Baghdad Research Articles

Detection of Cryptosporidium‎‎ spp in Bobwhite Quails (Coturnix coturnix) by ‎Traditional Methods in Baghdad City, Iraq

Cryptosporidiosis is one of the most important zoonosis diseases distributed ‎worldwide causes severe diarrhea in animals and is lethal in quails. This study detected ‎Cryptosporidium‎‎ spp. in quails in Baghdad province Iraq by flotation and staining methods ‎and compared these results with PCR results from the previous study. This research was ‎carried out from January 2022 to September 2022. Out of 180 quails (Coturnix coturnix) in ‎total were investigated. The overall infection rate of Cryptosporidium‎‎ spp. in quails was ‎‎23.9% (43/180). Young quail had a greater infection rate of 44.2% (19/43) while adult ‎quails had a lower infection rate of 17.2% (24/137). Finding from the research revealed that there were ‎no significant differences between males and females and highly significant differences ‎among the months of study with the highest infection rate being 45% (9/20) in April, and ‎the lowest infection rate being 10% in June and July. This disease was presented in birds ‎and birds act as a mechanical carrier of Cryptosporidium‎‎ spp. between a conventional acid-‎fast staining procedure and PCR test, PCR can not only detect Cryptosporidium‎‎ but is also ‎able to differentiate between what appear to be host-adapted genotypes of the parasite with ‎high sensitivity and specificity‎‎‎.

Assessment of ecological risk potential in metal-contaminated soils of Baghdad city, Iraq

Metal pollution in the soil leads to the deterioration of agricultural production by negatively affecting the all properties of the soil. Because the more than 7 million people living in and the old military camp was used as residence by poor families after the war of 2003, Baghdad city has a risk factor from metal pollution. With this aim, metal pollution in the soil of Baghdad city was studied. Three different sites (farm, camp, and park) were selected. Ten soil samples were taken randomly from 0-15 cm depth on each of the sites. Concentrations of metals [calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni)] of soil samples were measured using atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). Basic soil properties such as texture class and pH were measured on the disturbed samples. Concentrations increased Cr

Genetic Polymorphisms of AQP1 rs10244884 Associated with Iron Deficiency Anemia in Baghdad City

Genetic Polymorphisms of AQP1 rs10244884 Associated with Iron Deficiency Anemia in Baghdad City

Experimental and numerical study of fatigue life for Aluminum Composite Panel (ACP) under the ranges of wind speed effect

ABSTRACT The aluminium composite panel ACP is used as an outer decoration for building facade cladding. In general, these frontal faces of buildings are exposed to weather conditions, like (temperature, rain, wind speed, etc.). The aim of present research is investigating the wind speed influence upon the fatigue life for the ACP under a range of wind speeds varying between (4 m/s) and to (17 m/s). The mechanical properties of ACP were measured by tensile and fatigue tests. Three specimens of the tensile test were fabricated according to standard dimensions. The bending stress was applied as amplitude load, and the number of cycles to failure was recorded and plotted in the (S-N) curve. The fatigue limit was detected according to the number of cycles (106). Three models of the ACP material were simulated, using the software ANSYS version 15 at different areas (0.8, 1, and 1.2 m2), and a safety factor was detected that was generated by the fatigue load. The results manifested that the fatigue limit of the ACP material is around 2.3 MPa. The outcomes elucidated that the decrease in applied load leads to an increase in the number of cycles to failure owing to the fatigue load. On the other hand, the safe wind speed is (14.8 m/s) for the (0.8 m2) area, while (13 m/s) and (11 m/s) can be safe in the design for the areas (1 m2) and (1.2 m2), respectively. The commercial (ACP) can be used as an external decoration in Baghdad city in any tested area if the wind speed does not exceed 11 m/s due to its ability to carry out the atmospheric conditions

The Predictive Role of Sociodemographic Factors in Nurses' Psychological Hardiness

