Limited genotyping data are available for rotavirus strains in the Middle East. In this study, we investigated the molecular epidemiology of human rotavirus strains circulating in the Sultanate of Oman during 2005. Rotavirus was detected in 178 (57.4%) of 310 of the diarrheal stools of young children <5 years admitted to hospitals and outpatients clinics. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis demonstrated the cocirculation of 8 strains, although 2 strains predominated across the Sultanate. Genotyping revealed the presence of human rotavirus strains of types G1P[8], G2P[4], and G3P[8]. Several strains exhibited unusual combinations of G and P genotypes and RNA electropherotypes, indicating the likelihood of natural reassortment events occurring with a high frequency. In addition, the unusual P[10] genotype was identified among the rotavirus strains, in combination with the G1 type.

In this paper, we present initial designs and results of a small-scale prototype of a vehicle to vehicle communication system using light fidelity (Li-Fi) technology, a new technology that was developed in the last few years, which still needs more investigations on its sustainability for outdoor vehicular networks. Vehicle to vehicle communication is the most effective solution that has been used in order to reduce vehicles' accidents. The proposed use of Li-Fi technology in this paper comprises mainly light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs as means of connectivity by sending data through light spectrum as an optical wireless medium for signal propagation. In fact, the usage of LED eliminates the need of complex wireless networks and protocols. Several case studies mimicking the vehicle to vehicle communication are explored in this work. Both numerical simulations using Proteous package and experimental results are also presented, which agree quite well.

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Over the years, ethno-botanical and traditional medicine has received great interest by our society. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has sixty herbal medicines registered for ethno-medical usage in Oman, with acknowledged use by 80-99% of the population. These plants are, collectively, believed to have analgesic, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-viral and in some instances immune modulatory properties. Despite being widely used locally, the majority of people are oblivious about the possible side effects that follow erroneous usage. As plants have been widely incorporated in traditional medicine, plant poisoning has become a worldwide concern. Locally, these plants appear to be readily available all over the Country. This article discusses six different plants that are used frequently by the natives of Oman and are widely available here; being Nerium oleander, Adenium obesum, Euphorbia cactus, Ficus cordata, Datura metel and Calotropis procera. The aim is to highlight the distribution of those plants in the Country, their medical and non-medical uses, poisonous parts and finally toxicity and possible side effects. The objective is to increase awareness among physicians, health care workers and the public about plants and their effects.

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