Kurdistan Region Research Articles

Exploration of Bituminous Materials Using 2D Electrical Resistivity Imaging, Kurdistan Region, NE Iraq

Solid bituminous materials are widely spread in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, they are filled so many locations, such as fracture zones, fault planes, and bedding planes. These materials can be used in several industries like pavement road, roofing, bituminous paint and waterproof, etc. The study aims to find an economical quantity of these materials by using 2D resistivity imaging in three locations that are different in geology and tectonic settings. These locations are Alla Syaw, Mera De, and Nasalih villages. The data are collected using Syscal R1 plus resistivity meter, for the sake of following up horizontal and vertical extension of these materials Wenner-Schlumberger array is used with 72 electrodes and a spacing interval of 5 m. Three profiles were conducted for each location, which have lengths equal to 360 m. The data processing was carried out by using the RES2DINV, and the smoothness was performed using finite difference forward modeling. The results show that all the bituminous materials are detected in shallow depths and only in the sandstone layers of the Tanjero, Gercus, and Injana formations filling the fracture zones and fault planes. This is also attributed to the more brittle behavior of the sandstone layer than other layers of these formations which deforms easily by applying external stresses. In the Tanjero Formation bituminous body is detected at a depth of about 10 m, which has an extension of more than 50 m from profile-1 to profile-2 (this is a lateral extension). The average width and height of the body are about 8m and 20 m, so it forms an approximate total volume equal to 8000 m3. The study concludes that the preliminary estimation of the total volume of the detected bituminous bodies is about 20000 m3, which has great importance as raw material for different industries. The bituminous material has a high resistivity value in most of the profiles reaching more than 200 ohm.m.

Source Rock Evaluation and Hydrocarbon Generation Potential of the Cretaceous (Dokan and Gulneri) Formations in Bai Hassan-13 Well Section, Kurdistan, North of Iraq

Eleven cutting rock samples from both Dokan and Gulneri formations (Cretaceous) in one subsurface section of Bai Hassan-13 (BH-13) well in northern Iraq were studied by using two techniques for hydrocarbon generation potentiality. The geochemical technique included Rock-Eval Pyrolysis analysis, The optical technique was achieved by studying palynological slides. The rock-Eval pyrolysis results showed that Dokan Formation has total organic carbon (TOC) wt.% ranging between 1.16 % and 2.3 % (good to very good), Gulneri Formation has a high TOC of 1.34 % and 4.64 % (good to excellent) quantity of organic matter. About the quality of organic matter, both Dokan and Gulneri formations are composed of kerogen types I and II. The organic matter of the Dokan Formation is not indigenous (migrated), one sample of the Gulneri Formation is indigenous the other one is located on the slanted line separating the Indigenous from non-indigenous organic matter. The organic matter within the two formations are thermally immature source rock, Therefore, they cannot generate oil and gas. The palynological study revealed that amorphous organic matter is the predominant organic matter component in both formations with more than 89%, whereas phytoclasts and palynomorphs comprised only a few percentages. There is no great variation in the percentages of the mentioned organic matter components, except a slight increase in the percentage of phytoclasts and palynomorphs in the lower part of the Dokan Formation, therefore one primary palynofacies type can be recognized, and divided into two secondary palynofacies. Through plotting Tyson's Amorphous, phytoclasts, and palynomorphs (APP) diagram, it is clear that the two formations are deposited in a distal suboxic to anoxic basin.

