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Purpose: Due to the emergent COVID situation, the teachers of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences- Al- Musanna, Oman (UTASA) had to abruptly switch over to online teaching platforms like Microsoft Teams. They encountered unexpected challenges. This research study aimed to survey the opinions of ELT teachers in UTASA to cope up with such an unanticipated mode of study. The specific objective of this study was to investigate the attitudes and practices of ELT Teachers in UTASA towards professional development during emergency situations like the COVID-19. Research Methods: This study adopted a quantitative research design to reach the intended population in the University of Technology and Applied Sciences- Al- Musanna, Oman (UTASA). A questionnaire tool, Attitude and Practices Scale for Professional Development, was prepared for this study to elicit information about participants' attitudes and practices of towards professional development for online learning. Findings: The results of the study found no remarkable consistency in the surveyed teachers' thoughts and reflections regarding their attitudes. While some opted for more CPD opportunities, others believed that significant administrative challenges- including time and workload- were the hindrance. Implications for Research and Practice: The abrupt shift to online teaching showed that teachers in UTASA needed professional development as a few teachers faced challenges to cope with such changes. The continuous professional development (CPD) therefore would therefore benefit ELT teachers in such abrupt transitions of the teaching mode. CPD courses would also open new horizons for the ELT teachers and take them a step ahead of merely learning about teaching methodology.

Purpose: This study aims to examine the factors that affect individuals' intention of participating in donation crowdfunding in the context of Oman. Design/methodology/approach: This study used the self-determination theory. A total of 250 respondents from Oman participated. The data is collected by online survey and analyses by using the partial least squares technique. Findings: The results illustrate that sense of self-worth, perceived donor effectiveness and moral obligation positively affect donation intention (DI) towards crowdfunding projects. Furthermore, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control positively impact individuals' intention to contribute to donation crowdfunding. Originality/value: The results contribute to the literature on donation crowdfunding by identifying the driving forces of individuals' DI to crowdfunding projects in Oman. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research aims to assess the multi-dimensional role of transformational leadership on the staff motivation in the higher education institutions in Oman. Four dimensions of transformational leadership such as individualized characteristics, Intellectual Stimulation, idealized influencing and inspiring motivations were conceptualised. Data was collected from 391 participants from the higher education institutions in Muscat. Using SmartPLS 3.3.2, data was analysed by employing structural equational modelling. The findings revealed that all four dimensions of transformational leadership, individualized characteristics, Intellectual Stimulation, idealized influencing and inspiring motivations have significant impact on the staff motivation. The study contributed to the body of knowledge by examining multidimensional role of transformational leadership on staff motivation. To the best of our knowledge, no such study has been conducted and the current study is one of its own kind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease. It typically presents as an acute febrile illness associated with a varying degree of arthralgia and musculoskeletal sequelae. Cases of chikungunya have been reported from more than 40 countries in several continents. Chikungunya is often reported in travelers returning to non-endemic/epidemic countries. With increasing international travel, it is vital that clinicians in non-endemic areas are made aware of this rapidly spreading infection. Increasing international travel (for social, leisure, and business) between Oman and several chikungunya endemic countries including Pakistan may facilitate the introduction of chikungunya to Oman. We report the first imported case of chikungunya in an Omani traveler with a link to the current outbreak in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Two hundred and twenty-seven (29.8%) of 761 bacteraemia cases due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Acinetobacter baumannii , and Klebsiella pneumoniae were carbapenem-resistant. • Rates of carbapenem resistance in P. aeruginosa , A. baumannii , and K. pneumoniae bacteraemia increased from 20%, 67%, and 0%, respectively, in 2007 to 25%, 86%, and 35%, respectively, in 2016. • Seventeen (7.9%) of 216 carbapenem-resistant blood isolates were colistin-resistant. • It appears that no previously published research (to the extent of this study) exists from this region including Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Bacteraemia due to carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria is challenging. This study examined the burden of carbapenem and colistin resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Acinetobacter baumannii bacteraemia in Oman. Adult patients admitted to Sultan Qaboos University Hospital between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2016 with positive blood cultures for P. aeruginosa , A. baumannii , or K. pneumoniae were identified. Rates of carbapenem resistance, trends in prevalence, and 30-day all-cause mortality were examined. Two hundred and twenty-seven (29.8%) of 761 bacteraemia cases due to these three isolates were carbapenem-resistant, with 87.2% being healthcare-associated. A. baumannii caused 52% of all carbapenem-resistant bacteraemia, K. pneumoniae caused 30%, and P. aeruginosa caused 18%. Rates of carbapenem resistance in P. aeruginosa , A. baumannii , and K. pneumoniae bacteraemia increased from 20%, 67%, and 0%, respectively, in 2007 to 25%, 86%, and 35%, respectively, in 2016. Seventeen (7.9%) carbapenem-resistant bacteraemia cases were also colistin-resistant. Thirty-day all-cause mortality was 62% in patients with carbapenem-resistant bacteraemia and 22% in patients with carbapenem-sensitive bacteraemia. The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae , A. baumannii , and P. aeruginosa bacteraemia is increasing alarmingly in Oman, with a large proportion of K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa demonstrating additional resistance to colistin. Patients with carbapenem-resistant bacteraemia had higher 30-day all-cause mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]