Objective(s): The study aims to identify the role of sociodemographic factors in predicting the level of psychological hardiness of nurses.
 Methodology: A descriptive correlational study conducted in the Medical City hospitals in the city of Baghdad during the period from November 1, 2022 to May 1, 2023 on a sample of 156 male and female nurses. The validity of the questionnaire was verified by presenting it to experts, and its reliability was verified through a pilot study. Data analysis was carried out using (SPSS, version 26) program.
 Results: Results showed that (57.7%) of nurses reported a moderate level of psychological hardiness, (42.3%) are associated with high level of psychological hardiness. Also the study found no significant difference between nurses' age, gender, marital status, socioeconomic status, qualification, workplace, and years of experience and their overall psychological hardiness score.
 Conclusion: The study concluded that socio-demographic factors do not affect the level of psychological hardiness among nurses.
 Recommendations: To further investigate the impact of demographic and work-related factors on psychological hardiness, future research should include larger and more diverse samples of nurses, particularly those from different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. 
 Keywords: Psychological Hardiness, Sociodemographic Factors, Nurses

Analytical and Numerical Models of a New Hybrid System of Earth Air Tunnel Integrated Solar Air Heater With Sensible Storage

Abstract A novel combination of an earth air tunnel (EAT) and a sensible thermal storage-aided solar air heater has been proposed when the sensible storage medium is taken to be rocks filled within the air flow passage. Both time-dependent and steady-state models are reported. The former describes the exact thermal performance of the system for a two-month wintertime for the city of Baghdad, Iraq. The latter describes average performance of the system. The implicit finite difference method and method of separation of variables have been used to solve the pertinent equations in the respective models. Acceptable level of accuracy was obtained between the steady-state numerical and analytical solutions as well as between the numerical and the published data. It is revealed that preheating by a sufficiently long EAT module improves the effective power as well as the output temperature from the rock bed solar air heater by about 35% and 9% respectively for the present set of parameters considered. It is also observed that for the present set of parameters considered, the temperature gradients in the direction normal to air flow in the solar air heater are insignificant and may be ignored. A parametric study is also carried out that assesses the impact of system parameters on the quality as well as quantity of the energy extracted from the system. This work is hence the first to couple an EAT with a sensible thermal storage equipped solar air heater and may pave the way for future studies.

Identification of Some Specific Hematological Indicators as Bladder Cancer Risk Factors

Background: Our study’s objectives were measuring the levels of blood glucose BG, blood pressure BP, glomerular filtration rate GFR, body mass index BMI and creatinine in the blood of patients with bladder cancer in order to control the development of a relationship between those hematological parameters in the case of bladder cancer BC.
 Methods and Results: Blood samples were collected during the application of this work on 155 participants diagnosed with BC were admitted to medical –Baghdad city and Al-Kindey teaching hospital. All the participants were with the age ranged (25-70 years).There are many people who have been excluded because of their young age under 20 years old and those who have any type of common cancer, which was outlined as any malignant neoplasm, including those with hematological or lymphoid origin and other tissues associated with them. All the participants wearing light clothing and no shoes in order to measure their height and weight. BP was recorded using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer after an average of 2 readings taken with a 10 min interval. Creatinine and GFR and DM also were measured meanwhile.
 It was noticed through the results that there is a high percentage of patients who are of advanced ages about 67(43.2%) with age ≥65 years, and those with high weights BMI ≥ 30 were 64(41.3%). After conducting pathological analyzes of blood samples, it was found that patients were having high levels of sugar, especially those with long duration of diabetics type 2, as well as high blood pressure, creatinine levels, and low GFR levels, and it was clear that males outperformed females in the height of all measurements, which is the dominant characteristic in this research.

The City of Baghdad in Iraqi Fiction: Novelistic Depictions of a Spatiality of Ruin

The Iraqi novel has contended with brutish forms of violence for the better part of the past century that have essentially reshaped the narrative experience unto space. Writers are confronted with the challenge of typifying a search for meaning in and amongst character-altering ruin. At the height of its maturity today, as various works convey spatial woundedness particularly in the city of Baghdad, there is a relationship between fiction and urban reality symbolizing an image of complexity. They play host to a fantastical blending of the real and unreal. They see through to the mediational potencies of absurdist violence, one that is acted out this performativity on the page a matter of survival. The selected works respectively depict the pre-revolutionary capital before moving into the bitter decades to follow. Many build worlds that are mired in the crippling present day engaging the normativity of the spatial wound to make sense of the nonsensical. The novels Hunters in a Narrow Street, The Corpse Washer, Frankenstein in Baghdad and Tashari and short story “The Corpse Exhibition” work towards that end. They critically ponder decrepitude and death as it joins life in the realm of the real, legitimate ruination of place as aesthetic in the liminal imaginary and create the conditions with which to imagine the spatial afterlife of destruction. The extracted articulations and thoughts around each are informed by the critical theoretical lenses of three landmark thinkers of space and place and how the latter equates to the emotionality of man. Keywords: Baghdad, Space and place, Literature, Fiction, Wounded identity, War, Ruination, Dystopia.