Implementing an adaptive reuse on industrial buildings: a proposal for transforming Erbil’s Silo in Kurdistan-Iraq into a hotel

Industrial buildings, serving as markers of cultural heritage, connect our cultural identity from the past through the present and into the future. Unfortunately, many of these buildings lose their identity when they are converted into another function. Through the case study analysis (the Silo of Erbil City), a qualitative method is employed to examine design strategies and spatial transformations in recent adaptive reuse projects of existing structures. Through the literature review, this research investigates the importance of adaptive reuse and heritage buildings, underscoring their historical and theoretical underpinnings, and subsequently examines contemporary approaches to architectural criteria towards habitation for existing structures in the public, creative, and cultural domains. The study findings identify common fundamental elements of industrial heritage adaptive reuse and innovative design strategies applied in recent adaptive reuse projects, highlighting the potential to transform neglected or vacant abandoned buildings into urban open spaces. The study uses a comprehensive methodology involving case study analyses and diverse data collection techniques. The case study properties are the structural systems, natural lighting, and the surrounding open spaces. As a result, a hotel with a multipurpose hall, and a museum dedicated to the history of the Silo have been proposed, aiming at conserving the valuable heritage in this industrial area as well as providing an alternative perspective for the adaptive reuse of industrial structures in Erbil city. Finally, the implications of the research for the economic and social dimensions of urban development lie in understanding and promoting sustainable preservation strategies. This work is considered the first step for future research in Iraq, specifically in Kurdistan Region. The research concludes that the Silo of Erbil is one of the successful examples of the process of reusing buildings. It also concludes that less intervention in reusing a building can protect the building identity.

Viral Hepatitis B and C Prevalence and Related Risk Factors Among Prisons in Duhok City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Viral Hepatitis B and C Prevalence and Related Risk Factors Among Prisons in Duhok City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Rock Slope Stability Assessment for Selected Sites at Imam Mohammed Road \ Sulaimaniyah Governorate \ Northern Iraq

A detailed engineering geological study was performed for rock slope stability for several selected sites at Imam Mohammed Road that connects Sulaimaniyah city and Darbandikhan town, the study included four sites in which a comprehensive survey was made for the rock slopes, the rocks forming them, and discontinuities affecting in them. The assessment of rock slope stability of the sites was executed through the stereographic projection, to determine the status of the slopes and discontinuities, field measurements revealed many occurred and probable failure types represented by the rock fall and sliding. The rock slopes were also classified based on three factors; divergence angle (parallel, oblique lateral, and orthogonal), Laterality (right and left emergent), and concordance (concordant and discordant). The rocks forming the slopes are described geometrically based on their color, grain size, texture, discontinuities, weathering, rock strength, lithology, and permeability. On the other hand, the risk of each site was also assessed depending on the Landslide Possibility Index (LPI), which showed that the first site lies within the (moderate hazard) category whereas the others lie within the (High hazard) category. Finally, some treatment strategies were proposed in order to stabilize the slopes and decrease the danger of their collapse on the road.

Lithofacies and Microfacies Study of ATE Maastrichtian Reefal Limestones and Comparison with the Aqra Formation, Northeast and Northern Kurdistan Region-Iraq

The Maastrichtian reefal limestone, which developed variably across the northern and northeastern Kurdistan Region of Iraq, includes the Aqra Formation, which formed extensive platforms in the Aqra-Barzan area throughout the Maastrichtian period. Additionally, bars and lenses of reefal limestone in the upper part of the Tanjero Formation created longitudinal submarine ridges in the Arabian-Eurasian Foreland basin. This study selected three sections: the Aqra Formation in the type section and study the reefal limestone lenses in the Upper part of the Tanjero Formation at the Kunamasi and limestone bars in the Balakaity. Focusing on lithofacies and microfacies to determine if these reefal limestones are part of the Aqra Formation. The type section of the Aqra Formation, located in the Aqra area, features significant reefal limestone approximately 700 meters thick, including rudists with bitumen and some dolomite content. This formation is widely deposited in the Aqra and Barzan areas, overlying the Bekhme platform stratigraphically, and extends geographically from Bujel to Chia Gara anticlines. Four submicrofacies identified in this reefal limestone are Miliolids packstone, Rudists floatstone, Peloidal grainstone, and Bioclastic foraminifera grainstone. In the Kunamasi area, the reefal limestone appears as thick deposits associated with marl and sandy claystone beds, approximately 30 meters thick, and situated above the flysch Tanjero Formation. Key submicrofacies here include Omphalocyclus packstone, Rudists floatstone, and Echinoids grainstone. At the Balakaity section, the reefal limestone consists of a single, thick body exceeding 50 meters in thickness, directly overlying the Tanjero Formation and restricted to the Dar-Alsalam area. The submicrofacies in this section include Foraminifera packstone, Omphalocyclus packstone, and Rudists floatstone. Overall, the microfacies interpretation is the Aqra Formation is deposited as a large platform in inner and middle ramp settings. Conversely, the reefal limestone in the Balakaity and Kunamasi areas appears to be part of submerging islands within the flysch marine environment of the Tanjero Formation during the active Arabia-Eurasian Subduction. Based on depositional context and microfacies analysis can be concluded the reefal limestone in these areas is more likely associated with the Tanjero Formation rather than the Aqra Formation.

