Kurdistan Region Research Articles

Molecular Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 Variants in Vaccinated and Non-Vaccinated Patients of Erbil Province, Kurdistan Region-Iraq

Multiple new SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) have emerged globally since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the virus continuing to evolve, more are expected. This emphasizes the need for rapid diagnostic methods for the detection of circulating lineages. Variants-specific real-time reverse transcription (rRT)-PCR method can be used as an alternative to genome sequencing, which is expensive and labored for identifying these variants, especially in settings with limited resources. We assessed the prevalence of various SARS-CoV-2 variants spreading in the Erbil province using a diagnostic screening RT-PCR-based method. A total of 144 SARS-CoV-2 positive samples were prospectively tested for known SARS-CoV2 variants using ViroQ® SC2 Variant rRT-PCR. Furthermore, the technique was validated using 25 SARS-CoV-2 negative nasal samples. Out of 144 SARS-CoV-2 positive samples, 118 (81.9%) were B.1.617.2 (Delta), 5 (3.5%) were Epsilon B.1.427/B.1.429, 1(0.7%) was Eta B.1.525, 2(1.4%) were SARS-CoV-2 Wild type, while 18 (12.5%) were undefined variant, and the delta strain was the most prevalent SARS-CoV-2 strain. Our study showed that variant-specific RT-PCR could be a useful tool for the rapid screening of SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Assessing the mental health needs of Yazidi adolescents and young adults in an Iraqi Kurdi IDP Camp: a focus group study

BackgroundInternally displaced people (IDP) in Iraq are 1.2 million (as March 2023). Protracted refugee status endangers the mental health, especially of minorities who survived persecution and conflict, such as the Yazidis. This study aims to identify the mental health needs of Yazidi adolescents and young adults (AYA) in the IDP camp of Bajed Kandala (Iraqi Kurdistan).MethodsA focus group discussion (FGD) study was conducted between April and August 2022. The FGDs involved AYAs, as well as the staff of the clinic of the Bajed Kandala camp. An inductive approach was adopted referring to the ’theme’ as the unit of content analysis of the text. All FGDs were recorded and transcribed. The analysis was carried out independently by two researchers. The inter-rater agreement was assessed through the Cohen’s k.ResultsA total of 6 FGDs were conducted. The participants were 34 of whom 21 (61.8%) females with a median age of 18.5 years (IQR 17.0–21.0). A total of 156 themes were found as relevant to the objective of this study. Four main areas and twelve subareas of needs in mental health were identified. The interrater agreement over the main area and subareas was good (κ = 0.78 [0.95CI 0.69–0.88], κ = 0.82 [0.95CI 0.73–0.91], respectively). The four areas had a similar frequency: Activities (28.2%), Individual (27.6%), Social relationships (22.4%) and Places/setting (21.8%). The subareas ‘community’ and ‘internal resources’ were labelled as negative 85.7% and 61.9% of the time, respectively. These sub-areas referred to stigma and self-stigma towards mental health. The subarea ‘female condition’ was always considered as negative, as well as the subareas ‘camp’ and ‘tent’ referring to housing as an important social determinant of mental health.ConclusionsCommunity stigma and self-stigma are two still important factors preventing the achievement of mental well-being. Alongside these, a gender gap in mental health was identified in the FGDs. These factors should be taken into account in order to guide future mental health interventions in refugee camps.

Assessing Water Quality Index in Kani-Qirzhala Area, Erbil City, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Groundwater is an essential water source in many areas in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). The groundwater can be used for many purposes such as municipal, agricultural, and domestic. The objective of this study is to assess the quality of groundwater in the Kani-Qirzhala area. The study area covers 60 km2, and includes twenty-seven water wells, which have been selected and used to study the water quality parameters in such area. Canadian Council of Ministers for the Environment Water Quality Index method was used to evaluate Water Quality Index and SPSS software version 25 even to study the correlation between Water Quality Index and water quality parameters. The results indicated that the quality of water in most of the wells is fair, except the quality of water in wells 19, 24, and 27 is found to be poor. Well19 is located close to the Erbil landfill site (Kani-Qirzhala) and this poor quality is due to the effect of Landfill site leachate. The Well 24 is in the Erbil store area where the leachate of landfill is discharged to this surrounding area. The quality of water in well 27, on the other hand, was marginal and existed on the eastern side of the study area. The significant correlation revealed a good correlation between WQI and water quality parameters such as (pH, EC, TDS, Ca2+ Na1+, Mg2+, NO3-1, K1+, SO42-, Cl1-, Hardness, Alkalinity, Iron, and Copper).

