., Boersma, M., & Malzahn, A. M. (2013). Impact of swimming behaviour and nutrient limitation on predator–prey interactions in pelagic microbial food webs. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 446, 29- 35. 102. Mihindukulasuriya, S. D. F., & Jayasuriya, H. P. W. (2013). Mathematical modeling of drying characteristics of chilli in hot air oven and fluidized bed dryers. Agricultural Engineering International: The CIGR Journal, 15(1), 154-166. 103. Mosha, E. J., & Gallardo, W. G. (2013). Distribution and size composition of penaeid prawns, Penaeus monodon and Penaeus indicus in Saadan estuarine area, Tanzania. Ocean and Coastal Management, 82, 51-63. 104. Mothershaw, A. S., Kharousi, Z. A., Mumtaz Khan, M., Al- Mahruki, Y. A. l., & Al Said, F. (2013). Microbial analysis of cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) produced with tap or treated waste water. Annals of Applied Biology 63, 281-287. 105. Opara, L. U., Al-Yahyai, R., Al-Waili, N., Al-Said, F., Al-Ani, M., Manickavasagan, A., & Al-Mahdhori, A. (2013). Postharvest responses of 'Malindi' Cavendish banana to various storage conditions. International Journal of Fruit Science, 13(4), 373-388. 106. Pathare, P. B., Opara, U. L., & Al-Said, F. A. (2013). Coloure measurement and analysis in fresh and processed foods: a 84 review. Food Bioprocess Technology, 6, 36-60. doi: 10.1007/s11947-012-0867-9 107. Paulsen, M., Clemmesen, C., & Malzahn, A. M. (2013). Essential fatty acid availability (docosahexaeonic acid, DHA) affects growth of larval herring in the field. Marine Biology. doi: 10.1007/s00227-013-2313-6 108. Piontkovski, S., & Al-Jufaili, S. (2013). Coastal upwellings and mesoscale eddies of the western Arabian Sea: some biological implacations. International Journal of Oceans and Oceanography, 7(2), 93-115. 109. Piontkovski, S., Al-Maawali, A., Al-Manthri, W. A.-M., Al- Hashmi, K., & Popova, E. A. (2013). Zooplankton of Oman coastal waters. Sultan Qaboos University Agricultural & Marine Sciences - A Research Journal, 18, 37-50. 110. Piontkovski, S. A., & Al-Jufaili, S. (2013). Mesoscale eddies of the western Arabian Sea: some biological implications. International Journal of Oceans and Oceanography, 7(2), 93-115. 111. Piontkovski, S. A., Claereboudt, M., & Al-Jufaili, S. (2013). Seasonal and interannual changes in epipelagic ecosystem of the western Arabian Sea. International Journal of Oceans and Oceanography, 7(2), 117-130. 112. Rahman, M. S., Al-Ruzeiki, M. H., Guizani, N., Al-Ruzaiqi, M. S., Al-Aamri, A., & Zainab, S. (2013). Stability of Vitamin C in fresh and freeze-dried capsicum stored at different temperature. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 1-7. doi: 10.1007/s13197-013-1173-x 113. Raiymbek, G., Faye, B., Konuspayeva, G., & Kadim, I. T. (2013). Chemical composition of Infraspinatus, Triceps brachii, Longissimus thoraces, Biceps femoris, Semitendinosus, and Semimembranosus of Bactrian (Camelus bacterianus) camel muscles. Emirates Journal of Food and Agriculture, 25(4), 261- 266. 114. Raiymbek, G., Kadim, I. T., Serikbayeva, A., Narmuratova, M., & Xamet, B. (2013). Nutritive value and biological characteristics of Bactrian (Camelus bactrian) and Dromedary (Camelus dromedary) meat. Kaznu Bulletin, Biology Series 57(1), 70-74. 115. Raiymbek, G., Serikbayeva, A., & Kadim, I. T. (2013). Chemical composition of bactrian (Camelus bacterianus) and dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) camel meat. The National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan, Agrarian Sciences, 3, 10-19.
85 116. Razi, M. F., Anwar, R., Basra, S. M. A., Khan, M. M., & Khan, I. A. (2013). Morphological characterization of leaves and fruit of jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana lamk.) germplasm in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 50, 211-216. 117. Reusken, C. B., Haagmans, B. L., Müller, M. A., Gutierrez, C., Godeke, G. J., Meyer, B., Muth, D., Raj, V. S., Vries, L. S., Corman, V. M., Drexler, J. F., Smits, S. L., El Tahir, Y. E., De Sousa, R., van Beek, J., Nowotny, N., van Maanen, K., Hidalgo- Hermoso, E., Bosch, B. J., Rottier, P., Osterhaus, A., Gortázar- Schmidt, C., Drosten, C., & Koopmans, M. P. (2013). Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus neutralising serum antibodies in dromedary camels: a comparative serological study. Lancet Infect Dis. 2013 pii: S1473-3099(13)70164-6. doi: 10.1016/S1473-3099(13)70164-6. [Epub ahead of print] 118. Rokunuzzaman, M., & Jayasuriya, H.P.W. (2013). Development of a low cost machine vision system for sorting of tomatoes. Agricultural Engineering International: The CIGR Journal, 15(1), 173-180. 119. Sakset, A. & Gallardo, W. G. (2013). Socio-economic assessment and fishers' perceptions of fisheries management in the freshwater fishing area of the Pak Phanang River basin (PPRB), Nakhon Si thammarat Province, Thailand. Kasetsart Journal of Social Sciences, 34, 383-394. 120. Sami, A. S., Kadim, I. T., & Abouheif, M. A. (2013). Electron microscopic changes in muscle and liver of feed restricted growing lambs. International Journal of Agriculture and Biology (IJAB), 15, 161-164. 121. Sarma, Y. V. B., Al-Hashmi, K., & Smith, S. L. (2013). Sea surface warming and its implications for harmful algal blooms off Oman International Journal of Marine Science 3(8), 65-71 doi: 10.5376/ijms.2013.03.0008 122. Sarma, Y. V. B., Govender, A., Nyadjro, S., & Piontkovski, S. (2013). Long-term changes in the sea surface temperature at selected locations in the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Sea off Oman. International Journal of Marine Science, 3(18), 145-150. 123. Schoo, K. L., Malzahn, A. M., Schnell, S., Krause, E. M., & Boersma, M. (2013). Increased carbon dioxide availability impacts a marine planktonic herbivore. Marine Biology, 160, 2145-2155. 124. Singh, V., Guizani, N., Al-Alawi, A., Claereboudt, M., & Rahman, M. S. (2013). Instrumental texture profile analysis
86 (TPA) of date fruits as a function of its physico-chemical properties. Industrial Crops and Products, 50, 866-873. 125. Sornpoon, w., & Jayasuriya, H. P. W. (2013). Effect of different tillage and residue management practices on growth and yield of courn cultivation in Thailand. Agricultural Engineering International: The CIGR Journal, 15(3), 86-94. 126. Suresh, S., Guizani, N., Al-Ruzeiki, M., Al-Hadhrami, A., Al- Dohani, H., Al-Kindi, I., & Rahman, M. S. (2013). Thermal characteristics, chemical composition and polyphenol contents of date-pits powder. Journal of Food Engineering, 119, 668-679. 127. Taewichit, C., Soni, P., Salokhe, V. M., & Jayasuriya, H. P. W. (2013). Optimal stochastic multi-states first-order Markov chain parameters for synthesizing daily rainfall data using multi-objective differential evolution in Thailand. Meteorological Applications, 20, 20-31. 128. Tamilselvam, K., Braidy, N., Manivasagam, T., Essa, M. M., Prasad, N. R., Karthikeyan, S., Thenmozhi, A. J., & Guillemin, G. J. (2013). Neuroprotective effects of Hesperidin, a plant flavonone, on rotenone-idnuced oxidtive stress and apoptosis in a cellular model for Parkinson's disease. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, Article ID 102741, 1-11. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/102741. 129. Waly, M. I. (2013). Epigenetic consequences of maternal folic acid supplementation on hepatic protein expression. (Editorial). Nutrition, 29, 355. 130. Waly, M. I., & Al-Farsi, Y. M. (2013). The role of folate on colorectal cancer in the Arabian Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: an overview. Canadian Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1(1), 67-73. 131. Waly, M. I., Ali, A., Al-Farsi, Y. M., Bhatt, N., Al-Kilani, H., Ouhtit, A., & Al-Maskari, M. Y. (2013). Leptinemia among obese Omani adults newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a case-control study. Journal of Medical Sciences, 13 (3), 208-214. 132. Waly, M. I., Ali, B. H., Al-Lawati, I., & Nemmar, A. (2013). Protective effects of emodin against cisplatin-induced oxidative stress in cultured human kidney (HEK 293) cells. Journal of Applied Toxicology, 33(7), 626-630. 133. Waly, M. I., Ali, B. H., & Nemmar, A. (2013). Acute effects of diesel exhaust particles and cisplatin on oxidative stress in
87 cultured human kidney (HEK 293) cells, and the influence of curcumin thereon. Toxicology in Vitro, 27, 2299-2304. 134. Waly, M. I., Kilani, H. A., & Al-Busafi, M. S. (2013). Nutritional practices of athletes in Oman: a descriptive study. Oman Medical Journal 28(5), 360-364. 135. Yoon, G. H., Al-Jufaili, S. M., Freeman, M. A., Bron, J. E., Paladini, G., & Shinn, A. P. (2013). Omanicotyle heterospina n. gen. et n. comb. (Monogenea: Microcotylidae) from the gills of Argyrops spinifer (Forsskål) Teleostei: Sparidae) from the Sea of Oman. Parasites and Vectors, 6(170). 136. Zekri, S., Ahmed, M., Gaffour, N., & Chaieb, R. (2013). Managed Aquifer Recharge using quaternary treated wastewater in Muscat: an economic perspective. International Journal of Water Resources Development. doi: 10.1080/07900627.2013.837370 137. Zekri, S., Al-Maktoumi, A. K., Abdalla, O. A. E., Akild, J., & Charabie, Y. (2013). Hydrogeological and economical simulations: emergency water supply for Muscat. Water Policy. doi: 10.2166/wp.2013.187
BOOK
1. Waly, M. I. (2013). Metabolic aspects of macronutrients. NY, USA: Nova Science Publishers, Inc. ISBN: 978-1-62808-870-0., 2013, 111pp. https://www.novapublishers.com/catalog/product_info.php? products_id=45788.