Evaluation of well Water Quality for Domestic utilization in Fayda District, Southern Duhok Governorate, Kurdistan Region- Iraq

اجريت هذه الدراسة لغرض قياس جودة المياه في أبار منطقة فايدة عن طريق قياس مؤشر جودة المياه على أساس معايير كيميائية وفيزيائية تم قياسها باستخدام الأجهزة والتقنيات الحديثة، وأيضاً باستخدام الطرق الكلاسيكية التقليدية, تم جمع وتحليل 168 عينة بناءً على عدة عوامل تشمل: درجة الحرارة، ودرجة الحموضة، والتوصيلية الكهربائية، والاملاح الكليه الذائبه، والعكورة، والقلوية، و2-NO3 و1-Cl،Mg+2 ،Ca+2، SO4-2، الاوكسجين المذاب العسرة. وكانت نتائج عينات مياه الآبار على النحو التالي: درجة الحرارة، 18.417 إلى 22.567 درجة مئوية؛ الاس الهيدروجيني، 7.675 إلى 8.39، الأوكسجين المذاب، 5.6858 إلى 8.283 ملغم /لتر، العكورة، 1.200 إلى 3.225 NTU، التوصيلية الكهربائية، 456.25 إلى 2300.00 مايكروسيمينز/ سم، العسره الكلية، 259.33 إلى 1471ملغم / لتر، الاملاح الذائبة، 204.08 إلى 136 ملغم / لتر، القلوية الكلية، 204.42 إلى 435.75 ملغم/لتر، الكالسيوم، 122.67 إلى 622.08 ملغم/لتر، المغنيسيوم، 85.33 إلى 747ملغم/ لتر، كلوريد، 12.842 إلى 100.100ملغم/لتر، كبريتات، 20.450 إلى 200.833 ملغم/لتر، والنترات، 2.200 إلى 7.350ملغم/ لتر.و مؤشر جودة المياه في مناطق بكر 167.33– 183.3، كريباني 115.41–124.069، فايدة 108.44–113.07، دوميز 1 104.96–119.87، دوميز 2 109.66– 119.90 ومنطقة كرانكي 101.58– 111.35 وجمبور 99.89 –110.24 كانت أعلى من الحدود المسموح بها وفقًا لمعايير منظمة الصحة العالمية لمياه الشرب. وتراوح مؤشر جودة المياه (WQI) للعينات الـ 168 من 78.15 إلى 183.32. وتجاوزت جميع آبار كريباني وفايدة ودوميز 1 ودوميز 2 وكرانكي وجمبور قيمة مؤشر جودة المياه البالغة 100. وكانت حوالي 61.3% من عينات المياه ذات نوعية رديئة لأغراض الشرب.