Translating Trauma into Testimony

Research involving highly vulnerable groups, such as those with deeply traumatic experiences, presents researchers with significant ethical and methodological hurdles. This article outlines a project conducted in northern Iraq with former ISIS child soldiers. We reflect on our methodological and ethical decisions within the framework of the do no harm imperative — a cornerstone of research ethics that has faced criticism for its perceived inadequacy. Our focus lies in detailing the development, theoretical underpinnings, methodological justification, and practical application of a participatory approach through collaborative storytelling with children and adolescents. In addition to adhering to the do no harm principle, which seeks to prevent adverse consequences such as re-traumatisation, we advocate for a positive ethic of recognition. This approach facilitates the methodological translation of traumatic experiences and their socio-political transformation into testimonies.

EFFECT OF HUMIC ACID AND MAXIGROW (ORGANIC FERTILIZER) ON GROWTH, FLOWERING AND YIELD OF SNAKE CUCUMBER (CUCUMIS MELO. L)

ABSTRACT: A field trial was implemented at the research center field at general directorate of agriculture, Dohuk Governorate, Iraqi Kurdistan region in summer season of (2022-2023) to find out the impact of foliar application of humic acid at three levels (0, 2, and 4) ml L-1 and Maxigrow (an organic fertilizer) with three levels (0, 1, and 2) ml L-1 and their combinations on outgrowth, flowering and harvest of local snake cucumber. The experiment was organized following a randomized complete block design (RCBD) including three replicates. The data displayed that the individual dose of humic acid at (4) ml.L-1 significantly enhanced foliage traits [number of branches, stem diameter (cm), Leaf area (cm2), plant fresh weight (g), and chlorophyll content (SPAD)] as well as increased flowering characters [number of flowers after 30 days and number of flowers after 40 days] and yielded components [fruit length (cm), fruit diameter (cm), and total yield (ton.ha-1)]. The same profound effect was exhibited by the singular dose of Maxigrow at concentration (2) ml.L-1. However, the highest mean values were produced from humic acid at concentration (4) ml.L-1 in combination with Maxigrow at concentration (2) ml.L-1 in comparison with control. The increased level of humic acid and Maxigrow is advised for organic productivity of local snake cucumber.

A Sustainable Residential Building Model in North Iraq by Considering Occupant Behaviour, Sociocultural Needs, and the Impact on Energy Use

Sustainable design, which aims to reduce energy consumption and mitigate climate change, is a primary concern of developing countries. Hence, it reduces CO2 emissions. Residential buildings in North Iraq account for approximately 69% of all electricity consumed. To mitigate this issue, this article investigates the design of a sustainable model by considering the local climate, building design occupant behaviour, and sociocultural needs in the region and their impact on energy use. This study used mixed research methods to develop a sustainable single-family house model in semi-arid climates, specifically Erbil (North Iraq), the process consisted of three phases. Phase One saw the collection of all data from analysed literature, observation, worship, case study simulations of the base, and an improved model. Phase Two defined the guidelines for creating sustainable model dwellings based on the main findings in Phase One. Phase Three created a prototype to evaluate the sustainable model, primarily focusing on meeting people’s design preferences while avoiding privacy concerns. In addition, DesignBuilder Software simulation was used to examine the impact of occupancy behaviour (based on local culture and traditions) on the building’s energy performance throughout two phases. In the first step, three occupancy profile types are compared with real-life study bills. These profiles were the base case, which came from an actual case; the statistical profile from surveys; and the international standard ASHRAE 90.1, which was used as the default. The second phase compared the base model with an improved model and developed a sustainable prototype that satisfies local climate and sociocultural needs. The result indicated that the standard occupant profile significantly differs from the actual bill by 40%, whereas the statistical profile and base case reduce the gap to 11% and 4%, respectively. The sustainable prototype model can enhance operative temperature by 4 °C and decrease total energy use by 50% compared to the base case model. Data also showed that occupants keep lights on even when rooms are unoccupied. Therefore, when designing sustainable dwellings, it is crucial to consider occupant behaviour and their sociocultural needs, as they have a significant impact on energy use as a result of their activity patterns and schedules. These factors should be considered in the local code.