BOOKS EDITED
1. Al-Mulla, Y. A., Deadman, M., & Ahmed, M. (Eds.). (2013). Book of Abstracts. International Conference on Agricultural Engineering. Muscat, Oman, 24-26 February 2013: SQU Printing Press. 265pp. 2. Essa, M., & Memon, M. A. (Eds.). (2013). Food as Medicine: Nova Science Publishers, NY, USA. 3. Kadim, I. T., Mahgoub, O., Faye, B., & Farouk, M. (Eds.). (2013). Camel Meat and Meat Products. UK: CABI Group Ltd, Croydon, CRO 4YY, UK.ISBN: 978 1 78064 101 0.
88 BOOK CHAPTERS
1. Ahmed, M., Hussain, N., & Al-Rawahy, S. (2013). Management of saline lands in Oman: learning to live with salinity. In: Developments in Soil Salinity Assessment and Reclamation, Innovative Thinking and Use of Marginal Soil and Water Resources in Irrigated Agriculture (265-282): Springer Netherlands. 2. Al-Busaidi, A., & Yamada, S. (2013). Evapotranspiration process under seawater irrigation salinity of different meteorological conditions In: S. Er-Raki (Ed.), Evapotranspiration: Processes, Sources and Environmental Implications. (73-92). New York, USA: Publication Idea Form, Nova Science Publishers, Inc. 3. Al-Busaidi, A., & Yamamoto, T. (2013). Micro-irrigation scheduling using clean energy Irrigation Management, Technologies and Environmental Impact (229-254). New York, USA: Publication Idea Form, Nova Science Publishers, Inc. 4. Al-Busaidi, A., Yamamoto, T., Shimura, Y., Nishimura, T., & Andry, H. (2013). Controlling sodic soil erosion by electrolytes and polyacrylamide application Developments in Soil Salinity Assessment and Reclamation (335-348): Springer Science and Business Media Dordrecht. 5. Al-Busaidi, A., Yamamoto, T., Tanak, S., & Moritani, S. (2013). Evapotranspiration of succulent plant (Sedum aizoon var.floibundum) Evapotranspiration - An Overview (241-257). Croatia: In-Tech Open Access Publisher 6. Al-Rawahi, A. S., Essa, M. M., Guillemin, G. J., Subash, S., Vijayan, R. K., & Rahman, M. S. (2013). Health benefits of olives and olive oil. Chapter 16. In: M. M. Essa & M. A. Memon (Eds.), Food as Medicine (291-320): Nova Science Publishers, NY, USA 7. Al-Shidhani, B., Ahmed, M., Al-Jabri, S., & Talukder, F. A. (2013). Application of a screening model to evaluate pesticide contamination in soil and groundwater for sustainable agriculture in Oman. In: S. A. Shahid, F. K. Taha & M. A. Abdelfattah (Eds.), Developments in Soil Classification, Land Use Planning and Policy Implications. Innovative Thinking of Soil Inventory for Land Use Planning and Management of Land Resources (753-767): Springer Netherlands 8. Bhatt, N., Waly, M. I., Essa, M. M., & Ali, A. (2013). Ginger: a functional herb. Chapter 4. In: M. M. Essa & M. A. Memon
89 (Eds.), Food as Medicine (51-72). NY, USA: Nova Science Publishers, Inc 9. Deth, R., Trivedi, M., Hodgson, N., Muratore, C., & Waly, M. I. (2013). Redox/Methylation theory and autism. In: V. Nood, B. Patel, V. R. Preedy & C. R. Martin (Eds.), The Comprehensive Guide to Autism (1389-1410): Springer, New York, USA. 10. Hakkim, F. L., Essa, M. M., Al-Rawahi, A. S., Subash, S., & Vijayan, R. K. (2013). Emblica officinalis (Amla) as medicine. Chapter 11. In: M. M. Essa & M. A. Memon (Eds.), Food as Medicine (205-222). Ny, USA: Nova Science Publishers. 11. Kadim, I. T., & Mahgoub, O. (2013). Camel body growth. In: I. T. Kadim, O. Mahgoub, B. Faye & M. Farouk (Eds.), Camel Meat and Meat Products (35-53). UK: CABI 12. Kadim, I. T., & Mahgoub, O. (2013). Camel carcass quality. In: I. T. Kadim, O. Mahgoub, B. Faye & M. Farouk (Eds.), Camel Meat and Meat Products (98-112). UK: CABI. 13. Kadim, I. T., & Mahgoub, O. (2013). Structure and quality of camel meat. In: I. T. Kadim, O. Mahgoub, B. Faye & M. Farouk (Eds.), Camel meat and Meat Products (153-186). UK: CABI. 14. Kadim, I. T., Mahgoub, O., Farouk, M. M., & Bekhit, A. E. (2013). Slaughtering and processing of the camel. . In: I. T. Kadim, O. Mahgoub, B. Faye & M. Farouk (Eds.), Camel Meat and Meat Products. (54-72). UK: CABI. 15. Mahgoub, O., & Kadim, I. T. (2013). Distributions and partitioning of tissues in the camel carcass. . In: I. T. Kadim, O. Mahgoub, B. Faye & M. Farouk (Eds.), Camel Meat and Meat Products (113-123). UK: CABI. 16. Mbaga, M. D. (2013). The economic potential of camel meat. In: I. T. Kadim, O. Mahgoub, B. Faye & M. Farook (Eds.), Camel Meat and Meat Products (224 - 238 ). UK: CABI Group Ltd. 17. Ouhtit, A., Al-Farsi, Y. M., Gupta, I., Waly, M. I., & Al-Sharbati, M. (2013). Genetics of autism spectrum disorder: experience in developing countries. In: V. Nood, B. Patel, V. R. Preedy & C. R. Martin (Eds.), The Comprehensive Guide to Autism (27- 47): Springer, New York, USA. 18. Rahman, M. S. (2013). Physical and structural characteristics of dates. In: M. Muhammad Siddiq, S. M. Aleid & A. A. Kader (Eds.), Dates: Postharvest Science, Processing Technology and Health Benefits (157-168). New York: John Wiley & Sons. 19. Subash, S., Essa, M. M., Waly, M. I., Ali, A., Al-Rawahi, A. S., Vijayan, R. K., Guillemin, G. I., Subramanian, P., Manivasagam, 90 T., & Anandhan, A. (2013). Natural products and their benefits on experimental hyperammonemia - a review. Chapter 19. In: M. M. Essa & M. A. Memon (Eds.), Food as Medicine (353-374): Nova Science Publishers, NY, USA. 20. Tageldin, M. H., Al-Zadjali, S., Faye, B., & Al-Mugheiry, S. (2013). Inspection of slaughtered Dromedary camels. In: I. T. Kadim, O. Mahgoub, B. Faye & M. Farouk (Eds.), Camel Meat and Meat Products (73-84). UK: CABI. 21. Vijayan, R. K., Essa, M. M., Al-Rawahi, A. S., Guillemin, G. I., & Memon, M. A. (2013). Guava and potential health benefits. Chapter 15. In: M. M. Essa & M. A. Memon (Eds.), Food as Medicine (271-290): Nova Science Publishers, NY, USA. 22. Vijayan, R. K., Essa, M. M., Al-Rawahi, A. S., Guillemin, G. I., Subash, S., Manivasagam, T., & Anandhan, A. (2013). Health benefits of onion. Chapter 4. In: M. M. Essa & M. A. Memon (Eds.), Food as Medicine (95-108). NY, USA: Nova Science Publishers. 23. Vijayan, R. K., Essa, M. M., Al-Rawahi, A. S., Guillemin, G. I., Subash, S., Memon, M. A., Manivasagam, T., & Anandhan, A. (2013). The potential health benefits of almonds, Chapter 9. In: M. M. Essa & M. A. Memon (Eds.), Food as Medicine (149- 172). NY, USA: Nova Science Publishers. 24. Vijayan, R. K., Essa, M. M., Al-Rawahi, S. A., Guillemin, G. I., Subash, S., & Memon, M. A. (2013). Blueberry and health benefits. Chapter 35. In: M. M. Essa & M. A. Memon (Eds.), Food as Medicine (17-36): Nova Science Publishers, NY, USA. 25. Vijayan, R. K., Khan, A. J., Essa, M. M., Al-Rawahi, A. S., Guillemin, G. J., & Subash, S. (2013). Carrot: nutritional and health benefits. Chapter 13. In: M. M. Essa & M. A. Memon (Eds.), Food as Medicine (243-256): Nova Science Publishers, NY, USA.
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
Papers in Proceedings 1. Al-Maskri, A. Y., Hameed, M., & Khan, M. M. (2013). Morphological characterization and structural features for high drought tolerance in some Omani wheat landraces. In: Proceedings of the International Conference on Food and Agriculture Sciences, IPBCBEE, 5:23-27.