Purification and characterization of L-asparaginase produced from Bacillus sp.

The objective of this study was to isolate and identify the asparaginase-producing bacteria, then purify and characterize the enzyme in order to investigate their properties in the future. Fifteen local bacterial isolates were isolated from various sites in the city of Baghdad, identified by conventional morphological and biochemical procedures, and confirmed using vitek 2 methods, and submitted to primary screening processes for asparaginase production. For secondary screening, eight isolates with the greatest yellow zone ability on a specific solid medium were chosen. Bacillus sp. was reported to have the highest enzyme production (7.5 U/mg proteins). After 24 hours of incubation, submerged fermentation yielded optimal conditions for the production of L-asparaginase (L-ASNase) by the chosen isolate, with medium (2) serving as the optimal medium for production and fructose serving as the optimal source of carbon. In pH 6 at 40°C, Sephadex G-150 gel filtration chromatography was used to purify the enzyme. The final purification folds were increased by 2.5 times, resulting in an enzyme yield of 93.7%. It also showed the highest purified enzyme activity and stability was at 37°C. Also it revealed the highest activity and stability at pH 7.0 and pH 8.0 respectively. Enzyme lost activity when exposed to several metallic ions at concentrations of 1, 5, and 10 mM.

URBAN CATALYZE IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS IN BAGHDAD CITY

Urban Catalyze is the process that catalyzed the largest scale in cities by introducing appropriate variables as well as encouraging the continuous and progressive reform and development of the urban fabric. Sustainable Urban Catalyze is a strategy that aims to promote urban development in a sustainable and balanced manner between current and future needs, so this approach includes improving the sustainability of cities in general and residential areas in particular through the development of green infrastructure and placemaking, as well as enhancing community participation and improving the quality of life for residents. The research diagnosed its research problem in a lack of knowledge on “role of sustainable urban catalyzes in the development of residential areas in the city of Baghdad”. The research aims to clarify the characteristics, patterns, levels and indicators of sustainable urban catalyze that may contribute positively to catalyzed residential areas to be more efficient in achieving the requirements of their occupants. Its hypothesis was that “the characteristics of sustainable urban catalyze have a positive dimension in catalyzing and developing sustainable urban design in the residential area”. The research finds that the characteristics of sustainable urban catalyze in residential areas can be achieved by adopting its indicators (resource use efficiency, biodiversity and environment, sustainable transport, sustainable economy, sustainable social and cultural life, and finally sustainable urban management), as these indicators contribute to achieving a balance between the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable urban development of the residential area, so that cities and residential areas are built that combine economic, social, and environmental aspects, which enhance their sustainability and attractiveness as place to live and work

Leachate Characterization and Assessment of Soil Pollution Near Some Municipal Solid Waste Transfer Stations in Baghdad City

This study is conducted to determine the extent to which transfer stations in the Karkh neighborhood of Baghdad, Iraq, contribute to physicochemical and heavy-metal contamination of the soils in the immediate area. The concentrations of physicochemical primary indicators (pH, OC, OM, Ca+2, Mg+2, Na+1, NO3-1, Cl-1, SO4-2) and heavy metals (Pb, Cd, and Cu) were measured during July 2022 at four investigation sites that were located at distances of 5 m (Site 1), 10 m (Site 2), 15 m (Site 3), and 20 m (Site 4) from the edges of the mentioned transfer stations (Al-Rasheed, Al-Mansour, Al-Shula, and Al-Dora). The concentrations of the physico-chemicals and heavy metals were compared to the standards of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Consensus-Based Sediment Quality Guidelines (CBSQG). Based on the data collected, it was determined that Site 1 had the greatest physico-chemical and heavy metal concentrations, whereas Site 4 had the lowest. The metals tested were found to accumulate in the following order: Cu > Pb > Cd. Additionally, it was noticed that all the measured concentrations of metals were higher than the limitations of the CBSQG. The presence of Ca+2, Mg+2, Na+1, Pb, Cd, and Cu in soil suggests that leachate percolation is having a major impact on the soil.