Assessment of Slope Stability at Erbil Citadel, Kurdistan Region of Iraq Using Bejerman’s Method

The Erbil Citadel is located in the center of Erbil City; the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The shape of the citadel is a large, oval hill. The Citadel was inhabited more than 6,000 years ago and is thought to be one of the longest-continuously inhabited sites in the world. Therefore, the Citadel was announced in 2014 as a World Heritage by UNESCO. The height of the Citadel is not uniform; it ranges between (28–30) m, the top elevation is 429 m (a.s.l.), whereas the bottom elevation ranges between (407– 416) m (a.s.l). The Citadel has an oval shape with diameters between (350 – 420) m, the E–W being the longest. The slopes of the Citadel (Tell) display severe erosion and slope stability problems, the main types are creep, which can endanger the existing historical buildings, especially on the edges of the Citadel. Different data about the Citadel have been reviewed but couldn’t find special studies concerning the slope stability of the Citadel. Therefore, we have applied Bejerman’s method, which is a quick field method to assess the slope stability of the slopes of the Citadel to find the Landslide Possibility Index (LPI). Eleven stations were selected around the Citadel to apply Bejerman’s method, the stations were selected in the site; wherever clear indications were found for slope instability. The results of the assessment showed that the LPI ranges between 18–22, which means grade IV, and Failure possibility of Medium (2 stations), and High (9 stations). Recommendations are given to keep the slopes of the citadel as safe as possible.

A Study on the Allelopathic Effects of Wild Barley (Hordeum spontaneum) Residue Incorporated with Soil on Growth of Some Plant species

This study examines the allelopathic effects of wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum) on the growth and yield of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), and wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum). The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at Shamamar-Hawler/ Kurdistan Region of Iraq using a complete randomized factorial design (CRD) within 3 replications. The roots, shoots, and seeds of wild barley were dried, powdered, and added to the soil at different concentrations (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) in 500 g pots. Each pot was planted with 5 seeds, which were later reduced to 3 seedlings. Growth parameters such as shoot and root lengths, dry weights, number of tillers, weight of spikes, seeds number per plant, and biological yield was measured. The results indicated significant effects of wild barley residues on the studied crops. Wheat showed the highest roots, shoots and total lengths were (29.56 cm, 17.05 cm and 46.58 cm, respectively) and the highest shoots and roots dry weights were (0.24 g and 0.30 g). Barley showed the highest number of stems (1.96) but the lowest shoots and dry weights of roots were (0.11 g and 0.23 g). Wild barley had the highest biological weight and harvest index (HI). Among the plant parts, seed extracts significantly enhanced growth parameters, while roots and shoots extract had the greatest inhibitory effects as wild barley residue concentrations increased. Nevertheless, the HI showed a decline as the concentrations increased, suggesting a detrimental effect on growth efficiency. The study shows the potential of wild barley as a bio-herbicide, emphasizing its allelopathic effects. This suggests that agricultural practices should be carefully considered to maximize the efficiency of crops. Incorporating these results into precision agriculture can greatly improve crop management and increase yield.

Identification of Subsurface Geological Structures from Gravity Data by Modelling Techniques in Kalak-Bardarash Area, West of Erbil City Iraqi Kurdistan Region

A quantitative interpretation of gravity anomalies in the Kalak-Bardarash area, west of Erbil City in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, was performed using two-dimensional analysis techniques. These techniques modeled geological structures identified from a previously created Bouguer anomaly map of the area. Five profiles were selected for the analysis, resulting in eight models constructed for both deep and shallow-seated rock units. The deep-seated rocks are represented by the basement rocks, with models constructed in the NNE-SSW, WNW-ESE, and NW-SE directions using the regional anomaly component. The depth of the basement rocks ranges from five to nine kilometers and is affected by numerous faults in the form of graben and step structures. The basement rock surface slopes towards the NE and ESE at a gradient of 110 m/km. The shallow-seated rocks are represented by the sedimentary cover, which includes Neogene, Paleogene, and Cretaceous-aged groups of formations. The residual component of the anomalies of the five profiles were interpreted. Three profiles, oriented NNE-SSW and nearly perpendicular to the main anticlinal structure, revealed that the Bardarash anticline is influenced by two faults striking both limbs and extending in the NNW-SSE direction, with an estimated throw of 200 meters on each side. The southern fault is believed to extend down to the basement rocks. The other two profiles, oriented NW-SE and nearly perpendicular to the Zab River, indicated the presence of two additional faults with a throw of approximately 600 meters in the deeper parts striking the basement rocks, dipping towards the southeast. The throw of these faults gradually decreases upward in the sedimentary cover, reaching about 200 meters. These faults directly influence the course of the Zab River, directing it in a NE-SW direction at this district.