91 2. Al-Sadi, A. M., Al-Ghaithi, A. G., & Hogenhout, S. (2013). Witches’ broom disease of acid lime: a devastating disease in the Middle East. In: Proceedings of the International Congress of Plant Pathology, Beijing, China, 552pp. 25-30 August 2013. 3. Choudri, B. S., Al-Busaidi, A., & Ahmed, M. (2013). Impact of climate change and adaptation experiences of farmers in Sultanate of Oman. In: Proceedings of the International Conference on Sustainable Water Use for Securing Food Security in the Mediterranean Region Under Changing Climate, Agadir, Morocco, 765-770. 10-15 March 2013. 4. Khan, M. M., Al-Mas'oudi, R. S. M., Al-Said, F., & Khan, I. (2013). Salinity effects on growth, electrolyte leakage, chlorophyll content and lipid peroxidation in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). In: Proceedings of the International Conference on Food and Agriculture Sciences; IPCBEE, 55: 28-32, Malaysia. 05-06 October 2013. IACSIT Press, Singapore. 5. Manickavasagan, A., Al-Rahbi, S., Al-Yahyai, R., & Khriji, L. (2013). Image processing technique to detect surface defects in dates. In: Proceedings of the International Conference on Research Trends in Computer Technologies, Coimbatore, India, pp250-252. 30-31 January 2013. 6. Manickavasagan, A., Al-Shekaili, N., & Thomas, G. (2013). Computer vision technique to classify dates based on hardness. In: Proceedings of the International Conference on Computing, Engineering and Communciation Technologies (ICCET 2013), Bangkok, Thailand, pp38-41. 14-15 August 2013. 7. Waly, M. I., Ali, B. H., Al Za'abi, M., A.T., R., Lawati, M. I., & Nemmar, A. (2013). Effect of charcoal treatment on rats with adenine-induced chronic renal failure. In: Proceedings of the FASEB J 2013, Boston, USA, 27:889.881. 20-24 April 2013.
Papers Presented in Conferences 1. Ahmed, M., Al-Maktoomi, A., Ibrahim, G., Zekri, S., & Al-Jabri, S. (2013). Storing water underground: a response to anticipated water shortage due to climate change. Paper presented at the 2nd WASWAC World Conference. The Threats to Land and Water Resources in the 21st Century: Prevention, Mitigation and Restoration, Chiang Rai, Thailand, 4-7 September.
92 2. Alahakoon, P. M. K., & Manickavasagan, A. (2013). Color adjustment of digital images acquired under non-standard lighting conditions. Paper presented at the International Conference on Agricultural Engineering, Muscat, Oman, 24- 26 February. 3. Al-Barwani, S. (2013). Population dynamics and stock assessment of the Brown Mussel, Perna perna at Mirbat, Sultanate of Oman. Paper presented at the Asian-Pacific Aquaculture 2013, Vietnam, 10-13 December. 4. Al-Busaidi, A. (2013). Research in saline and treated waste water. Paper presented at the International Workshop on Sustainable Water Management, COMSTECH, Islamabad, Pakistan, 28-30 October. 5. Al-Busaidi, A. (2013). Usage of treated wastewater for bio-fuel production. Paper presented at the 5th Joint GCC-Japan Environment Symposium, Sustainable GCC Environment: Challenge for Our Future, Dahran, Saudi Arabia, 9-11 December. 6. Al-Busaidi, A., & Ahmed, M. (2013). Simple method for sustainable reuse of treated wastewater. Paper presented at the IWW Conference: Integrated Water Solutions for a Green Economy, Amsterdam, Netherland, 5-6 November. 7. Al-Kaabi, H., Al Kindi, U. K., Dobretsov, S., & Yoon, G. H. (2013). Bacterial infection in Omani abalone, Haliotis mariae. Paper presented at the Aquaculture Conference 2013, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain, 3-7 November. 8. Al-Kaabi, H., Al-Kindi, U. K., & Yoon, G. H. (2013). Presence of unexpected bacteria in Omani abalone, Haliotis mariae. Paper presented at the Marine Biotechnology Symposium, Muscat, Oman, 12-13 November. 9. Al-Jabri, O., Collins, R., & Sun, T. (2013). Measuring relationship marketing effect on small-scale fishermen income in the Batinah Coast, the Sultanate of Oman. Paper presented at the 48th Croatian & 8th International Symposium on Agriculture, Dubrovnik, Croatia, 17-22 February. 10. Al-Maktoumi, A., Al-Ismaily, S., Kacimov, A., Al-Busaidi, H., Al- Saqri, S., & Al-Haddabi, M. (2013). A morphed block-crack soil heterogeneity as an engineered cascade of capillary barriers for irrigation in arid conditions: lessons learned from nature. Paper presented at the International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology-Cappadocia, Ürgüp, Evseh, Turkey, 18-21 June. 93 11. Al-Matrushi, A. M., Akhtar, S., & Khan, A. J. (2013). Molecular characterization of begomovirus associated with tomato and pepper in southern region of Oman. Paper presented at the International Conference on Plant Virus Epidimeology, Arusha, Tanzania, 27 January - 01 February. 12. Al-Mezeini, N., Manickavasagan, A., Al-Yahyai, R., & Al-Wahaibi, A. (2013). X-ray imaging to detect infestation in stored Dates by saw-toothed beetle (Oryzaephilus sarinamensis). Paper presented at the International Conference on Agricultural Engineering, SQU, Muscat, Oman, 24-26 February. 13. Al-Mulla, Y. A. (2013). Optimizing greenhouse climate based on its orientation. Paper presented at the International Symposium on New Technologies for Environment Control, Energy Saving and Crop Production in Greenhouse and Plant Factory, Jeju, South Korea, 6-11 October. 14. Al-Rahbi, S., Manickavasagan, A., Al-Yahyai, R., & Khriji, L. (2013). Detecting surface cracks on Dates using RGB Imaging Technique. Paper presented at the International Conference on Agricultural Engineering, SQU, Muscat, Oman, 24-26 February. 15. Al-Rahbi, S., Manickavasagan, A., & Gabriel, T. (2013). Back Propagation Neural Network (BPNN) to detect surface crack on Dates using RGB images. Paper presented at the International Conference on Biotechnology and Food Engineering (ICBFE), Singapore, 24-25 August. 16. Al-Saadi, N., Ambuali, A., Al-Kharusi, A., & Yoon, G. H. (2013). Gill histology of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus after chronic and acute exposure to ammonia. Paper presented at the Marine Biotechnology Symposium, 12-13 November. 17. Al-Shekaili, N., & Manickavasagan, A. (2013). Classification of Dates based on hardness using gray scale images. In: (Eds.), Paper presented at the International Conference on Agricultural Engineering, SQU, Muscat, Oman, 24-26 February. 18. Al-Shekaili, N., Manickavasagan, A., & Al-Mezeini, N. (2013). Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to classify Dates based on hardness using gray scale images. Paper presented at the International Conference on Biotechnology and Food Engineering (ICBFE), Singapore, 24-25 August. 19. Al-Subhi, L. K., Al-Ghattami, S., Al-Tobi, M., & Al-Amir, K. (2013). Assessing readability of Arabic diabetes printed health education materials: Can we apply readibility formulas from 94 the English language? Paper presented at the Excellence in Diabetes 2013 (Eid 2013), Istanbul, Turkey, 06-09 February. 20. Al-Yahyai, R. A. (2013). Preharvest quality management: al the preharvest quality factors and practices that can insure best quality fruit. Paper presented at the 3rd International Symposium on Pomegranates and Minor Mediterranean Climate Fruits, China, 09-12 December. 21. Al-Yahyai, R. A. (2013). Present status of Date Palm in the Sultanate of Oman. Paper presented at the 3rd International Symposium on Pomegranates and Minor Mediterranean Climate Fruits, China, 09-12 December. 22. Basunia, M. (2013). Drying of limes in Oman using solar tunnel dryer. Paper presented at the 3rd International Conference on Environmental and Agriculture Engineering (ICEAE 2013), Hong Kong, 06-07 July. 23. Belwal, R., Belwal, S., & Al Jabri, O. (2013). Training needs assessment of fishermen in Oman through concept mapping technique. Paper presented at the Singapore International Conference on Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary Sciences ICFAV, Singapore, 12-13 September. 24. Boughanmi, H. (2013). The fiscal cost of achieving food security: the case of wheat production in Oman. Paper presented at the International Conference on Sustainability and Economic Security (invited as Guest Speaker), Dubai, UAE, 10-12 December. 25. Dobretsov, S. (2013). Inhibition of bacterial quorum sensing by natural products from marine microorganisms. Paper presented at the BioMicroWorld 2013, Madrid, Spain, 01-04 October. 26. Ganeshmoorthy, K., Manickavasagan, A., Alahakoon, P. M. K., Al-Adawi, S., Al-Hajry, & Khriji, L. (2013). Non-destructive measurement of total soluble solids (TSS) content of Khalas Dates using NIR imaging. Paper presented at the International Conference on Agricultural Engineering, SQU, Muscat, Oman, 24-26 February. 27. Kacimov, A. R. (2013). Barenblatt's parabola-Youngs' wedge conjugation in analytical modelling of transiet groundwater mounds consumed by exfiltration and transpiration. Paper presented in a Conference entitled, MODFLOW and More 2013: Translating Science into Practice, Golden Colorado School of Mines, Colorado, USA, 03-06 June. http://igwmc.mines.edu/modflow2013.html. 95 28. Kacimov, A. R. (2013). Transient flow to a well in a confined and unconfined aquifer: the Olubrinova-Kochina analytical arsenal revisited. Paper presented at the 6th International Conference on the Analytic Element Method, MODFLOW Conference, Golden Colorado School of Mines, Colorado, USA, 31 May - 02 June. http://aem2013.ce.umn.edu/ 29. Kacimov, A. R., Al-Ismaily, S., Al-Maktoumi, A., Al-Busaidi, H., & Al-Saqri, S. (2013). Cascade of proppant-sandwiched silt blocks as a double-continuum: from discovery to mathematical modeling. Paper presented at the15th Annual conference of the International Association for Mathematical Geosciences, Madrid, Spain, 02-06 September. 