Research practice, satisfaction, motivation, and challenges among university academics in Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Researchers in universities and academic institutions must be in a leading position in generating research evidence to inform and direct national policies and strategies, improve service delivery, and achieve the main objectives. This study aimed to determine the factors that promote or hinder research productivity and quality among university academics in Kurdistan Region of Iraq. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 949 university academics from all public universities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The authors developed a questionnaire that included sociodemographic data, challenges, satisfaction, and motivation for conducting research. Data were collected using a Google form. Frequencies, percentages, and the Chi-square test were used to analyze the data. Most university academics (94.6%) believed that research was part of their job, but only 51.6% were satisfied with their role as academic researchers. The lack of financial motivation was the main reason for dissatisfaction, while the main incentive to conduct research was the passion for science. Around 21% of the university academics had not published any research, while 53.1% published 1-5 articles. Half of the participants (49.7%) lacked training in writing research proposals, and the majority (86.1%) have not applied for international grants. Approximately half of university academics (46.9%) shared their research findings with stakeholders, and the primary method was by sharing their published papers (59.4%), followed by seminars (42.2%). One of the important challenges in conducting research was the lack of funding (62.8%). The academics at universities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq are passionate about their role as researchers, but face many challenges in conducting effective research. A strategic plan is needed to provide an encouraging environment for university academics regarding infrastructure, financial, and technical support. More studies are needed to identify the root factors of academic staff needs and challenges.

The prevalence of molar pregnancy among patients with incomplete miscarriage at a maternity teaching hospital

Background and objective: Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) involves a range of interrelated disorders that originate from the placenta; it can be benign or malignant. In the Kurdistan region of Iraq, data about GTD and its consequences is scarce. This study aims to identify the prevalence of GTD and its types among a cohort of Kurdish women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted for a one-year duration from April 1, 2020, to April 1, 2021, at the Emergency Department of Maternity Teaching Hospital, Erbil City. Pregnant women in their first trimester and early second trimester (4–14 weeks of gestation) with vaginal bleeding, pregnant women with vaginal bleeding due to incomplete miscarriage, and pregnant women with a history of missed miscarriage were included in the study. A specialized questionnaire was prepared for the purpose of data collection. Results: Out of 380 incomplete miscarriage cases who were interviewed, fifty patients with gestational trophoblastic disease were included in the current study. The prevalence of GTD was 13.1%, and the majority of patients had a partial type of GTD. The current analysis indicated that there was a statistically significant association between the types of GTD, the personal history of molar pregnancy, and the age of participants. The analysis indicated that there is no statistical association between parity, blood group, and history of miscarriage and the type of GTD. Conclusion: The prevalence of GTD was remarkably high, and the partial type of GTD was the most common form present among the participants. The majority of the cases were diagnosed during the first trimester of the pregnancy. Complete GTD was more common among patients of advanced age.