Erratum to: Reliability of Nanofiltration Membrane Process for Brackish Water Treatment in Baghdad City: Module Modeling and Simulation

Erratum to: Reliability of Nanofiltration Membrane Process for Brackish Water Treatment in Baghdad City: Module Modeling and Simulation

Short tandem repeat (STR) variation from 6 cities in Iraq based on 15 loci

BackgroundOne thousand sixty-one individuals were sampled from the cities of Anbar, Baghdad, Basra, Diyala, Najaf, and Wasit in Iraq and typed for 15 forensic STRs to explore the genetic structure of Iraq and develop a forensic DNA database. The total number of alleles that were identified was 203. ResultAnalyses of molecular variance (AMOVA) were then conducted Baghdad provides a good representation of the rest of the country, while Anbar is the most genetically distinct. The average heterozygosities of these loci was 0.779, homozygosities was 0.221, polymorphism information content was 0.77, power of discrimination was 0.927, and power of exclusion was 0.563. At these loci, a matching genotype will occur, on average, in 1 in 8.152 × 1017 individuals. For paternity tests, the average paternity probability for a matching profile is 99.9997%. ConclusionsThese loci are appropriate for use in forensic and paternity testing for this population. Iraq is similar to other countries in the Middle East, particularly Iran and Turkey, and is more similar to Europe than either Asia or Africa.

Effect of Zeolite and Silica Gel in Regulating the Water Requirement of Cabbage and Their Effect on some Physical Properties of the Soil

A field experiment was conducted at the research station of the Department of Soil Sciences and Water Resources, which is 66 km east of city of Baghdad during the fall agricultural season for the year 2021. It is located at latitude 10.679" 33° 41′ north, longitude 36.569" 35′ 43° east and at an altitude of 43 m. Above sea level. The study aimed at the effect of zeolite and silica gel in regulating the water requirement of the cabbage and some physical soil characteristics and the growth and yield of the cabbage. The experiment was designed according to the distribution of split-split boards in a completely randomized block system (R C B D) with three replications. The experiment included three factors, The first to occupy the main panels is zeolite ((Z) with three levels (without adding zeolite Z0, adding 25 g to each plant Z1, adding 50 g to each plant Z2), and the second agent is silica gel (S) with three levels (without adding silica S0, adding 10 g For each plant S1, add 20 gm of the plant S2), and the third factor is the water requirement of the plant in two levels (adding the full amount of 100% of the water requirement for the plant W1, adding 50% of the water requirement for the cabbage plant W2). The dimensions of the experimental unit are 1.5 × 4 m, with an area of (6 square meters) for one experimental unit. The most important results obtained can be summarized as follows: The treatment W1Z2S3 recorded the highest value for the total porosity of the soil and the average weighted diameter and the lowest for the bulk density and soil resistance to penetration, and the values were 57.98%, 1.710 mm, 1.113 μg m-3, 0.900 kg cm-2, respectively, while the treatment W1Z0S0 recorded the highest value for the bulk density, which amounted to 1.380 Mgm-3, as for the soil penetration resistance, it reached its maximum in treatment W2Z0S0 and was 4.166 kg cm-2.