30. Khan, A. J., & Akhtar, S. (2013). Occurance of a new strain of ToLCSDV in association with the old betasatellite from Oman. Paper presented at the International Conference on Plant Virus Epidimeology, Arusha, Tanzania, 27-January-01 February. 31. Khan, A. J., Akhtar, S., Al-Matrushi, A. M., Al-Shihi, A. A., & Briddon, R. W. (2013). Oman-A nursery for recombination between exotic old world begomoviruses of diverse origin. Paper presented at the International Conference on Plant Virus Epidimeology, Arusha, Tanzania, 27 January - 01 February. 32. Mahgoub, O., Al-Marzooqi, W., & Kadim, I. T. (2013). Evaluation of Prosopis juliflora pods as potential feed for livestock in arid tropics. Paper presented at theAgricultural Development with the Rural-Urban Continuum, Tropentag, Stuttgart- Hohenheim, Germany, 17-19 September. 33. Mahgoub, O., Kadim, I. T., Al-Marzooqi, W., Al-Lawati, S. M., Al- Abri, A. S., & Nair, R. R. (2013). Carcass characteristics and fat distribution in the Omani one-humped camel. Paper presented at the Scientific Conference of Camel Research and Production, Sudan University of Science & Technology, Khartoum, Sudan, April 2013. 34. Mahgoub, O., Kadim, I. T., & Babiker, H. (2013). Protein picture, clinical profile and rumen characteristics of sheep fed diets containing condensed tannins. Paper presented at the Agricultural Development with the Rural-Urban Continuum, Tropentag, Stuttgart-Hohenheim, Germany, 17-19 September. 35. Matthew, T., Manickavasagan, A., & Mothershaw, A. (2013). The potential of macine vision technique in detection of fecal, microbial and mycotoxin contamination of food products. Paper presented at the International Conference on 96 Agricultural Engineering, SQU, Muscat, Oman, 24-26 February. 36. Piontkovski, S. A., & Al-Jufaili, S. (2013). Impact of atmospheric cyclones on the productivity of the Mediterranean and the Arabian seas. Paper presented at the 40th CIESM Congress, Marseille, France, 28 October - 1 November. 37. Prathibha, R., Manickavasagan, A., & Sivakumar, N. (2013). Dates: a prebiotic to enhance fermentation and as an alternative to white sugar in traditional convenience foods (TCF). Paper presented at the International Symposium on Biotechnology and Conservation of Species from Arid Region (ISBCSAR), Muscat, Oman, 10-13 February. 38. Rahman, H., Seldon, Z., & Bose, S. (2013). The current state of Canadian municipality infrastructure plans. Paper presented at the 2013 Southeastern Conference for Public Administration (SECoPA), Marriott Center City, Charlotte, North Carolina 25-28 September. 39. Rahman, H., Seldon, Z., & Bose, S. (2013). Decision making in towns and municipalities: does municipal size or regional location matter? Paper presented at the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC) Annual Conference, Montreal, Canada, 20 August. 40. Raiymbek, G., Faye, B., Konuspayeva, G., & Kadim, I. T. (2013). Trace elements of Infraspinatus, Triceps brachii, Longissimus thoraces, Biceps femoris, Semitendinosus, and Semimembra- nosus of Bactrian camel (Camelus bacterianus) muscles. Paper presented at the Trace Elements in Avignon. Bridging between New Advances and Public Health Issues Conference, Avignon, France 22-24 May. 41. Sarkar, B., M., J., Gallardo, W., & Dutta, J. (2013). A threshold intestinal toxicity of dietary administered silver nanoparticles in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Paper presented at the Marine Biotechnology Symposium, Sultan Qaboos University, 12-13 November. 42. Singh, V., Guizani, N., Al-Alawi, A., & Rahman, M. S. (2013). Instrumental Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) of date fruits as a function of its physico-chemical properties. Paper presented at the International Conference on Agricultural Engineering, SQU, Muscat, Oman, 24-26 February. 43. Suresh, S., Guizani, N., & Rahman, M. S. (2013). Thermal characteristics and polyphenol contents of date-pits. Paper presented at the International Conference on Agricultural Engineering, SQU, Muscat, Oman, 24-26 February.
97 44. Talukder, F. A., & Al-Dahmani, J. (2013). Study of potentials of pesticide residues on soil and groundwater pollution in Omani and UAE agricultural soils. Paper presented at the 8th International Symposium of Pesticides in Food and the Environment in Mediterranean Countries, Nevsehir, Turkey, 12-14 September. 45. Turkiya, A., Alahakoon, P. M. K., Manickavasagan, A., Al-Yahyai, R., Al-Wahaibi, A. K., Al-Adawi, S., & Al-Hajry, H. (2013). Disinfestation of stored dates using microwave energy. Paper presented at the International Conference on Agricultural Engineering, SQU, Muscat, Oman, 24-26 February. 46. Waly, M. (2013). Assessment of folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 status among newly diagnosed Omani cardiac patients. Paper presented at the Experimental Biology Meeting (EB 2013), Boston, USA, 20-24 April. 47. Yoon, G. H., & Al Adawi, H. (2013). The monogeanea gill parasite communities from the commercially important three marine fish species belong to Family Sparidae. Paper presented at the Marine Biotechnology Symposium, Muscat, Oman, 12-13 November. 48. Yoon, G. H., Al Adawi, H., Govender, A., & Shinn, A. P. (2013). Do same family share same parasites? Paper presented at the Aquaculture Conference 2013, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain, 3-7 November. 49. Yoon, G. H., Al-Jufaili, S. M., Freeman, M. A., Bron, J. E., Paladini, G., & Shinn, A. P. (2013). Omanicotyle heterospina from the gills of Omani king soldier bream: old microcotylid, new name. Paper presented at the 7th International Symposium on Monogenea, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil, 4-9 August.. 50. Yoon, G. H., & Al-Masroori, H. (2013). Fish made in the Desert. Paper presented at the Aquaculture Conference 2013, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain, 3-7 November.
Abstracts 1. Abbas, I., Manickavasagan, A., Cork, L., Khan, M. A., & Al- Rahbi, S. (2013). Whole grain consumption pattern in Oman. Abstract. In: Proceedings of the Workshop on Promotion of Whole Grain Consumption. p7, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, 20 June 2013. 2. Alahakoon, M., Jayasuriya, H. P. W., Zekri, S., Zaire, R., Al- Busaidi, A., & Al-Balushi, M. (2013). Design of a database 98 and wireless data retrieval systems for monitoring irrigation in Al-Batinah Region in Oman. In: Y. Al-Mulla, M. Deadman & M. Ahmed (Eds.), Abstract. In: Book of Abstracts. International Conference on Agricultural Engineering, p233- 234, SQU, Oman, 24-26 February 2013. 3. Alahakoon, P. M. K., & Manickavasagan, A. (2013). Color adjustment of digital images acquired under non-standard lighting conditions. In: Y. Al-Mulla, M. Deadman & M. Ahmed (Eds.), Abstract. In: Book of Abstracts, International Conference on Agricultural Engineering, p38-39, SQU, Muscat, Oman, 24-26 February. 4. Al-Amri, T. M., Jayasuriya, H. P. W., & Zekri, S. (2013). Adoption of precision irrigation techniques for monitoring and evaluation of over-pumping of water in salinity affected Al Batinah Region of Oman. In: Y. Al-Mulla, M. Deadman & M. Ahmed (Eds.), Abstract. In: Book of Abstracts, International Conference on Agricultural Engineering, pp 230-231. 24-26 February, SQU, Oman 5. Al-Azri, A. (2013). Response of phytoplankton biomass to seasonally varying physical forcing along the coast of Oman. Abstract presented at the Conference on Primary Production in the Ocean; from the Synoptic to Global Scale, Liege, Belgium, 13-17 May. 6. Al-Busaidi, A., Al-Abri, M., & Ahmed, M. (2013). Simple technique in improving the efficiency of furrow irrigation system. In: Y. Al-Mulla, M. Deadman & M. Ahmed (Eds.), Abstract. In: Book of Abstracts, International Conference on Agricultural Engineering, p196, SQU, Muscat, Oman, 24-26 February. 7. Al-Busaidi, H. A., & Al-Mulla, Y. A. (2013). Effect of seawater and quonset greenhouses structures on crop water requirement. In: Y. Al-Mulla, M. Deadman & M. Ahmed (Eds.), Abstract. In: Book of Abstracts, International Conference on Agricultural Engineering, p161-162, SQU, Muscat, Oman, 24- 26 February. 8. Al-Farsi, Y., Al-Khaduri, M., Al-Sumri, H., Al-Farsi, O., Al- Sharbati, M., Waly, M. I., Ouhtit, A., & Al-Shafee, M. (2013). Association of gestational diabetes mellitus with occurrence of autism: a cohort study. Abstract. In: FASEB J 2013; 27:lb111, Boston, USA, 20-24 April 2013. 9. Al-Fori, M., Dobrretsov, S., & Dutta, J. (2013). The antibacterial activity of zinc oxide nano-rods against marine bacteria. 99 Abstract presented at the International Symposium of Biotechnology and Conservation of Species from Arid Regions, Muscat, Oman, 10-13 February. 