Douglas J. Cumming
Florida Atlantic University
UTAS organized a webinar titled “Reviewing Scientific Papers”, on December 4, 2023. The presenter was a well renowned person, Douglas J. Cumming.
Mr. Cumming delivered a highly informative online presentation to researchers and lecturers at the University of Technology & Applied Sciences. During his presentation, he shed light on the criteria that reviewers consider when accepting or rejecting an article.
He emphasized the importance of addressing new and innovative topics in research, expressing skepticism towards articles that merely replicate studies conducted in other countries, referring to them as "me-too" papers. He noted that when a topic has already been explored in another country, reviewers may not appreciate a simple replication for a different location.
Additionally, Cumming highlighted the significance of including an online appendix in research papers, deeming articles with this feature as more reliable. He further advised authors to disclose any potential conflicts of interest with editors. Such transparency, he explained, fosters the perception of fairness and integrity.
Furthermore, Cumming provided valuable guidance to researchers, urging them to thoroughly address all points raised by reviewers before resubmitting their work. This, he emphasized, contributes to the enhancement and credibility of the submitted manuscript.
By Professor Khaled Hussainey from University of Portsmouth
University of Technology & Applied Sciences (UTAS) organized a webinar entitled Publishing Research Papers in highly ranked journals on 26th October 2023.The distinguished resource person for the session was Professor Khaled Hussainey from University of Portsmouth (UK). The webinar covered various aspects related to research publication process like editor’s decision, review, revise, resubmit, withdrawn, and final outcome. The speaker of the webinar also highlighted the importance of drafting appropriate reply emails to the editors in response to the manuscript rejection. He also brought to limelight the necessity for the usage of accurate phrases while drafting emails. The webinar served as a platform for the participants to comprehend the varied nuances and processes of the research articles submission and their publications in highly ranked journals. This informative and enlightening session was highly appreciated by the participants as it offered a comprehensive outlook on the research publication processes of research articles.
Health and Safety committee of PSC organized a session “First Aid Live Demonstration” for the students and lecturers, on 16th November 2023. The session was conducted by Ms. Rabeea Ibrahim, Health & Safety members and clinic nurse Ms Naima Khamis Al Abri. Ms.Adeeba provided material to use as realia for the demonstration of the four cases we dealt with (fainting, bleeding, burning and asthma.) The main objective of the session was to give general awareness about the first aid procedures to follow, and timely help that can be provided before an ambulance or a medical team reaches the patient to carry him/her to the medical center. During the session, Ms Naima Khamis Al Abri focused on the importance of first aid, the skills that the person or people near the patient(s) should have and the correct methods for dealing with cases of fainting, bleeding, burning and asthma. The practical application was also explained with the four cases happening for children and adults. The visitors found this information and practical demonstration very useful.
The Staff Development Committee of the Engineering Department organized a seminar titled "Project Awareness for the Society-Related Applications" on November 28, 2023, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM in Electrical Machines Lab (B009). The primary objective of this program was to empower participants with the essential skills and knowledge required for crafting impactful and socially relevant engineering projects. Dr. V Ilankumaran, Head of Section for Electrical and Electronics in the Engineering Department at UTAS-Ibri, led the program with an insightful presentation that covered a broad spectrum of topics. Dr. Ilankumaran initiated the session by providing a comprehensive explanation of the importance of socially relevant projects and their impact on society. He emphasized the need for engineers to contribute meaningfully to societal development through their projects, aligning their work with the needs and challenges of the local community. During the seminar, Dr. Ilankumaran delved into the pivotal role of researchers in driving positive change in society. He outlined various research areas that hold immense potential for benefiting Oman and its people. Furthermore, Dr. Ilankumaran specifically addressed Renewable Energy-related topics, highlighting their significance in contributing to Oman's sustainable development. He discussed potential avenues for research within the realm of Renewable Energy, considering its pivotal role in addressing environmental concerns and fostering sustainable practices. In addition to theoretical insights, Dr. Ilankumaran provided practical examples and case studies to illustrate the real-world impact of socially relevant engineering projects. He encouraged participants to explore innovative solutions and research directions that align with the specific needs and challenges faced by Omani society. The seminar fostered a dynamic interaction between Dr. Ilankumaran and the participants, creating an engaging and collaborative learning environment. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions, seek clarification, and share their perspectives on potential project ideas. In summary, the "Project Awareness for the Society-Related Applications" seminar, led by Dr. V Ilankumaran, proved to be a valuable platform for participants to gain insights into crafting socially relevant engineering projects. Dr. Ilankumaran's comprehensive presentation and discussions on renewable energy and societal development not only enriched the participants' understanding but also inspired them to envision projects that contribute meaningfully to the betterment of Oman and its communities. The seminar served as a catalyst for fostering a sense of social responsibility among engineering professionals and students alike.