Rationalization of the Water Requirement of the Cabbage Crop by Using Zeolite and Silica Gel and Their Effect on some Water Parameters of the Leaves of the Cabbage Crop

A field experiment was conducted at the research station of the Department of Soil Sciences and Water Resources, which is 66 km east of the city of Baghdad during the fall agricultural season for the year 2021. It is located at latitude 10.679" 33° 41′ north, longitude 36.569" 35′ 43° east and at an altitude of 43 m above. Sea level The study aimed at the effect of zeolite and silica gel in rationing the water requirement of the cabbage and some of the physical soil characteristics and the growth and yield of the cabbage plant. The experiment was designed according to the distribution of split-split boards in a completely randomized block system (R C B D) with three replications. The experiment included three factors, the first Which occupied the main panels is zeolite ((Z) with three levels (without adding zeolite Z0, adding 25 g to each plant Z1, adding 50 g to each plant Z2), and the second factor is silica gel (S) and with three levels (without adding silica S0, adding 10 g to each plant S1, adding 20 gm plant S2), and the third factor is the water requirement of the plant in two levels (adding the full amount of 100% of the water requirement for the plant W1, adding 50% of the water requirement for the cabbage plant W2). The dimensions of the experimental unit are 1.5 × 4 m, with an area of (6 m2) for one experimental unit. The most important results obtained can be summarized as follows: The highest value of relative water content % and the ability to bind water % and the ability to absorb water in treatment W1Z2S2 reached 87.96%, 10.733%, 6.123%, respectively. The lowest value of relative saturation deficit in treatment W1Z2S2 was 12.03%.. The interaction treatment between water requirement, zeolite and silica gel recorded a significant effect when treating W2Z2S2 in the ability to absorb water, as it recorded the highest value of 79.29% compared to the treatment W1Z0S0, which had the lowest value of 23.39%.

Estimation of some Metal Pollutants and Pesticide Residues in Coffee Products Available in the Local Markets of Baghdad

Food contamination has significant effects on consumers? health. The present study aimed to estimate some heavy elements (copper, manganese, nickel, lead, cadmium, chromium, zinc, and iron) and quantify the residuals of pyrethroid pesticides such as cypermethrin, deltamethrin, permethrin, and bifenthrin in coffee products in the markets of Baghdad city. Coffee available in the market was from Brazil, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Uganda, Indonesia, Guatemala, and Colombia, and 24 different samples were used for the study. The concentrations of heavy metals were estimated using the atomic absorption technique, while the pesticide residues were calculated using the LC-MS technique. The results showed that the copper, manganese, nickel, and zinc concentrations for all coffee samples were within acceptable limits. As for the concentrations of chromium and iron, some samples exceeded the permissible limits, such as the highest concentration of chromium was 1.137 mg/kg, and that iron was 57.089 mg/kg. The pyrethroid residues were high, and cypermethrin, deltamethrin, permethrin, and bifenthrin were on the higher side than the permissible levels and were recorded as 0.437, 0.833, 1.063, and 0.753 mg/kg, respectively, exceeding the maximum limits set by international standards.. KEYWORDS :Atomic absorption technique, Coffee, Metal pollutants, Pesticide residues, Pyrethroids

Assessment of patients’ knowledge concerning healthy lifestyle-based secondary prevention after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Baghdad city

Introduction: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a major cause of death globally. Healthy lifestyle is a major determinant of health of patients with CHD. Sub-optimal level of HL has negative impact on quality of life and deteriorates patients’ health. Objectives: the study is to assess knowledge toward a healthy lifestyle for patients with CHD in addition to finding out association with demographic variables. Methods: Descriptive Design study has been utilized for the current study to assess patients’ knowledge concerning healthy lifestyle after undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, starting from January 2nd 2019 to 30th October 2019.A non-probability (purposive) sample of 78 patients who have coronary artery disease treated with percutaneous coronary intervention to manage coronary artery occlusions. Coronary Artery Disease Education Questionnaire (CADE-Q) has been used as a tool for the present study. Data analysis has been done by descriptive and inferential statistics through using social package for statistical science SPSS version 20. Results: more than half of the sample was male; the majority of them were primary graduate. Regarding general knowledge of the study sample toward healthy lifestyle which is assessed by CADE-Q were poor. No significant relationship found between demographic variables and knowledge variable. Conclusion: most of the study participants have no adequate level of knowledge toward a healthy lifestyle, implementing a lifestyle intervention program regarding knowledge and practices of patients with CAD, specifically after percutaneous coronary intervention is necessary to improve healthier life.