10. Ali, A. (2013). Bioactive components in whole grains and their health benefits. Abstract presented at the Workshop on Whole Grains in Human Health, College of Agricultural & Marine Sciences, SQU, Oman, 18 June. 11. Ali, A., Al-Zuhaibi, K. M., Wali, Y., Sankar, D., & Johnson, E. H. (2013). Effect of feeding Omani halwa on the growth performance, blood glucose and plasma lipid profile of SD-rats. Abstract presented at the IUNS 20th International Congress of Nutrition "Joining Cultures through Nutrition", Congress Centre, Granada, Spain, 15-20 September. 12. Ali, A., Al-Zuhaibi, K. M., Waly, M., Al-Alawi, A., Al-Sabahi, J., & Sankar, D. (2013). Chemical composition, fatty acids content and glycemic index of two different types of Omani halwa. Abstract presented at the IUNS 20th International Congress of Nutrition "Joining Cultures through Nutrition", Congress Centre, Granada, Spain, 15-20 September. 13. Ali, B. H., Al Za'abi, M., Waly, M. I., Ramkumar, A., Madanagopal, T., Lawati, I., & Nemmar, A. (2013). Effect of charcoal treatment on rats with adenine-induced chronic renal failure. Abstract. In: FASEB J 2013; 27:889.1, Boston, USA, 20-24 April. 14. Al-Jahwari, T., Abdel Rahman, H., & Al-Busaidi, A. (2013). Optimization of micro-irrigation systems. In: Y. Al-Mulla, M. Deadman & M. Ahmed (Eds.), Abstract. In: Book of Abstracts, International Conference on Agricultural Engineering, p232, SQU, Muscat, Oman, 24-26 February. 15. Al-Mezeini, N., Manickavasagan, A., Al-Yahyai, R., & Al-Wahaibi, A. (2013). X-ray imaging to detect infestation in stored Dates by saw-toothed beetle (Oryzaephilus sarinamensis). In: Y. Al- Mulla, M. Deadman & M. Ahmed (Eds.), Abstract. In: Book of Abstracts, International Conference on Agricultural Engineering, p110-111, SQU, Muscat, Oman, 24-26 February. 16. Al-Mulla, Y. A., Al-Balushi, M. I., & Al-Busaidi, H. A. (2013). Optimizing greenhouse climate based on its orientation. Abstract. In: Book of Abstracts, International Symposium on New Technologies for Environment Control, energy Saving and Crop Production in Greenhouse and Plant Factory, Jeju, South Korea, 06-11 October. 100 17. Al-Oufi, H. S., Piontkovski, S., & Al-Jufaili, S. (2013). Fluctuations of sardine landings in the Sea of Oman. Abstract presented at SQU Day 2013, SQU, Oman, 05 May 2013. 18. Al-Rahbi, S., Manickavasagan, A., Al-Yahyai, R., & Khriji, L. (2013). Detecting surface cracks on Dates using RGB Imaging Technique. In: Y. Al-Mulla, M. Deadman & M. Ahmed (Eds.), Abstract. In: Book of Abstracts, International Conference on Agricultural Engineering, p200, SQU, Muscat, Oman, 24-26 February. 19. Al-Rawahy, S. A., & Al-Tobi, A. M. (2013). Creating suitable conditions for Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) growth in Oman. In: Y. Al-Mulla, M. Deadman & M. Ahmed (Eds.), Abstract. In: Book of Abstracts, International Conference on Agricultural Engineering, p109, SQU, Muscat, Oman, 24-26 February. 20. Al-Sadi, A. M., Al-Ghaithi, A. G., & Hogenhout, S. (2013). Witches' broom disease of acid lime: a devastating disease in the Middle East. Abstract presented at the International Congress of Plant Pathology, Beijing, China, 25-30 August 2013. 21. Al-Saqri, S., & Al-Ismaily, S. A.-M., A. (2013). Hydropedological aspects of Al-Khoudh recharge dam for future water resources management in Oman. In: Y. Al-Mulla, M. Deadman & M. Ahmed (Eds.), Abstract. In: Book of Abstracts, International Conference on Agricultural Engineering, p209-210, SQU, Muscat, Oman, 24-26 February. 22. Al-Wahaibi, A., Dobretsov, S., Khan, A., Proksch, P., & B., S. (2013). Antimicrobial and antifouling activities of soft coral extracts from Bandar Al-Khayran n Sultanate of Oman. Abstract. In: Proceedings of the Marine Biotechnology Symposium, p50, Muscat, Oman, 12-13 November. 23. Al-Yahyai, R., Al-Sadi, A. M., & Opara, L. (2013). Diversity of cultivated pomegranates in Oman. Abstract. In: Book of Abstracts, 3rd International Symposium on Pomegranates and Minor Mediterranean Climate Fruits, Taian, China, 20-24 September. 24. Basunia, M. A., Al-Handali, H. H., & Al-Balushi, M. I. (2013). Drying of limes in Oman using solar tunnel dryers. In: Y. Al- Mulla, M. Deadman & M. Ahmed (Eds.), Abstract. In: Book of Abstracts, International Conference on Agricultural Engineering, p4, SQU, Muscat, Oman, 24-26 February. 25. Carvalho, A. P. A. M., Batista, D., Costa, R. S., Dobretsov, S., & Coutinho, R. (2013). Fouling and Quorum sensing inhibitory
101 properties of algae from Arraial do Cabo, RJ, Brazil. Abstract presented at the X Encontro de Bioincrustacao, Ecologia bentica e biocorrosao, Arraial do Cobo, Brazil, 29 July - 02 August. 26. Dobretsov, S. (2013). Prevention of biofouling by quorum sensing. Abstract. In: Proceedings of the International Symposium of Biotechnology and Conservation of species from Arid Regions. p 28, Muscat, Oman, 10-13 February. 27. Dobretsov, S. (2013). Biofouling and its prevention in Oman waters. Abstract. In: Proceedings of the Marine Biotechnology Symposium, p32, Muscat, Oman, 12-13 November. 28. Dobretsov, S. (2013). Inhibition of bacterial quorum sensing by natural products from marine microorganisms. Abstract. In: Proceedings of the BioMicroWorld 2013, p574, Madrid, Spain, 01-04 October. 29. Dobretsov, S., Proksch, P., & Paul, V. J. (2013). Marine natural products with antibacterial and antifouling activities. Abstract. In Proceedings of the Marine Biotechnology Symposium, p56, Muscat, Oman, 12-13 November. 30. Essa, M. (2013). Dietary supplementation of figs on 1-Methly-4- Phenyl-1,2,3,6-Tetrahydropyridine induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Abstract presented at the XX World Congress on Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders, Geneva, Switzerland, 08-11 December. 31. Essa, M. M. (2013). Natural products, active components and Alzeimer's disease. Abstract. In: Proceedings of the International Conference on Phytochemicals in Health and Disease, p19, Annamalai University, India, 21-24 January 2013. 32. Essa, M. M. (2013). Natural products, active components and Parkinson's disease. Abstract. In: Proceedings of the International Conference on Phytochemicals in Health and Disease, p28, Annamalai University, India, 21-24 January 2013. 33. Essa, M. M., Al-Jabri, A., Subash, S., Al-Adawi, S., Al-Senawi, H., Al-Asmi, A., Al-Buraiki, Z., Samuoi, M., & Vaishnav, R. (2013). Diet rich in figs improves memory and learning in alzeimer's diseae transgenic (APPSw 2576) mice. Abstract. Alzeimer's & Dementia, 9(4):505-506, Supplement, July 2013. 34. Essa, M. M., Subash, S., Al-Adawi, S., Al-Sami, A., Al-Jabri, A., Samuoi, M., Al-Sinawi, H., Guillemin, G. J., Vaishnav, R., & Nandhagopal, R. (2013). Effect of dietary supplementatin of 102 figs from Oman on the memory, learning skills and behavior in Alzeimer's disease tg mice. Abstract. Journal of Neurochemistry, 125:179-180, Supplement, May 2013, IF- 4.061 (From TRC Grant). 35. Essa, M. M., Subash, S., Braidy, N., Al-Adawi, S., Al-Asmi, A., Al-Senawi, H., Vaishnav, R., & Guillemin, G. J. (2013). Neuro- protective effects of pomegranate juuice extracts on -1-Methyl- 4Phenyl-1,2,3,6-Tetrahydropyridin (MPTP) induced neurotoxi- city in human neurons. Abstract. Alzeimer's and Dementia, 9(4):800-801, Supplement, July 2013. 36. Essa, M. M., Subash, S., & Vaishnav, R. (2013). Improved behaviour of APPsw 2576 Alzeimer's disease transgenic mice on long term supplementation of figs in their diet. Abstract. Clinical Therapeutics, 35(8): p. e101, Supplement, August 2013. 37. Essa, M. (2013). Walnut Reverses 1-Methyl-4-Phenyl-1,2,3,6- Tetrahydropyridi (MPTP)-Induced Neurodegeneration in a Mousr Model for Parkinson's Disease. Abstract presented at the XX World Congress on Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders, Geneva, Switzerland, 08-11 December. 38. Ganeshmoorthy, K., Manickavasagan, A., Alahakoon, P. M. K., Al-Adawi, S., Al-Hajry, & Khriji, L. (2013). Non-destructive measurement of total soluble solids (TSS) content of Khalas Dates using NIR imaging. In: Y. Al-Mulla, M. Deadman & M. Ahmed (Eds.), Abstract. In: Book of Abstracts, International Conference on Agricultural Engineering, p69-70, SQU, Muscat, Oman, 24-26 February. 39. Guizani, N. (2013). Instrumental Texture Profile Analysis (TPA). Abstract presented at the 10th Pangborn Sensory Science Symposium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 11-15 August. 40. Jayasuriya, H. P. W., Al-Wardy, M. H., Al-Adawi, S. S., & Al- Hinai, K. (2013). Evaluating the effect of different soil compaction treatments on growth and yields of corn and Rhodes grass in Oman: experimental and analyses methods adopted using precision farming techniques. In: Y. Al-Mulla, M. Deadman & M. Ahmed (Eds.), Abstract. In Book of Abstracts, International Conference on Agricultural Engineering, pp 223-224, SQU, Muscat, Oman, 24-26 February 2013. 41. Kadim, I. T., Mahgoub, O., Al-Karousi, A., & Raiymbek, G. (2013). Comparative meat quality assessment between Dromedary (Camelus dromedaries) and Bactrian (Camelus 103 bacterianus) camel Longissimus thoraces muscles. Abstract. In: Proceedings of the Sustainability of Camel Population and Production Conference, p155, College of Agricultural and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia, 7-10 February 2013. 