The Staff Development Committee of the Engineering Department organized a seminar titled "Preparation of Effective Paper using LaTeX" on November 16, 2023, from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM in the Multi-Purpose Hall (Room B102). The primary objective of this program was to equip participants with the essential skills and knowledge required for crafting high-quality journal papers, with a specific emphasis on meeting the standards.
Dr. Suresh Rasappan, a Lecturer in the Department of IT at UTAS-Ibri, spearheaded the program by providing a comprehensive explanation of the LaTeX typesetting system. He highlighted its significance in creating professional and standardized research papers. Dr. Rasappan not only explained the intricacies of LaTeX but also conducted live editing sessions, demonstrating how to effectively edit and format documents using the Overleaf platform.
During the seminar, Dr. Rasappan elucidated the role of Overleaf, an online collaborative LaTeX editor, in simplifying the process of LaTeX document preparation. He explained how Overleaf allows researchers to work collaboratively on LaTeX documents in real-time, making it a powerful tool for authors, especially those working on IEEE-formatted papers. Participants gained insights into the features of Overleaf, such as its user-friendly interface, collaborative capabilities, and instant compilation, which streamline the paper preparation process.
Furthermore, Dr. Rasappan delved into the essential components of an effective paper, discussing proper structuring, formatting guidelines, and citation techniques required to adhere to the rigorous standards set by reputable journals like IEEE. The live editing sessions on Overleaf provided participants with practical insights into navigating the platform and utilizing its features for efficient document preparation.
The live demonstrations and explanations of Overleaf offered participants a unique opportunity to witness the step-by-step process of editing and formatting within the
platform. This interactive approach enabled attendees to ask questions and seek clarification on specific challenges they might face in their own paper preparation using Overleaf and LaTeX.
In summary, the "Preparation of Effective Paper using LaTeX" seminar, including insights into Overleaf, was highly successful. Participants gained valuable knowledge about LaTeX and its application in crafting IEEE-formatted journal papers, and they were introduced to the benefits of using Overleaf as a collaborative platform for seamless document preparation. The live demonstrations and explanations provided a practical and engaging learning experience, equipping attendees with the skills needed to produce well-structured and professionally formatted papers using Overleaf and LaTeX.
Health and Safety committee of PSC organized a “Health and Safety Awareness Session” held on November 9, 2023. The session was conducted by Ms. Thandeka Khathi and Ms. Haleema Tausef, PSC Lecturer. The main objective of the session was the Health and Safety Awareness among staff and students. The session focused mainly on raising basic awareness on the Health and Safety procedures in place in our campus.
Ms. Thandeka Khathi presented the emergency evacuation, fire procedure and the first aid procedures. Clear illustrations were given and directions to the nearest assembly points were shared, using pictures. The importance of completing the incident report form was emphasized as well instructions on how to access it and the procedure to submit it.
Ms. Haleema Tausef then followed with General Health and Safety tips for the participants. This part of the presentation dealt with practical day-to-day advice to maintain good health, prevent hazards and ensure safety. Participants were further urged to take responsibility of their own Health and Safety by applying tips such as decluttering their workspaces, keeping hydrated and reporting potential hazards such as open wires, faulty equipment etc. Participants voiced their appreciation for an informative session and gave positive feedback.