Classification, Hazard Assessment, and Optimization Strategy for Some Critical Rockfall Locations in the Duhok Area, North of Iraq

Classification, Hazard Assessment, and Optimization Strategy for Some Critical Rockfall Locations in the Duhok Area, North of Iraq

Wastewater Management as a Part of Solution for Water Resources Problem in Erbil City

In Erbil City, municipal wastewater (MWW) is disposed directly without any treatment processes in the natural environment water body and in some places used for irrigation purposes. Untreated MWW causes problems for the environment, and people's health. Water quantity and quality variation produce complications for water sources in Erbil City, Kurdistan Region-Iraq. There is a lack of performing MWW management fundamentals in the area as well. This research aimed to study the MWW management in Erbil City, presenting water resource difficulties and bringing about suitable solutions for the water resource problems, and also to highlight the risk for the poor Management. MWW Data on Erbil municipal (EMWW) water quality parameters were collected and analyzed for the study period (four months), beginning in October 2022 and ending in March 2023. Twelve EMWW quality parameters were captured and tested in the Laboratory, arranged, and compared with MWW disposal criteria and local standards. The following MWW parameters include pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved salts (TDS), chloride (CL), total solids (TS), total alkalinity, total acidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and colour. The results showed that Erbil's MWW characteristics in terms of temperatures ranged between 11-23 °C and in turn, affected biological species activities. Maximum PH value was 7.7. Total alkalinity found in the range from 140 to 178 mg/l. Chloride concentration results showed for October was 62 mg/l and the maximum value was 80 mg/l in November due to the increment in temperature and evaporation. The range of the COD values of sewage water for five months was 246 -773 mg. Erbil's MWW's moderate to medium strength may be treated and utilized for landscaping, fountains, and irrigation, minimizing the need for fresh water from resources like wells and surface water in the Greater Zab River.

Climatic Parameters Use for Evaluating Water Budget and Drought Analysis in Erbil Sub-basin, Kurdistan Region, Northern-Iraq

Major theoretical and practical hydrological issues may be solved using methods to maintain water balance. Evaluating the climate characteristics and environmental circumstances to be employed in the methods of water managing approach used in the Erbil sub-basin, northern Iraq, is the primary goal of this study. The studied area is a part of the region influenced by the Mediterranean climatological system. The climatic parameters of the research region were evaluated using the climatic data collected in the Erbil meteorological station for the period 1980-2022. The research result shows that the mean annual rainfall is 411.26 mm/year and the average monthly relative humidity is 41.12 %, the mean temperature is 20.62 °C, mean sunshine duration 8.35 hr./day and annual pan evaporation is 1200.96 mm / year. Potential evapotranspiration considered by Thornthwaite method is 1588.94 mm. The water surplus and deficit are 216.14 mm and 1393.81 mm, respectively. The surface runoff calculating from soil conservation system (SCS) technique which is about 86 mm / year and groundwater recharge is about 130.14 mm / year. The groundwater Budgets is about 187661880 m3 / year. The climatic situation in the area is variety from winter its wet to the summer its dry climates. Also, it could be measured that the climate in the area is determined was (Humid to very humid). The draught index according to SPI analysis show that the drought was observed during Moderately drought in (1983, 1999, 2000, 2010, 2015, and 2021) to severely drought in (2022.