Hydrological study and assessment of water budget for Erbil basin, Kurdistan region, Iraq

<p>This research is conducted on Erbil basin, it is located in northern part of Iraq, the basin is composed of three main sub-basins which are: Northern part (Kapran), Central sub-basin and Southern part (Bashtepa) respectively. The total area of three sub-basins are approximately (3,200 km2). The main sources of aquifer recharge in the study area is depends on precipitation. The article estimated the percentage and amount of water budget elements for the selected basin. Therefore, the paper evaluates the obtained climate data form Erbil meteorological station for (25 years) to evaluate the water budget in the study area. The main objective to assess the Erbil basin water budget and determine amount of the each parameters related to the study area. Based on the results of this study data analysis the amount of the mean monthly temperature (18.94 C̊), and sun shine (8.18 hr/day), the average relative humidity is (47.82%), the evaporation percentage is (54%) of the precipitation. The study concluded that the amonut of the rainfall data is (394.65mm) and the percentage of precipitation over Erbil basin is (100%), the Recharge into groundwater is (24.23%), the Runoff and Evporation are (21.77%) and (54%) respectively.</p>

Prevalence and risk factors of thrombocytopenia during the third trimester of pregnancy

Background and objective: Thrombocytopenia, described as a platelet count of less than 150,000 mm3, is a common diagnosis during the period of pregnancy, existing in 7–12% of pregnancies. Mild thrombocytopenia occurs if platelet counts are less than 100,000 mm3, while moderate thrombocytopenia is between 50,000 and 100,000 mm3, and severe thrombocytopenia occurs if platelet counts are less than 50,000 mm3. It could be connected to physiologic changes or pathological diseases; some of them have an impact on pregnancy and may offer a serious risk to both the mother and the unborn child. This study sought to estimate the proportions of the underlying causes as well as the prevalence of thrombocytopenia among pregnant women visiting the antenatal care center in Erbil. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in a maternity teaching hospital in Erbil city, Kurdistan region, Iraq. A convenience sample of 600 pregnant women was used from 28 weeks to 40 weeks of gestation. Over a period of 1 year, starting in January 2021 and ending in December 2021. Results: The prevalence of thrombocytopenia among the 600 cases was 24.8%, but the majority (75.2%) had a normal platelet count; the degrees of thrombocytopenia were severe in 1.8% of the cases, mild in 8.3%, and moderate in 14.7% of the cases. Conclusion: A statistically significant association between preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome has been reported as a serious condition that leads to thrombocytopenia. High serum albumin levels in pregnant women related to hypertension had a major impact on the number of platelet counts and should be considered a severe disease.

Role of Healthy Lifestyle and Diet Quality in the Development of Colorectal Cancer in the Adult Population in the Kurdistan Region: A Case-Control Study

Role of Healthy Lifestyle and Diet Quality in the Development of Colorectal Cancer in the Adult Population in the Kurdistan Region: A Case-Control Study

Are Democrats or Republicans better for the Iraqi Kurds?

AbstractThis piece offers an introduction to US foreign policy toward the Iraqi Kurds since the First World War by dividing that policy into seven discernible stages—from Wilson's Fourteen Points to the actions of the Trump administration. In doing so, I query whether the existence of US foreign policy toward the Kurds has been more active and supportive during Democratic Party administrations or Republican Party administrations. Are there any clear indications as to which party has been better for the Iraqi Kurds? Or is US foreign policy toward the Iraqi Kurds unequivocally dependent on regional dynamics and US interests, not on which political party is governing or the values they espouse? The central argument is that American policy toward the Iraqi Kurds has mostly been dependent on changing regional dynamics, particularly on the changing nature of the United States relationships with Iraq, Turkey, Iran, and Syria, and this does not seem to be affected strongly by which US party holds the presidency. Perhaps counter‐intuitively, there is no evidence to suggest the Democrats have been better for the Iraqi Kurds than the Republicans. While some of the most significant setbacks for the Kurds occurred during Republican administrations, their two most essential political achievements were also during Republican administrations.

Perspectives on Kurdish International Relations: ­Cross-border Kurdish agency between Turkey and Iraqi Kurdistan

This paper analyses the specific transitional, cross-border, transnational characteristics of the Kurds from different theoretical perspectives, highlighting an application of one of these perspectives through a case study. It first outlines the possible analytical perspectives on the Kurds, emphasising the analytical value of borderland studies. Focusing on the political, economic, social, and governmental processes of the borderlands enlarges the scope of international relations and enables closer cooperation among different social sciences. The paper concludes with an illustrative case study on the importance of the study of borderland by exploring the rapprochement between the Iraqi Kurds and Turkey in the mid-2000s. The main question discussed is how the southeastern borderland of Turkey shaped Ankara’s stance towards the Kurdish question and the country’s political and economic relations with the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). Beyond this bottom-up approach, the paper highlights the agency of the Kurds in developing positive relations between Turkey and the KRI.