A dramatic morphological transformation from a spontaneous, organic street pattern to pre-planned-based order: learning from Baghdad city

ABSTRACT A city can be characterised as a measurable pattern that comprises streets surrounded by block patterns. These street patterns are largely responsible for connectivity and accessibility, which enable people to move and interact. The study compares four samples in a case study in Baghdad, Iraq. The assets of Baghdad today belong to its historical period as its prevailing organic zigzagged network pattern determine its character. However, urban areas outside the historical zone are constructed according to modern schemes and a modernist ideology. This paper tests the connectivity and accessibility of the street network for four selected neighbourhoods. To achieve this, five indicators were applied, namely: intersection density Id, street density Sd, link to node ratio LNR, internal node connectivity INC and external point connectivity EPC. Following that, a correlation for each street parameter within the selected regions was analysed to identify the main characteristics of each variable in each area. Besides connectivity and accessibility, the paper’s aim is to characterise the historical neighbourhood of Baghdad by comparing it with other chosen areas. This study applies two stages to its case study; the first reviews traditional urban pattern and compares this to the other three examples. The second stage includes the selection of three different samples within the same city, where every sample has several common variables. Adopting a quantitative method, the outcomes revealed variation across the characteristics and parameters of the street pattern within the four chosen neighbourhoods. This finding offer a precise platform and key plan for future urban design strategies and planning methods. The research concluded that a greater understanding of street patterns and parameters could help to improve the built environment and the transformation processes of the urban form, particularly when considering walkability, connectivity, accessibility, and sustainability.

Prevalence of Superficial Tongue lesions in Iraqi Population

Tongue lesions create a significant proportion of the oral lesions, which afford approximation to oral health and general condition of the patient and may reflect the presence of many systemic diseases of an individual. Oral lesions have long been view as t he first signs of many systemic disease and numerous of oral illness. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of various superficial tongue lesions in Iraqi population. 2500 patients attending the Department of Oral Medicine, College of Dentistry, Al-Mustansiriyah University in Bag hdad, Iraq were examined for the presence of various tongue l esions during the period from October, 2013 to September, 2016. The age of the patients ranged from 9-75years with a mea n age of 36.51 years. The prevalence of tongue lesions was 14.64% and the most common lesion diagnosed was fissur ed tongue affecting 43.7% of the subjects (160 cases). Geogr aphic tongue was seen in 65 patients (17.7%). Coated tong ue was diagnosed in 55 patients (17 %) hairy tongue was se en in 21patients (5.7 %) and ulcerations was seen in 1 patient s (0.27%). Ankyloglossia was seen in 46 patients (12.5%) and scalloped tongue was seen in 10 patients (2.7 %). Varicosities were seen in 1 of the patients (0.27 %) and thrush in one patient (0.27 %). The number of occurrences of tong ue lesions in the present study was not higher of than prev ious studies ̦ but the high prevalence of tongue lesions in this study (14.64%) specially fissured tongue(43.7%), geog raphic tongue(17.7%) and coated tongue (15.02%) indicate f urther investigations are demanded to indicate if genetic and congenital or environmental factors play a critical role.

Unveiling Baghdad's Urban Identity: A Comprehensive Study on the Dynamics of Urban Imprint

This research examines the "urban imprint" from an environmental and architectural perspective, focusing on Baghdad, Iraq. Analyzing Baghdad's urban evolution, considering social activities, ideological concepts, and economic factors, it aims to delineate characteristics contributing to the city's unique imprint. It underscores urban sprawl, population growth, and modernity's impact on the urban landscape, emphasizing the need for standards aligning with the city's identity. Findings reveal a dynamic process influenced by fixed and variable factors. Implications stress physical form assimilation to reflect local values, promoting sustainable urbanization. The study calls to halt Baghdad's urban deterioration, emphasizing the importance of regularly updating city-specific requirements for urban imprint. This research informs the global discourse on urban identity and design.
 Highlights: 
 
 This research explores the concept of "urban imprint" with a focus on Baghdad, analyzing its historical evolution and factors shaping its unique urban identity.
 It highlights the ongoing dynamics of urban imprint influenced by urban sprawl, population growth, and modernization.
 The study emphasizes the need for tailored urban design standards to preserve local identity and promote sustainable urbanization.
 
 Keywords: Urban Imprint, Baghdad City, Urban Identity, Sustainable Urbanization, Environmental Factors