A Comparative Study on the Impact of Fasting on Blood Glucose and Blood Pressure Among Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Individuals During Ramadan, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Objective: The primary aim of this research was to evaluate the differential effects of regular and fasting dietary patterns on blood glucose levels and blood pressure among diabetic patients and non-diabetic control group. A comprehensive analysis was conducted to compare physiological responses on fasting versus non-fasting days during the holy Ramadan month. Methods: This observational study involved 92 participants, with a subset of 38 diabetic patients and 54 non-diabetic control group, aged 19-76 years, who were observed on regular and fasting days. Participants were monitored for pre-prandial, postprandial, evening blood sugar, and fasting blood glucose levels, as well as blood pressure. Statistical analysis was performed using paired sample t-tests to compare mean ± SD between regular and fasting days of both groups. The study cohort consisted of male and female adults diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Exclusion criteria included individuals under 18 years, pregnant women, and patients unable to fast during the study period. Results: Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in fasting blood glucose levels during Ramadan compared to non-fasting days. In the diabetic group, significant changes were observed in fasting blood glucose levels during Ramadan compared to after Ramadan ( postprandial blood sugar p=0.04, evening blood sugar p=0.019). In contrast, the non-diabetic group also showed significant changes in blood glucose levels during Ramadan compared to after Ramadan (postprandial blood sugar p=0.001, evening blood sugar p=0.020). Blood pressure showed no significant differences between these periods, suggesting that fasting does not alter blood pressure significantly in diabetic individuals. Additionally, a two-way ANOVA demonstrated significant dietary influences on post-Iftar glucose levels in non-diabetics (p<0.001), but not in diabetics, suggesting differential metabolic responses to dietary intake during Ramadan. These findings emphasize the critical need for personalized dietary management and continuous monitoring to optimize diabetic care during fasting. Conclusion: Fasting significantly influences blood glucose levels in diabeticand non-diabetic individuals but does not affect blood pressure. This study underscores the necessity for personalized medical guidance and balanced meal planning to minimize complications and enhance diabetes management during fasting. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term effects of different fasting practices on diabetic health outcomes.

Industrial Assessment of Mudstone Deposits of Gercus Formation as a Raw Material for Bricks Industry in Erbil Governorate, Northern Iraq

This paper evaluates the mudstone deposits' physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties and the possibility of use as a raw material to manufacture building bricks. Four sites are selected from the Gercus Formation in Shaqlawa district and the samples are tested. The mudstone samples are analyzed to define the grain size, Atterberg limits, chemical, physical and mechanical characteristics of the clay bricks. The grain size analysis of the mudstone samples showed they contained a high percentage of clay and silt and a low percentage of sand. The chemical analysis showed that silica (SiO2) was the major component in the mudstones. XRD analysis showed the presence of non-clay minerals i.e. calcite, quartz, albite and clay minerals of illite, palygorskite and chlorite. Raw samples of all studied sites were treated to prepare brick samples without addition, and others with 10% standard sand added. The results showed that the bricks prepared from the B to B10 and C to C10 stations have varying water absorption and compressive strength, while the efflorescence has light salts. All these properties are within the requirements of the Iraqi specification for brick manufacturing. The sample sites A, D, A10, and D10 are not compatible with the Iraqi standard in terms of absorption and compression.

Organic Matter Characteristics and Hydrocarbon Potential of Jurassic Sargelu Formation in X Well, Northern Iraq

Organic Matter Characteristics and Hydrocarbon Potential of Jurassic Sargelu Formation in X Well, Northern Iraq

Huff-n-Puff Process for Enhancement Heavy Oil Recovery for the Tertiary Reservoir in the Qaiyarah Oil Field Northern Iraq

Huff-n-Puff Process for Enhancement Heavy Oil Recovery for the Tertiary Reservoir in the Qaiyarah Oil Field Northern Iraq

Employing deep learning in crisis management and decision making through prediction using time series data in Mosul Dam Northern Iraq

