EXPLORING ENGLISH INSTRUCTORS\u27 PERCEPTIONS AND ACTUAL PRACTICES REGARDING THE STRATEGIES USED IN TEACHING AND ASSESSING WRITING IN THREE TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN THE SULTANATE OF OMAN

The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions and practices of ESL/EFL instructors in teaching and assessing writing in three tertiary educational institutions in the Sultanate of Oman (Al Buraimi University College, University of Buraimi, and Sohar University). The researcher used the quantitative and qualitative methods in the study. The data was gathered through a questionnaire (n=147), 15 interviews (n=15), and 18 classroom observations (n=10). The findings of this study revealed that the majority of ESL/EFL instructors believe in and practice aspects of the process- and product-oriented approaches for teaching academic writing in Oman. Many ESL/EFL instructors believe in teaching vocabulary that students may use in their assigned writing and equally they believe in teaching students different genres and/or texts. Other common strategies that ESL/EFL instructors agreed on were generating ideas about the assigned topic before the start of the task and asking students to make a pre-writing plan. ESL/EFL instructors do believe in portfolios and written essays as tools to assess students writing, which are also practiced in their classroom. However, their belief contradicted their practice in areas like: making students write individually or in group, or both; using analytic or holistic rubrics, or both; and assessing content or grammar first, or both. One of the main recommendations that the researcher addressed to the ESL/EFL instructors is that their choices of writing strategies should be based on students\u27 needs. There should be a balance between the students need to meet the learning outcomes and helping students to communicate creatively in English. This is by vii replacing the traditional exams with more creative and authentic process of writing. Also, the researcher addressed the Omani institutions of Higher Education to keep the writing classes manageable for ESL/EFL writing instructors. Furthermore, the researcher recommended that the learning outcomes must not only be idealistic, but also realistic. The standards for evaluation must be accessible for the ESL/EFL students in Omani Colleges and Universities. They must be challenging without being off-putting. The last recommendation was addressed to Omani researchers who are led by the Sultan Qaboos University, to set up a national, updated and comprehensive databas

Study of Fuzzy Logic-based Controller for Diff-Serv Bandwidth Broking

Combining both voice and data on the same network infrastructure results in need for an advanced network which is to be simple and scalable.  This resulted in new approach for Ethernet where Differentiated Service (Diff-Serv) is introduced. This is taken into consideration as well as QoS as a way of providing class of service to end users. Therefore, optimizing available bandwidth efficacy is one of the goals of this work which is centered on investigating the impact of crucial factors on performance of implementing a fuzzy logic controller. These factors can be external or internal and will be manipulated by Fuzzy Logic controller that will work as bandwidth broker to give each user his optimal Code Point (CP). In this work, the CP will not only consider packet loss rate as external factor  to check the congestion, but it will also consider the internal factors which are a combination of both service-level agreement (SLA) and the type of application being used. This CP will be marked in the transmitted packets, and then the router will check that and will treat it as agreed between user and administrator

Divine Science: Ar-Razy's Trailblazing Perspective on Al-Fatihah's Scientific Secrets

This research aims to explore the contributions of Ar-Razi in integrating religious values with scientific findings, particularly in his interpretation of Surah Al-Fatihah. Through his scientific and critical exegesis method, Ar-Razi provides a fresh perspective on the relationship between religion and science, elucidating scientific discoveries encompassing the existence of a multi-dimensional universe, natural elements, and divine education in the creation of humans, plants, as well as the placement of planets and stars. The research results indicate that integrating religious values with scientific findings deepens the understanding of Quranic verses and provides solid arguments for the truth of the holy scripture. The significance of scientific discoveries in proving the truth of the Quran further strengthens the moral foundation of society, creating harmony between the material and spiritual dimensions. This research contributes insights into the relationship between religion and science, offering an ethical framework for scientific development. Additionally, it has the potential to inspire the development of scientific exegesis methods for understanding sacred texts, serving as a guide for future researchers in bridging the gap between religious values and scientific discoveries, fostering a holistic understanding of the world that combines material and spiritual dimensions