42. Kumar, S. M., Johnson, E. H., & Badry, E. (2013). A preliminary observational study on the relationship between age, breed, body weight, gestational status and parity on the body condition score of Omani breeding camels. Abstract. In: Proceedings of the International Symposium of Biotechnology and Conservation of Species from Arid Regions, pp41-42, College of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, 10-13 February 2013. 43. Mahgoub, O., & Kadim, I. T. (2013). Distribution of muscle in the Omani dromedary camel carcass. Abstract. In: Proceedings of the Sustainability of Camel Population and Production Conference, p157, College of Agricultural and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia, 7-10 February 2013. 44. Manickavasagan, A., Abbas, I., Cork, L., Khan, M. A., & Al- Rahbi, S. (2013). Acceptability of whole wheat Khubs and Rikhal. Abstract. In: Proceedings of the Workshop on Promotion of Whole Grain Consumption. p15, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, 20 June 2013. 45. Manickavasagan, A., Abbas, I., Cork, L., Khan, M. A., & Al- Rahbi, S. (2013). Sensory qualities of whole wheat samoon bread. Abstract. In: Proceedings of the Workshop on Promotion of Whole Grain Consumption. p14, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, 20 June 2013. 46. Matthew, T., Manickavasagan, A., & Mothershaw, A. (2013). The potential of macine vision technique in detection of fecal, microbial and mycotoxin contamination of food products. In: Y. Al-Mulla, M. Deadman & M. Ahmed (Eds.), Abstract. In: Book of Abstracts, International Conference on Agricultural Engineering, p191-192, SQU, Muscat, Oman, 24-26 February. 47. Muthukrishnan, T., Govender, A., & Dobretsov, S. (2013). Unreliability oin random counting of bacteria. Abstract presented at the International Symposium of Biotechnology and Conservation of species from Arid Regions, Muscat, Oman, 10-13 February. 48. Rahman, M. S. (2013). Measurement of glass transition by thermal (DSC and modulated DSC), mechanical (DMTA), and 104 Time Domain Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (TD-NMR). Abstract presented at the IFT13 Annual Meeting and Food Expo (IFT: Institute of Food Technologists, USA), McCormick Place South Convention Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA, 13-16 July. 49. Raiymbek, G., Faye, B., Konuspayeval, G., & Kadim, I. T. (2013). Meat quality characteristics of Bactrian (Camelus bacterianus) camel in Kazakhstan. Abstract. In: Proceedings of the Sustainability of Camel Population and Production Conference, p156, College of Agricultural and Food Sciences King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia, 7-10 February 2013. 50. Rupasinqhe, C. P., & Jayasuriya, H. P. W. (2013). Energy saving scoop type rotary tiller blade for deep tillage. Paper Abstract No. 024. In: Proceedings of the International Forestry and Environment Symposium, p14, University of Sri Jayawardanapura, Sri Lanka, 8-9 June 2013. 51. Rupasinqhe, C. P., & Jayasuriya, H. P. W. (2013). Energy saving scoop type rotary tiller blade for deep tillage. Abstract. In: Proceedings of the International Forestry and Environment Symposium, Sri Lanka. Abstract No. 024, p14. 52. Singh, V., Guizani, N., Al-Alawi, A., Al-Shamsi, Q., & Rahman, M. S. (2013). Effects of physico-chemical properties of Date fruits on its sensory texture and its relationship with Instrumental Texture Profile Analysis (TPA). Abstract presented at the 10th Pangborn Sensory Science Symposium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 11-15 August. 53. Singh, V., Guizani, N., Al-Alawi, A., & Rahman, M. S. (2013). Instrumental Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) of Date fruits as a function of its physico-chemical proeprties. New technologies for sustainable agricultural production and food security. In: Y. Al-Mulla, M. Deadman & M. Ahmed (Eds.), Abstract. In: Book of Abstracts, International Conference on Agricultural Engineering, p48, SQU, Muscat, Oman, 24-26 February. 54. Subash, S., Essa, M. M., Braidy, N., Al-Adawi, S., Al-Asmi, A., Vaishnav, R., Al-Senawi, H., & Guillemin, G. I. (2013). Anti- oxidant and anti-excitotoxic effects of Date, Fig and Walnut extracts in human neurons. Abstract. Alzeimer's and Dementia, 9(4):801, Supplement, July 2013. 55. Subash, S., & Essa, M. M. (2013). Pomegranate-rich diet improves catecholamines and physiological abnormalities seen in a Parkinson's disease model mouse. Abstract presented at the XX World Congress on Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders, Geneva, Switzerland, 08-11 December. 105 56. Subash, S., & Essa, M. M. (2013). Protective effect of dietary supplementation of Dates on MPTP induced oxidative stress and dopamine depletion in a mouse model of Parkinson's Disease. Abstract presented at the XX World Congress on Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders, Geneva, Switzerland, 08-11 December. 57. Suresh, S., Guizani, N., & Rahman, M. S. (2013). Thermal characteristics and polyphenol contents of Date-pits. In: Y. Al- Mulla, M. Deadman & M. Ahmed (Eds.), Abstract. In: Book of Abstracts, International Conference on Agricultural Engineering, p228, SQU, Muscat, Oman, 24-26 February. 58. Waly, M. I., Ali, A., Al-Farsi, Y. M., Ouhtit, A., & Al-Nassri, A. (2013). Assessment of folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 status among newly diagnosed Omani cardiac patients. Abstract. In: FASEB J 2013; 27:1078.4, Boston, USA, 20-24 April 2013. 59. Waly, M. I., Ali, B. H., & Deth, R. C. (2013). Glutathione efficacy as a dietary antioxidant against azoxymethane-induced colon carcinogenesis in rats. Abstract. In: FASEB J 2013; 27:861.8, Boston, USA, 20-24 April 2013.
Posters 1. Al-Amri, T. M., Jayasuriya, H. P. W., & Zekri, S. (2013). Adoption of precision irrigation techniques for monitoring and evaluation of over-pumping of water in salinity affected Al Batinah Region of Oman. Poster presented at the International Conference on Agricultural Engineering, SQU, Oman, 24-26 February. 2. Al-Busaidi, A. (2013). Growth of biofuel plant Jatropha curcas) under heat and water stress conditions maximizing water productivity of furrow irrigation system. Poster presented at the InterDrought- IV Conference, Western Australia, 02-06 September. 3. Al-Fori, M., Dobretsov, S., & Dutta, J. (2013). The antibacterial activity of zinc oxide nano-rods against marine bacteria. Poster presented at the International Symposium of Biotechnology and Conservation of Species from Arid Regions, Muscat, Oman, 10-13 February. 4. Al-Fori, M., Myint, M. T. Z., Dobretsov, S., & Dutta, J. (2013). Anti-fouling properties of zinc oxide nano-rods against marine biofouling organisms, p54. Poster. In: Proceedings of the
106 Marine Biotechnology Symposium, Muscat, Oman, Muscat, Oman, 12-13 November. 5. Ali, A., Al-Zuhaibi, K. M., Wali, Y., Sankar, D., & Johnson, E. H. (2013). Effect of feeding Omani halwa on the growth performance, blood glucose and plasma lipid profile of SD-rats. Poster presented at the IUNS 20th International Congress of Nutrition "Joining Cultures through Nutrition", Congress Centre, Granada, Spain, 15-20 September. 6. Ali, A., Al-Zuhaibi, K. M., Waly, M., Al-Alawi, A., Al-Sabahi, J., & Sankar, D. (2013). Chemical composition, fatty acids content and glycemic index of two different types of Omani halwa. Poster presented at the IUNS20th International Congress of Nutrition "Joining Cultures through Nutrition", Congress Centre, Granada, Spain, 15-20 September. 7. Al-Jahwari, T., Abdel Rahman, H., & Al-Busaidi, A. (2013). Optimization of micro-irrigation systems. Poster presented at the International Conference on Agricultural Engineering, SQU, Muscat, Oman, 24-26 February. 8. Al-Kaabi, H., Al-Kindi, U. K., Dobretsov, S., & Yoon, G. H. (2013). Bacterial infection in Omani abalone Haliotis mariae. Poster. In: Proceedings of the Aquaculture Conference, p1.027, Grant Canaria, Spain, 3-7 November. 9. Al-Masroori, H. (2013). An assessment of the industrial trawl fishery of the Sultanate of Oman using the ecologically sustainable development framework. Poster presented at the 2nd International Conference on Ecosystem Conservation and Sustainable Development, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, 03-05 October. 10. Al-Masroori, H. (2013). Fish, made in the desert. Poster presented at the Aquaculture Conference: To the Next 40 Years of Sustainable Global Aquaculture, Spain, 03-07 November. 11. Al-Mezeini, N., Manickavasagan, A., & Gabriel, T. (2013). Comparison of classifiers in identification of infested Dates using x-ray images. Poster presented at the International Conference on Biotechnology and Food Engineering (ICBFE), Singapore, 24-25 August. 12. Al-Mulla, Y. (2013). Optimizing greenhouse climate based on its orientation. Poster presented at the International Symposium on New Technologies for Environment Control, Energy-saving and Crop Production in Greenhouse and Plant Factory (GreenSys 2013), Jeju, Korea, 06-11 October. 