Gender-Based Violence: Women’s Safety in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Gender-Based Violence: Women’s Safety in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia among Different Age Groups in Duhok City, Kurdistan region, Iraq

Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia among Different Age Groups in Duhok City, Kurdistan region, Iraq

Moderating role of political stability and economic policy uncertainty between country governance practice and stock market performance. A comparative analysis of Pakistan and Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

The objective of the study is to explore the relationship between country governance practices along with political stability and Economic policy uncertainty, and stock market performance of two different economies, Pakistan and Kurdistan region of Iraq. To meet our objectives, we used the 25 years past data from 1996 to 2021. Data is collected from the DataStream database. The regression analysis is used as the method of estimation for linear and moderation effect. Our results show that regulatory quality, rules of law and political stability has significant positive relationship with stock market performance of Pakistan, but all the governance indicators have significant positive relationship with stock market performance of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Moreover, political stability has significant moderating impact between the governance practices and the performance of the stock markets of both economies indicating that the governance practices perform well with the political stability that leads to rise in the stock market indices of selected countries. Economic policy uncertainty has significant negative moderation impact due to creating the risk in both economies that decrease the performance of the stock markets of the selected economies. Finally, our study advocated some implications for the investors to increase their confidence on the stock of high political stability and low economic policy uncertainty economies. Government can take significant measures to control the uncertainty of the policy and portfolio managers can adjust their risk on the ground of the political stability and efficient governance practices countries.

Genetic Polymorphisms and Forensic Parameters of Thirteen X-Chromosome Markers in the Iraqi Kurdish Population

X-chromosome short tandem repeat (X-STR) tools are crucial in forensic genetics and human population fields. This study presents the development and validation of a multiplex STR system consisting of thirteen X-STR loci and amelogenin specific to the human X chromosome. The system was optimized and tested for species specificity, sensitivity, stability, and DNA mixture using 9947A female and 9948 male control genomic DNA. The amplified products of nine loci were sequenced to determine the correct amplicon length. Allele frequencies, forensic parameters, mean exclusion chance (MEC), linkage disequilibrium (LD), and allelic patterns were investigated using DNA samples from 225 (159 male, 66 female) unrelated Kurdish individuals who live in Sulaymaniyah province in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. The most informative locus in the Kurdish population was GATA172D05, while the least informative locus was DXS10164. The results demonstrated that the 13 X-STR system is highly polymorphic and sensitive for forensic DNA identification. Genetic distance-based clustering, metric multidimensional scaling (MDS), and correlation matrix were analyzed for 19 ethnic groups and populations. The phylogenetic tree showed that populations clustered according to their ethnogeographic relationships. The findings revealed genetic links between the Iraqi Kurds, Caucasians, Iraqi Arabs, United States (U.S.) ethnic groups, and Chinese populations.

The Role of International News Websites in Defining the Features of International Politics Towards the Kurdistan Region A Field Study for A Group of Journalists in The Kurdistan Region

The Role of International News Websites in Defining the Features of International Politics Towards the Kurdistan Region A Field Study for A Group of Journalists in The Kurdistan Region

Seasonal variation, group/ solitary behavior occurrence and reproduction time of the predator leech Helobdella stagnalis (Hirudenia: Glossiphoniidae) in Sarchnar Stream/ Sulaymaniah Province, Kurdistan Region- Iraq.

Seasonal variation, group/ solitary behavior occurrence and reproduction time of the predator leech Helobdella stagnalis (Hirudenia: Glossiphoniidae) in Sarchnar Stream/ Sulaymaniah Province, Kurdistan Region- Iraq.

The Supreme Council for Fatwa in The Kurdistan Region - Historical Descriptive Study -

The Supreme Council for Fatwa in The Kurdistan Region - Historical Descriptive Study -