دور المجامع الفقهية في الأخذ بالتقنيات المعاصرة وفي تداول آراء المجتهدين والحد من أخطائهم

يتناول البحث تعريف المجامع الفقهية، والتقنيات الحديثة المعاصرة، وتعريف تداول الآراء والمجتهدين، ومفهوم الاجتهاد الفردي والخطأ والحد، ودراسة نماذج من بعض قرارات المجامع الفقهية المتعلقة بالتقنية الحديثة، وفي تداول آراء المجتهدين المعاصرين وإظهار أدلتهم وأهمية ذلك مع نماذج من تلك الآراء المتداولة، وكذلك بيان دور المجامع الفقهية في الحد من بعض أخطاء الاجتهاد الفردي، وأهمية الاجتهاد الجماعي عبر تلك المجامع في القضايا المعاصرة، وفي إبراز دور المجامع الفقهية في معالجة المشكلات الطارئة والمستجدة من خلال عرضها على المجتهدين المعاصرين والوصول بقرارات صادرة عن المجامع الفقهية لتبين الحكم الشرعي بعد تداول المسائل المستجدة وعرضها بين المجتهدين المعاصرين، وتوصل البحث إلى أن للمجامع الفقهية والقرارات الصادرة عنها دور بارز في تناول القضايا المعاصرة لمعرفة كيفية استخدام التقنية الحديثة في تلك القضايا وإظهار آراء المجتهدين المعاصرين والحد من بعض أخطاء الاجتهاد الفردي، مما يدل على شمول أنشطة المجامع الفقهية في مختلف المجالات والتخصصات في القضايا الحديثة المستجدة

Significant effect of image contrast enhancement on weld defect detection

Weld defect inspection is an essential aspect of testing in industries field. From a human viewpoint, a manual inspection can make appropriate justification more difficult and lead to incorrect identification during weld defect detection. Weld defect inspection uses X-radiography testing, which is now mostly outdated. Recently, numerous researchers have utilized Xradiography digital images to inspect the defect. As a result, for error-free inspection, an autonomous weld detection and classification system are required. One of the most difficult issues in the field of image processing, particularly for enhancing image quality, is the issue of contrast variation and luminosity. Enhancement is carried out by adjusting the brightness of the dark or bright intensity to boost segmentation performance and image quality. To equalize contrast variation and luminosity, many different approaches have recently been put forth. In this research, a novel approach called Hybrid Statistical Enhancement (HSE), which is based on a direct strategy using statistical data, is proposed. The HSE method divided each pixel into three groups, the foreground, border, and problematic region, using the mean and standard deviation of a global and local neighborhood (luminosity and contrast). To illustrate the impact of the HSE method on the segmentation or detection stage, the datasets, specifically the weld defect image, were used. Bernsen and Otsu’s methods are the two segmentation techniques utilized. The findings from the objective and visual elements demonstrated that the HSE approach might automatically improve segmentation output while effectively enhancing contrast variation and normalizing luminosity. In comparison to the Homomorphic Filter (HF) and Difference of Gaussian (DoG) approaches, the segmentation results for HSE images had the lowest result according to Misclassification Error (ME). After being applied to the HSE images during the segmentation stage, every quantitative result showed an increase. For example, accuracy increased from 64.171 to 84.964. In summary, the application of the HSE method has resulted in an effective and efficient outcome for background correction as well as improving the quality of images

Analisis Aspek Pendidikan Islam Surat Al-Fatihah Perspektif Imam Fakhruddin Ar-Razy Dan Relevansinya Dengan Taksonomi Bloom

The aim of this research is to identify the dimensions of Islamic education reflected in Surah Al-Fatihah according to Imam Fakhruddin Ar-Razi, and to explore their relevance to Bloom's Taxonomy, a pertinent educational theory in the current context. The research method employed is a literature review with a qualitative paradigm and a hermeneutic-philosophical approach. Data collection is conducted through documentation techniques, while data analysis utilizes the methods proposed by Miles and Huberman, including data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that in his interpretation, Imam Fakhruddin Ar-Razi discusses various aspects of Islamic education reflected in the verses of Surah Al-Fatihah. These aspects include education in creed, morality, worship, social affairs, science, intellect, and leadership. The research also reveals that these aspects of Islamic education are closely related to the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor concepts in Bloom's Taxonomy. These findings demonstrate a deep understanding and strong relevance between Islamic education and psychopedagogical concepts. The implications of this research contribute significantly to the development of comprehensive and integrated Islamic education with contemporary educational principles