107 13. Al-Naamani, L., Dobretsov, S., Al-Sabahi, J., & Soussi, B. (2013). Production and characterization of amylases from Cellulosimicrobium sp. and Demequina sp. isolated from marine organisms. Poster. In: Proceedings of the Marine Biotechnology Symposium, p64, Muscat, Oman, 12-13 November. 14. Al-Sadi. (2013). Analysis of diversity in acid lime and Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia, the cause of Witches Broom Disease of acid lime. Poster presented at the 14th Mediterranean Phytopathological Union Congress, Turkey, 25-30 August. 15. Al-Saqri, S., Al-Maktoumi, A., Al-Ismaily, S., Kacimov, A., & Al- Busaidi, A. (2013). Hydropedological aspects of Al-Khoudh recharge dam for future water resources management in Oman. Poster presented at the International Conference on Agricultural Engineering, SQU, Muscat, Oman, 24-26 February. 16. Al-Souti, A., Al-Sabahi, J., Soussi, B., & Goddard, S. (2013). The effects of fish oil enriched diets on growth, feed conversion and fatty acid content of red hybrid tilapia, Oreochromis sp. Poster presented at the International Symposium on Biotechnology and Conservation of Species from Arid Region-ISBCSAR, SQU, Muscat, Oman, 10-13 February. 17. Al-Subhi, L. K., Al-Ghattami, S., Al-Tobi, M., & Al-Amir, K. (2013). Assessing readability of Arabic diabetes printed health education materials: Can we apply readibility formulas from the English language? Poster presented at the Excellence in Diabetes 2013 (Eid 2013), Istanbul, Turkey, 06-09 February. 18. Al-Yahyai, R., Al-Said, F., & Opara, L. (2013). Deciduous crop plants of Oman: cultivation and utilization. Poster presented at the 9th International Symposium on Temperate Zone Fruits in the Tropics and Subtropics, Chiang Mai, Thailand, 26-28 March. 19. Carvalho, A. P. A. M., Batista, D., Costa, R. S., Dobretsov, S., & Coutinho, R. (2013). Fouling and Quorum sensing inhibitory properties of algae from Arraial do Cabo, RJ, Brazil. Poster presented at the X Encontro de Bioincrustacao, Ecologia bentica e biocorrosao, Arraial do Cobo, Brazil, 29 July - 02 August. 20. Essa, M. (2013). Effect of dietary supplementation of figs from Oman on the memory, learning skills and behavior in Alzheimer's disease tg mice. Poster presented at the ISN ASN 2013 Conference, Cancun Mexico, 20-24 April. 108 21. Essa, M. (2013). Excitotoxicity in the pathogenesis of Autism. Poster presented at the ISN Advanced School of Neurochemistry, Chiczen Itza 2013 Conference, Mexico, 16- 20 April. 22. Guizani, N. (2013). Instrumental Texture Profile Analysis (TPA). Poster presented at the 10th Pangborn Sensory Science Symposium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 11-15 August. 23. Kacimov, A. (2013). New analytical solutions for phreatic Darcian flows over non-planar bedrocks. Poster presented at the15th Annual Conference of the International Association for Mathematical Geosciences, Madrid, Spain, 02-06 September. 24. Kacimov, A. (2013). Optimal orbiting of terrestrial planets and optimal shape of a self-gravitating and rotating celestial body. Poster presented at the15th Annual conference of the International Association for Mathematical Geosciences, Madrid, Spain, 02-06 September. 25. Kotagama, H., & Al-Alawi, A. (2013). Replanting schedule for Omani Date palms. Poster presented at the Visit of H.E. The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries to the College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, SQU, Oman. 26. Manickavasagan, A. (2013). Total soluble solid (TSS) measurement in dated at tamar stage using NIR imaging. Poster presented at the CSBE/SCGAB 2013 Annual Conference, 07-10 July. 27. Manickavasagan, A., Abbas, I., Cork, L., & Khan, M. A. (2013). Samoon bread: changes in nutritional and sensory qualities while replacing refined wheat flour with whole wheat flour. Poster presented at the Annual General Meeting of Canadian society for Bioengineering (CSBE/SCGAB), Saskatoon, SK, Canada, 07-10 July. 28. Piontkovski, S. (2013). Impact of atmospheric cyclones on the producitivity of the Mediterranean and Arabian seas. Poster presented at the 40th CIESM Congress, Merseille, France, 28 October - 01 November. 29. Yoon, G. H., & Al-Masroori, H. (2013). Fish made in the Desert. Poster presented at SQU Day 2013, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, 05 May.
109 TECHNICAL REPORTS 1. AbdelRahman, H. (2013). Optimal control of micro irrigation systems. Final Report, IG/AGR/SWAE/10/01. CAMS, SQU. Sultanate of Oman. 2. Al-Balushi, I. (2013). Biochemical, physiochemical and microbial characteristics stability of traditionally dried anchovy Encrasicholina punctifer in Oman during ambient storage. Final Report, IG/AGR/FOOD/11/03. CAMS, SQU. Sultanate of Oman. 3. Al-Busaidi, A. (2013). Agronomic and economic feasibility of salt tolerant plants for saline lands and water of Batinah. Final Report, IG/AGR/SWAE/10/03. CAMS, SQU. Sultanate of Oman. 4. Al-Maktoumi, A. K. (2013). Effects of siltation behind Al-Khod Dam on the soil properties and recharge efficiency. Final Report, IG/AGR/SWAE/10/02. CAMS,SQU. Sultanate of Oman. 5. Al-Mulla, Y. A., & Ahmed, M. (2013). International Conference on Agricultural Engineering. Chronica Horticulturae, 53(3). 2 pp. 6. Boughanmi, H. (2013). Assessing the impact of global food crisis on food security in Oman. Final Report, IG/AGR/ECON/10/01. CAMS,SQU. Sultanate of Oman. 7. Kadim, I., & et. al. (2013). Report of the Working Group on Fisheries and Aquaculture, FAO Technical Workshop on “The Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests in the Context of National Food Security (“Guidelines”), Landmark Hotel Amman, Jordan 23 - 25 April 2013. 8. Khan, A. J. (2013). Molecular characterization of Begomovirus associated with tomato and other crops and screening of tomato cultivars tolerant to tomato yellow leaf curl virus. Final Report, IG/AGR/CROP/09/03. CAMS, SQU. Sultanate of Oman. 9. Khan, A. J. (2013). Molecular characterization of Begomovirus associated with tomato and other crops in Oman. Final Report, RC/AGR/CROP/10/01. CAMS,SQU. Sultanate of Oman. 10. Kotagama, H. (2013). An analysis on optimal plan on new-planting and re-planting of date palm in Oman through a multiperiod linear programming optimization model. Final Report, IG/AGR/ECON/11/01. CAMS, SQU. Sultanate of Oman. 11. Manickavasagan, A., Mohib, K. A., Abbas, I., & Cork, L. (2013). Product development with whole wheat. Report submitted to Atyab Food Tech, LLC (Oman Flour Mills), Oman.
110 12. Rahman, M. S. (2013). Extraction and structural characterization of gelatin from fish skin. Final Report, IG/AGR/FOOD/10/02. CAMS, SQU,. Sultanate of Oman. 13. Tageldin, M. H. (2013). Study on Theileriosis of indigenous sheep in the Sultanate of Oman. Final Report, IG/AGR/ANVS/10/01. CAMS, SQU. Sultanate of Oman. 14. Waly, M. (2013). A study of the nutritional and metabolic factors contributing to the occurrence of autistic spectrum disorders among children in the Sultanate of Oman. Final Report, IG/AGR/FOOD/10/01. CAMS, SQU. Sultanate of Oman. 15. Weerahewa, J., & Kodithuwakku, S. S. (2013). Market analysis of dried aquatic products in Sri Lanka. Final Report submitted to Regional Fisheries, Livelihoods Program of Sri Lanka, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
PhD DISSERTATION
1. Al Habsi, N. A. (2013). The effect of thermomechanical processes on crystal dissolution, recrystallization and antimicrobial properties of selected honey. PhD Dissertation, Reading University, U.K.
NEWSPAPER ARTICLES
SQU 1. Ali, A. (2013). Effect of Omani coffee on the glycemic index of commonly consumed snack foods in Oman, Tawsal - Academic Bulletin of SQU, Oman, 19 January. 2. Al-Wahaibi, A. (2013). The fight to understand Dubas bug, SQU Horizon Newsletter No. 261, p. 4, February 2013. 3. Boughanmi, H. (2013). Workshop conducted by the Department of Natural Resource Economics, CAMS, SQU, Horizon, Issue 238, SQU, Oman. 4. Khan, M. M. (2013). Salalah as Oman's potential vegetables basket, SQU Horizon, Issue 267, 20 April. https://www.squ.edu.om/Portals/33/almasar/Horizon- 267.pdf. 5. Kotagama, H., & Al-Alawi, A. (2013). Replanting Date palms boosts revenue, SQU Horizon, Issue 260, Oman, 29 January.
111 Local 1. Essa, M. M. (2013). Act of love, Muscat Daily, 21 July 2013. http://www.muscatdaily.com/Archive/Features/Act-of-Love-2fbg. 2. Khan, M. M. (2013). Pakistan mango festival opens at Sultan Centre, Oman Tribune, 10 July. http.//www.omantribune.com/archives/index.php?page= news&id=148074&heading=Oman&archdate=2013-07-10. 3. Khan, M. M. (2013). SQU experts see Salalah aas potential vegetable basket, Oman Daily Observer, 31 March. http://main.omanobserver.om/files/pdf/2013/3/31/ OmanObserver_31-03-13.pdf. 4. Khan, M. M. (2013). Water management for irrigation, Oman Daily Observer (Features, SQU, Research & Society), 22 October. http://main.omanobserver.om/?p=23107. 5. Kotagama, H., & Al-Alawi, A. (2013). New lease of life for Date palms boosts revenue, Gulf News, 22 January. 6. Kotagama, H., & Al-Alawi, A. (2013). Replanting old palms increases yields, finds SQU study, Oman Tribune, 05 March. 7. Kotagama, H., & Al-Alawi, A. (2013). SQU study derives replanting schedule for Omani Date palms, Oman Daily Observer, 23 January.