The Community Engagement Committee at the Preparatory Studies Centre (PSC), UTAS-Ibri, hosted an IELTS workshop tailored for healthcare providers from the Ministry of Health (MoH) on November 16, 2023. This in-person workshop was held at the UTAS-Ibri campus for doctors to equip them with the essential skills of the IELTS test.
Commencing at 9:00 a.m. and concluding at 1:30 p.m., the workshop was structured with multiple one-hour sessions, each dedicated to a specific aspect of the IELTS test. The sessions were led by professionals in the field. Mr. John Bathula and Ms. Lungile Portia initiated the workshop with an in-depth focus on the IELTS listening section. Ms. Frizha May conducted an engaging session delving into strategies and techniques for the speaking component, stimulating active participation from the attendees. Dr. Miriam Cordova followed with an insightful session addressing various reading techniques and question types expected in the IELTS test. The final session, led by Ms. Sharon Devaneson, provided attendees with valuable insights and strategies for mastering the writing tasks.
Throughout the workshop, discussions centred on tackling specific question types, expanding vocabulary, and sharing invaluable tips and suggestions. Attendees were engaged through mock tests in listening and reading, enabling practical application of the acquired strategies. Furthermore, participants received comprehensive handouts containing useful expressions, sample questions, and model answers for both speaking and writing components. These materials serve as a valuable resource for continued practice and improvement. Attendees left the workshop equipped with renewed enthusiasm and enhanced preparation strategies.
This initiative by the PSC at UTAS-Ibri reflects the university's commitment to facilitating professional development and fostering collaboration between academia and healthcare professionals for the betterment of society.
Preparatory Studies Center (PSC) has been providing training to the community for many years. There was another training session for the school staff in September 2023. Ms Hind Al Mahrouqi and Ms Maha Al Darei from the PSC of UTAS-Ibri conducted a workshop entitled "Teaching Grammar by Using Online Games" on September 21, 2023, at the Ibri School for Basic Education (Grades 5–9).
The workshop aimed at introducing English language teachers to free learning platforms where they can create their own games for online or in-person classrooms. Teachers were also encouraged to use the pre-made game templates and enjoy playing these games in different ways.
The presenters started by highlighting the importance of using online games to keep students happy and engaged. Furthermore, they mentioned the benefits of implementing fun game-based learning. After that, they explained the two online platforms, Bamboozle and Factile, in detail by showing the basic features of both and their implementations. There was positive feedback from the participants and they desired to have such training sessions time and again.
Nigel Harwood
Nigel Harwood, from University of Sheffield, a former co-editor of the Elsevier Journal English for Specific Purposes, an author of articles, books and book chapters, gave an online presentation to the researchers/lecturers of University of Technology & Applied Sciences on 15th November 2023. It was a highly informative session. He threw light on the points a journal considers while accepting or rejecting an article for publishing. He said that a journal usually rejects articles, but, sometimes it asks for a revision and resubmission. The reviewers spot mistakes or omissions in the article. He advised the researchers to address all the points highlighted by the reviewers before resubmission. Nigel Harwood also discussed differences between highly prestigious and fake journals. PSC staff also participated in this activity and they appreciated this thought provoking presentation.
The Preparatory Studies Centre (PSC) conducted a training session for Level 1 teachers, entitled: “Fun Learning: Using Websites and Online Games in the Classroom”, on Thursday, 16 November 2023. The presenters were Ms. Wasan Alfarsi, Ms. Alghaliya Alsharyani, and Ms. Jumana Alhatmi, PSC staff part time members. They highlighted the power of websites, the impact of online games, and gave tutorial on how to use these sites and games. Websites are powerful educational tools, providing various resources and interactive content to introduce new concepts, reinforce learning, and encourage independent exploration. Similarly, Online games provide an engaging platform for students and encourage collaborative learning. These games are tailored to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. By integrating thoughtfully selected online games into our lessons, we can create an environment where students actively engage, apply their knowledge, and learn through hands-on exploration. The presenters shared some useful websites and teaching games with the participants. The session was received well with positive feedback from the participants.