Tahfidz Al Qur’an Dan Relevansinya Terhadap Pengembangan Kognitif Dan Afektif Santri Di Pesantren Darul Qur’an Al Wafa Bogor

This research aims to analyze the relevance of the Al Qur’an tahfidz program to the cognitive and affective development of santri at Pesantren Darul Qur’an Al Wafa Bogor. The research employs a qualitative research paradigm with a field research approach. Data collection methods include in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. Using an ethnographic approach, the research informants consist of teachers at the boarding school and students actively participating in the Tahfidz Al-Qur'an program. The findings reveal that Tahfidz Al-Qur'an significantly contributes to improving students' cognitive abilities, including memory retention, concentration, and critical thinking skills. Consistent Quran memorization activities train the brain to work more effectively in storing and processing information, thereby supporting students' academic development. Additionally, the program positively impacts students' affective aspects, including character building, discipline, responsibility, and emotional management. The memorization process encourages students to develop good time management skills, maintain proper behavior, and embody Islamic values in daily life. The study concludes that the Tahfidz Al-Qur'an program at Darul Qur'an Al Wafa Islamic Boarding School not only strengthens students' spiritual foundation but also serves as an effective instrument for enhancing their intellectual and emotional capabilities

Implementasi Kurikulum Kulliyatul Mu’alimin Al-Islamiyah (KMI) Di Pondok Pesantren Darusy Syahadah Boyolali Dan Di Pondok Pesantren Ta’mirul Islam Sragen

The implementation of the Kulliyatul Mu'alimin Al-Islamiyah (KMI) curriculum in Islamic boarding schools is crucial for the development of quality education in Indonesia. This study focuses on the implementation of the KMI curriculum at Darusy Syahadah Islamic Boarding School Boyolali and Ta’mirul Islam Islamic Boarding School Sragen. Utilizing a qualitative phenomenological approach, data were gathered through interviews, observations, and document analysis. The findings reveal the comprehensive planning, execution, and evaluation of the curriculum. Despite facing challenges such as integration with graduation competency standards, excessive subject load, limited resources, and teacher constraints, the schools employ various strategies including curriculum adjustments, teacher training, and student support mechanisms to enhance implementation. The leadership role of school administrators, effective curriculum coordination, and continuous evaluation mechanisms play pivotal roles in addressing challenges and improving curriculum implementation. This study underscores the importance of adaptive strategies and collaborative efforts in ensuring the effectiveness of the KMI curriculum in Islamic boarding schools

A review of technological advances and open challenges for oil and gas drilling systems engineering

The ever‐increasing quest to identify, secure, access and operate oil and gas fields is continuously expanding to the far corners of the planet, facing extreme conditions towards exploring, securing and deriving maximum fluid benefits from established and unconventional fossil fuel sources alike: to this end, the unprecedented geological, climatic, technical and operational challenges have necessitated the development of revolutionary drilling and production methods. This review paper focuses on a technological field of great importance and formidable technical complexity ‐ that of well drilling for fossil fuel production. A vastly expanding body of literature addresses design and operation problems with remarkable success: what is even more interesting is that many recent contributions rely on multidisciplinary approaches and reusable Process Systems Engineering (PSE) methodologies ‐ a drastic departure from ad hoc/one‐use tools and methods of the past.The specific goals of this review are to first, review the state of art in active fields within drilling engineering, and explore currently pressing technical problems, which are in dire need, or have recently found, PSE‐and/or CFD‐relevant solutions. Then, we illustrate the methodological versatility of novel PSE‐based approaches for optimization and control, with an emphasis on contemporary problems. Finally, we highlight current challenges and opportunities for truly innovative research contributions, which require the combination of best‐in‐class methodological and software elements in order to deliver applicable solutions of industrial importance