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Appendix
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114 Appendix - CAMS Research Profile in 2013
Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences
Eugene Harper Johnson, Professor PhD 1983, University of California, USA Immunology, Clinical Microbiology E-mail: [email protected]
Isam Tawfik Kadim, Professor PhD 1988, Massey University, New Zealand Meat Sciences E-mail: [email protected]
Mohammed H. Tageldin, Associate Professor PhD 1974, Khartoum University, Sudan Veterinary Pathology E-mail: [email protected]
Osman Mahgoub Gaafar, Professor PhD 1988, University of Canterbury, New Zealand Animal Science E-mail: [email protected]
Patrick Akin Bobade, Associate Professor PhD 1985, University of Ibadan, Nigeria Clinical Pathology and Veterinary Medicine E-mail: [email protected]
Rashid Mohd Al Busaidi, Associate Researcher MSc 2004, Sultan Qaboos University, Sultanate of Oman Animal Science E-mail: [email protected]
Salma R. Al-Adwani, Lecturer MSc 2011, Washington State University, USA Immunology, Animal Science E-mail: [email protected]
Waleed Said Al Marzooqi, Associate Professor PhD 2003, University of Nottingham, UK Poultry Nutrition E-mail: [email protected]
Yasmeen El Taher Ahmed, Assistant Professor PhD 2001, University of Turku, Finland Molecular Biology E-mail: [email protected] 115 Department of Crop Sciences
Aamna Al-Ruheili, Lecturer MSc, 2011, Washington State University, USA Landscape Architectture E-mail: [email protected]
Abdullah Al-Sa’di, Associate Professor PhD 2007, The University of Queensland, Australia Plant Pathology E-mail: [email protected]
Ahmed Al-Maskri, Associate Professor PhD 1998, University of Durham, UK Crop Physiology E-mail: [email protected]
Akhtar Jamal Khan, Associate Professor PhD 1983, CIMAP, India Plant Pathology, Virology E-mail: [email protected]
Ali Al-Wahaibi, Assistant Professor PhD 2004, University of California, USA Entomology E-mail: [email protected]
Fahad Al-Said, Associate Professor PhD 2000, University of Reading, UK Horticulture E-mail: [email protected]
Farid Talukder, Assistant Professor PhD 1991, Southampton University, UK Entomology (Pesticide Application) E-mail: [email protected]
Michael Deadman, Professor PhD 1988, University of Dublin, Ireland Plant Pathology E-mail: [email protected]
Mumtaz Khan, Associate Professor PhD 1997, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom Horticulture/Crop Production E-mail: [email protected]
116 Rashid Al-Yahyai, Associate Professor PhD 2004, University of Florida, USA Horticulture E-mail: [email protected]
Department of Food Science and Nutrition
Ahmed A. Al-Alawi, Assistant Professor PhD 2006, McGill University, Canada Food Science, Food Chemistry E-mail: [email protected]
Amanat Ali, Associate Professor PhD 1980, University of Bonn, Germany Nutrition E-mail: [email protected]
Ann Mothershaw, Assistant Professor PhD 1998, Open University, UK Food Microbiology E-mail: [email protected]
Buthaina Al Rasasi, Assistant Professor PhD 2003, University of Surrey, UK Human Nutrition E-mail: [email protected]
Insaaf Mohammed Al-Marhuby, Associate Researcher MSc, 2001, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman Food Science E-mail: [email protected]
Ismail Mohd Al-Bulushi, Assistant Professor PhD 2009, University of Queensland, Australia Food Microbiology E-mail: [email protected]
Lyutha Al-Subhi, Assistant Professor PhD 2007, Colorado State University, USA Human Nutrition E-mail: [email protected]
Mohamed Essa, Assistant Professor PhD 2006, Annamalai University, India Biochemistry – (Nutrition in Neurological Diseases) E-mail: [email protected] 117 Mohammed Hamed Juma Al-Rizeiqi, Associate Researcher MSc, 2002, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman Food Science and Nutrition E-mail: [email protected]
Mohammed Khalfan Al-Khusaibi, Assistant Professor PhD 2011, University of Reading, UK Food Biosciences E-mail: [email protected]
Mohd Shafiur Rahman, Professor PhD 1991, University of New South Wales, Australia Food Processing, Food Engineering E-mail: [email protected]
Mostafa Waly, Assistant Professor PhD 2003, Northeastern University, Boston, USA Human Nutrition/Biomedical Sciences E-mail: [email protected]
Nejib Guizani, Professor PhD 1991, University of Florida, USA Food Science E-mail: [email protected]
Zahir Humaid Rashid Al-Attabi, Assistant Professor PhD 2010, The University of Queensland, Australia Food Sciences and Dairy Technology E-mail: [email protected]
Department of Marine Science and Fisheries
Adnan R. Al-Azri, Associate Professor PhD 2002, University of Wales, Bangor, UK Biological Oceanography & Biogeochemistry E-mail: [email protected]
Anesh Govender, Associate Professor PhD 1996, University of Natal, South Africa Fish Stock Assessment E-mail: [email protected]
Arne Michael Malzahn, Assistant Professor Dr. rer. nat. 2006, University of Kiel Fisheries Biology, Plankton ecology E-mail: [email protected]
11 8 Gil Ha Yoon, Assistant Professor PhD 1998, University of Stirling, UK Aquaculture and Fish Pathology Email: [email protected]
Hussein Samh Harib Al-Masroori, Assistant Professor PhD 2008, University of Tasmania, Australia Fishing Gear Technology E-mail: [email protected]
Khalid Abdullah Al-Hashmi, Associate Researcher MSc 2004, Sultan Qaboos University, Sultanate of Oman Biological Oceanography E-mail: [email protected]
Michel Claereboudt, Associate Professor PhD 1989, Univ Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium Marine Ecology & Marine Biology E-mail: [email protected]
Said Mohd Hilal Al-Barwani, Associate Researcher PhD 2007, Universiti Putra, Malaysia Marine Biology E-mail: [email protected]
Saud M. Al-Jufaili, Assistant Professor PhD 2002, Oregon State University, USA Fisheries Science and Management E-mail: [email protected]
Sergey Dobretsov, Associate Professor PhD 1998, St. Petersburg State University, Russia Marine Biotechnology, Bacterial Ecology E-mail: [email protected]
Sergey Piontkovski, Associate Professor PhD 1978, Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas, Ukraine PhD 2004, Moscow State University, Russia Hydrobiology, Marine Biology E-mail: [email protected]
Stephen Goddard, Associate Professor PhD 1975, University of Wales, Bangor, UK Aquaculture E-mail: [email protected]
119 Veera B. Sarma, Assistant Professor PhD 1998, Andhra University, India Physical Oceanography & Remote Sensing E-mail: [email protected]
Wenresti Gallardo, Associate Professor PhD 2000, Nagasaki University, Japan Aquaculture & Integrated Coastal Zone Management E-mail: [email protected]
Department of Natural Resource Economics
Hemesiri Kotagama, Assistant Professor PhD 1992, University of London, England Natural Resource Management E-mail: [email protected]
Houcine Boughanmi, Associate Professor PhD 1991, Oregon State University, USA Agricultural Economics E-mail: [email protected]
Msafiri Mbaga, Assistant Professor PhD 2000, University of Manitoba, Canada Agricultural Economics (Production Economics) E-mail: [email protected]
Omar Al-Jabri, Assistant Professor PhD 2008, The University of Queensland, Australia Regional & Rural Business Management E-mail: [email protected]
Sarath Kodithuwakku, Assistant Professor PhD 1997, University of Stirling, UK Entrepreneurship E-mail: [email protected]
Shekar Bose, Associate Professor PhD 2001, The University of Queensland, Australia Applied Economics E-mail: [email protected]
Slim Zekri, Associate Professor PhD 1991, University of Cordoba, Spain Natural Resource Economics E-mail: [email protected]
120 Department of Soils, Water and Agricultural Engineering
Abdulrahim Mohd Al-Ismaili, Assistant Professor PhD 2009, Cranfield University, UK Agricultural Engineering E-mail: [email protected]
Ahmed Salim Al-Busaidi, Associate Researcher PhD 2007, Tottori University, Japan Bioenvironmental Science E-mail: [email protected]
Ali Khamis Sulaiman Al-Maktoomi, Assistant Professor PhD 2007, The University of Queensland, Australia Environmental Engineering E-mail: [email protected]
Anvar Kacimov, Professor PhD 1987, Institute of Mathematics and Mechanics Kazan University of Tatarstan, Russia Fluid Mechanics E-mail: [email protected]
Hayder AbdelRahman, Associate Professor PhD 1981, University of Arizona, USA Irrigation & Water Management E-mail: [email protected]
Hemanatha Jayasuriya, Assistant Professor PhD 1999, Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand Mechanical & Agricultural Engineering E-mail: [email protected]
Malik M. Al Wardy, Assistant Professor PhD 2001, Cornell University, USA Soil Chemistry, Remote Sensing E-mail: [email protected]
Mansour Hamed Sultan Al Haddabi, Associate Researcher MSc 2002, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman Soil and Water Management E-mail: [email protected]
Manickavasagan Annamalai, Assistant Professor PhD 2007, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada Food Engineering/Biosystems Engineering E-mail: [email protected]
121 Mohammad Ali Basunia, Assistant Professor PhD 1997, Ehime University, Japan Agricultural Process Engineering E-mail: [email protected]
Mushtaque Ahmed, Associate Professor PhD 1988, Iowa State University, USA Water Resources E-mail: [email protected]
Said S. Al Ismaily, Assistant Professor PhD 2004, University of Arizona, USA Soil Genesis & Classification E-mail: [email protected]
Salem A. Al Jabri, Assistant Professor PhD 2001, Iowa State University, USA Soil Physics and Water Resources E-mail: [email protected]
Salim Ali Al Rawahy, Associate Professor PhD 1989, University of Arizona, USA Soil and Water Sciences E-mail: [email protected]
Yaseen Al Mulla, Assistant Professor PhD 2004, Washington State University, USA Soil and Water Engineering E-mail: [email protected]
122
Photo Credits: Dept of Animal & Veterinary Sciences Dept of Crop Sciences Dept of Soils, Water & Agricultural Engineering
123