Specifically, Iraq is threatened in its second-largest northern city, Mosul, by the collapse of the Mosul Dam due to problems at the root of the dam, causing a wave of floods that will cause massive loss of life, resources, and public property. The objective of this study is to effectively monitor the level of dam water by predicting the level of water held by the dam In anticipation of achieving flood stage and breaking the dam, and supporting its behavior through formation 14-day time series data to predict seven days later. Used six deep learning models (deep neural network (DNN), convolutional neural network (CNN), convolutional neural network long short-term memory (CNN-LSTM), CNN-LSTM-Skip and CNN-LSTM Skip Attention) that models were trained to predict the water level in the dam; these levels of being under surveillance and prepared In case of danger, alert people to potential flood threats depending on the dam’s water level. These time series were created from the actual data sets of the dam; it’s a fundamental historical reading for 13 years (1993–2006) of the water level stored in the Mosul dam and was adopted in coordination with the Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources and the Centre for Research on Dams and Water Resources at Mosul University. The methodology applied in this study shows the model’s performance efficiency and the prediction results’ low error rate. It also compares those practical results to determine and adopt the performance-efficient model and a lower error rate. The comparison of these results proved the accuracy of its results, and superior to the CNN-LSTM model, it has the highest ability to perform through high accuracy with MAE = 0.087153 and time steps = 0 s 196 ms/step and loss = 0.00067. The current study demonstrated the ability to predict the water level in Mosul Dam, which suffers from foundation problems and may collapse in the future. Therefore, the water level in the dam must be monitored accurately. It also aims to test the effectiveness of the six models proposed in this study after evaluating their performance and applying the prediction process within a scenario to obtain predictive values after 14 days. The results showed the practical effectiveness of the hybrid CNN-LSTM model in correctly and accurately obtaining predictive values within the integrated framework of the required scenario. The study concluded that it is possible to enhance the ability to monitor and identify the potential risk of Mosul Dam at an early stage, and it also allows for proactive crisis management and sound decision-making, thus mitigating the adverse effects of crises on public safety and infrastructure and reducing human losses in areas along the Tigris River.

Gas Flaring and its Socioeconomic Implications for Rural Communities in Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI): Reflections on the Impact of Gas Flaring in Tawke Community

The study critically examines the problem of gas flaring and its socioeconomic implications in the KRI with emphasis on Tawke community who are predominantly peasant rural farmers. For several decades, KRI allowed natural gas to be flared which poses severe challenges to health, agricultural productivity and the environment with huge socioeconomic dimension to the survival of the local population. Although Iraq has sizeable natural gas reserves, however, about 70% of natural gas produced are flared which is responsible for more than 20 million tons of CO2 emissions annually that cost the domestic economy billions of dollars in lost revenue and other consequences including threat to public health and the environment. Thus, the study conducted simple narrative and in-depth qualitative in-person interview with some employees of DNO, public sector workers and members of the Tawke community on the impact and socioeconomic implications of gas flaring on their livelihood. The research findings resonate and lend credence to the widely held views on the state of the environment in KRI and revealed severe environmental consequences, health consequences, low yields in agriculture with socioeconomic and cultural implications on livelihood of the local people particularly Tawke community.

The Impact of Blockchain Technology on the Future of Commercial Banking

This study investigates the ramifications of blockchain technology on the future landscape of commercial banks in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, drawing insights from expert perspectives. The evolution of blockchain has significantly reshaped all facets of banking services and operations, resulting in a paradigm shift away from the traditional banking modus operandi in terms of systems, external events, and human intervention. Employing the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology and utilizing SPSS software (Version 26), the study analyzed data collected through questionnaires distributed among banks and universities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, totaling 90 responses. The findings reveal a notable, statistically significant inverse correlation between blockchain adoption and the future trajectory of commercial banks in the Kurdistan Region. Increased integration of blockchain technology enhances the resilience and viability of commercial banks, thereby reducing the likelihood of adverse impacts. Moreover, blockchain technology demonstrates tangible and positive prospects for the future of commercial banking, facilitating enhanced operational efficiency and cost reduction through streamlined processes and accelerated transactions, one of the key recommendations derived from the research is the necessity for banks to adopt blockchain technology. This technology contributes to reducing the costs of banking services provided in the Kurdistan region and enhances operational efficiency by minimizing intermediaries and expediting transfer and settlement processes.