Higher College of Technology

About: Higher College of Technology is a(n) based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topic(s): Tourism & The Internet. The organization has 369 authors who have published 379 publication(s) receiving 729 citation(s).

A Random Fixed Point Theorem and the Random Graph Transformation

Abstract: In the first part of this article we formulate a random fixed point theorem for random dynamical systems where a contraction condition is formulated as an expectation of a particular expression. In the following we are going to formulate a random graph transformation. This transformation defines a random dynamical system. Under certain conditions this random dynamical system has a random fixed point which can be found by the mentioned random fixed point theorem. In one application we show that random dynamical systems given by particular differential equations have a random unstable invariant manifold.

COVID-19 and repeat visitation: Assessing the role of destination social responsibility, destination reputation, holidaymakers’ trust and fear arousal

Abstract: This study aimed to examine the influence of destination social responsibility (DSR) on destination reputation, holidaymakers' perceived trust and their revisit intention. It also tested the direct paths between destination reputation, tourists' perceived trust and revisit intention. Moreover, it investigated the moderation impact of fear arousal due to COVID-19 on the relations between visitors' revisit intention and its associated antecedents. PLS-SEM was employed to analyze the data gathered from 543 domestic holidaymakers who have recently visited tourism destinations in Egypt. The findings indicated that tourists' revisit intention is positively and significantly influenced by DSR, destination reputation and their perceived trust. Additionally, DSR is positively linked to destination reputation and visitors' trust, which in turn is positively affected by destination reputation. The results also revealed that fear arousal negatively moderates the link between destination reputation, holidaymakers’ trust and their intention to revisit. Academic and managerial implications, limitations, and directions for future studies were also presented.

Adoption of Internet Technology by the Banking Industry in Oman: A Study Informed by the Australian Experience

Abstract: The banking industry in Oman is of major importance to Oman’s economy, yet Omani banks continue to conduct most of their transactions using traditional methods A strong banking industry significantly supports economic development through efficient financial services, and their role in trying to achieve the objectives outlined by the Sultan of Oman will depend heavily on the industry’s capabilities Omni banks will need to introduce change at both procedural and informational levels that includes moving from traditional distribution channel banking to electronic channel banking This paper addresses the question: What are the enablers and the inhibitors of Internet technology adoption in the Omani banking industry compared with those in the Australian banking industry? The paper does not attempt a direct comparison of the banking industries in these two very different countries, but rather presents a discussion of Internet technology adoption in Oman, informed by the more mature Australian experience

Experimental investigations of ethanol blended biodiesel fuel on automotive diesel engine performance, emission and durability characteristics

Abstract: 500 h durability, performance and emission tests are conducted on a single cylinder high speed automotive diesel engine for the ethanol blended biodiesel fuel. Esterified cotton seed methyl ester of 5% by volume is mixed with 95% neat diesel to obtain the base biodiesel fuel (B5). The base fuel is mixed with 20% pure ethanol to derive the ethanol blended biodiesel fuel (B5E20). The parameters like blow-by, crank case pressure and lubricating oil consumption are experimentally investigated along with performance and emission characteristics for both the test fuelled engines. The result of these tests showed a significant loss in maximum brake power and maximum brake torque at the end of 500 h durability run when the engine is fuelled with B5E20. The lubricating oil consumption and positive crank pressure of B5E20 fuelled engine is comparatively higher than B5 fuelled engine during the durability trials. Reduction in smoke and CO emissions are noticed for B5E20 fuel over the entire range of speed whereas NOX and unburned hydro carbon emissions get decreased at lower to medium speed range and increases thereafter. As expected, all the engine emissions increase after 500 h of durability run for both the fuels.

Spatiotemporal Assessment of COVID-19 Spread over Oman Using GIS Techniques

Abstract: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a worldwide challenge effecting millions of people in more than 210 countries, including the Sultanate of Oman (Oman). Spatiotemporal analysis was adopted to explore the spatial patterns of the spread of COVID-19 during the period from 29th April to 30th June 2020. Our assessment was made using five geospatial techniques within a Geographical Information System (GIS) context, including a weighted mean centre (WMC), standard deviational ellipses, Moran’s I autocorrelation coefficient, Getis-Ord General-G high/low clustering, and Getis-Ord $$G_{i}^{*}$$ statistic. The Moran’s I-/G- statistics proved that COVID-19 cases in datasets (numbers of cases) were clustered throughout the study period. The Moran’s I and Z scores were above the 2.25 threshold (a confidence level above 95%), ranging from 2274 cases on 29th April to 40,070 cases on 30th June 2020. The results of $$G_{i}^{*}$$ showed varying rates of infections, with a large spatial variability between the different wilayats (district). The epidemic situation in some wilayats, such as Mutrah, As-Seeb, and Bowsher in the Muscat Governorate, was more severe, with Z score higher than 5, and the current transmission still presents an increasing trend. This study indicated that the directional pattern of COVID-19 cases has moved from northeast to northwest and southwest, with the total impacted region increasing over time. Also, the results indicate that the rate of COVID-19 infections is higher in the most populated areas. The findings of this paper provide a solid basis for future study by investigating the most resolute hotspots in more detail and may help decision-makers identify targeted zones for alleviation plans.