Kurdistan Region Research Articles

Histomorphometricaland Histochemical Seasonal Variations in the Epididymis of Meriz in Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Histomorphometricaland Histochemical Seasonal Variations in the Epididymis of Meriz in Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Hydrocarbon potential, source correlation, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction of the Jurassic interval in the Zey Gawra Oilfield, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

A comprehensive geochemical analysis for the Sargelu, Naokelekan, and Najmah formations cutting rock and crude oil samples from Z1, Z3, and Z5 wells of Hawler Block, Kurdistan Region, Iraq have been studied for source rock evaluation. Depending on the total organic carbon (TOC) content from pyrolysis analyses, the Sargelu and Naokelekan formations are regarded as very good source rocks, and fair source rock for the Najmah Formation. The organic matter in the Sargelu Formation is characterized by types II and mixed II and III kerogens. However, the Naokelekan and Najmah formations are characterized by type II kerogen. The Sargelu and Naokelekan formations’ organic matters are at mature stages; hence, in the oil window, whereas Najmah Formation’s organic matter is at immature stage. Pyrolysis study shows that the Sargelu Formation is oil and gas prone, while the Najmah and Naokelekan formations are oil prone. The biomarkers and bulk properties of the selected oils from Gas Chromatography (GC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC/MS) analysis show that they originated by the same source rocks. The geochemical characteristics indicate a carbonate source in a reducing environment for the studied formations and oils. Based on the oleanane index, tricyclic terpane indices, C28S/C29S ratios, and gammacerane index, the relative age of the oils and cuttings of Sargelu, Naokelekan, and Najmah formations is Middle to Late Jurassic and deposited under moderate saline condition. The biomarkers parameters show evidence that molecules from the cutting rocks of the Sargelu and Naokelekan formations are related to the oils in Z1, Z3, and Z5 wells. However, they are not related to the Najmah Formation.

Contributions of internal and external factors to bilingual development: Evidence from Kurdish-English adolescents

Aims: This study examined the role of internal and external factors in bilingual language outcomes in a societal/first language (L1) and minority/foreign language (FL) context. Methodology: Participants were 98 Kurdish-English adolescents, living in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The data collected through a detailed questionnaire and a battery of standardized and researcher-developed measures. Data and analysis: Data were analyzed using backward regression and hierarchical regression models. Findings: Richness of the Kurdish and English environment contributed to language outcomes, of which parental Kurdish proficiency, Kurdish input from media, and paternal English proficiency were the best predictors of greater Kurdish morphosyntactic knowledge and faster lexical access ability in Kurdish and English. Cognitive and age factors predicted language outcomes, of which nonverbal analytic reasoning and older age of English exposure were the best predictors of greater English morphosyntactic knowledge and larger vocabulary size in both languages. As two different sets, external factors outweighed internal factors in terms of vocabulary size and lexical access abilities in both languages as well as Kurdish morphosyntax. The contribution of two sets was alike for English morphosyntax. Conclusions: Sensitivity to variation in individual difference factors varies depending on the linguistic domains. External factors are more essential for bilingual development, but at the same time, the role of internal factors in dual language learning should not be underestimated. Originality: With valuable insights offered by previous research, this study contributes to the field of bilingual development through examining a large number of individual difference factors in one of the most under-studied bilingual populations.

ENHANCING MOBILITY WITH IOT-BASED AUTONOMOUS WHEELCHAIR

The shortage of healthcare workers and continuous influx of patients have significantly increased workloads in hospitals. Concurrently, there is an increasing number of people with disabilities, resulting in a higher need for wheelchairs. Yet, many hospitals continue to rely on traditional, manually operated wheelchairs. As a result, disabled patients often face prolonged waits for assistance from hospital staff to reach their intended destinations. To address hospital issues, the idea of autonomous wheelchairs, known as autonomous robotic wheelchairs (ARWs), has been proposed and developed. In contrast to traditional wheelchairs, ARWs integrate advanced features, including obstacle detection and avoidance, local path mapping through line-following technology, and user-friendly interactions. Patients in developing countries, including the Kurdistan region of Iraq (KRI), rely on hospital workers for transportation, which poses difficulties, especially during emergencies, such as overcrowding, delays due to a lack of available porters, etc. Implementing ARWs would significantly reduce these issues. Thus, the main aim of this study is to develop ARWs using technologies like Arduino and sensors to enhance hospital efficiency and reduce reliance on porters, potentially transforming patient mobility and care in healthcare facilities. The testing results of the proposed system indicate that its implementation will greatly assist hospitals in addressing various issues, including those previously mentioned. In addition, it will enhance hospitals’ intelligence and autonomy.

The Effects of Modern Architecture on the Evolution of Mosques in Sulaymaniyah

Since the establishment of the Kurdistan Region Autonomy in 1991, extensive construction, including that of mosques, has reshaped the architectural environment. This phenomenon requires an examination of the evolved architectural features in new mosques and also raises questions about their alignment with the religious and symbolic objectives of mosque designs. This study focuses on the transformative impact of modern architectural styles on mosque evolution in Sulaymaniyah and uses an in-depth case study approach to analyze 23 contemporary mosques built over the past three decades. They blend traditional architecture with modern design principles, producing evolved features. The evolution in mosque designs raises questions about the alignment of new architectural features with the religious and symbolic objectives of mosque designs. This study employs indicator-based impact assessments to examine how modern features affect mosque evolution in terms of religious needs and mosque symbolism. Based on the literature of modern architecture and Islamic legitimacy, indicators of modern architecture and mosque design objectives were determined for further analysis. Then, the collected data from the field survey were analyzed through developed formulas. The results were converted to numerical values for use with the Pearson correlation coefficient, which identifies the causal relationship between modern architecture and design objectives. The results revealed that the overall influence of modern architecture on mosque evolution tends to be negative. Modern architectural styles have impacted mosques by increasing structural obstructions in 14%, reducing symbolic elements in 23%, and simplifying designs with fewer embellishments in 43% of all the cases. This study can assist decision-makers and designers in revising mosque design regulations; the issue has recently been the subject of ongoing debate in architects’ society.

Verbascum ponticum (Stef.) Extract Induces Lung Cancer Apoptosis via Mitochondrial-Dependent Apoptosis Pathway.

Non-small-cell lung carcinoma remains a significant health concern due to its high incidence and mortality rates. Traditional medicines play a central role in cancer therapy, with plant-derived bioactive compounds being studied for their potential to offer fewer side effects than conventional treatments. In traditional Kurdish medicine, different Verbascum species are used to treat burns, inflammation, and other conditions. While some species extracts have shown cytotoxic effects against several cancer cell lines like A549, the efficacy and mechanisms of action of the other species like Verbascum ponticum (V. ponticum) remain to be elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effect of V. ponticum (Stef.) extract, collected from the Kurdistan region of the Iraq mountains, on A549 cells. A comprehensive approach was employed, utilizing immunocytochemical and functional analyses to assess apoptotic morphology, DNA fragmentation, alongside assays for cellular and mitochondrial function, proliferation, and viability. Additionally, the study investigated AIF mitochondrial translocation and evaluated mitochondrial membrane potential using the Rhodamine 123 assay. The results showed that the V. ponticum flower extract induced mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in A549 cells via disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of AIF, and translocation to the nucleus, independently of the caspase-3-activation pathway. These findings emphasize the potential of V. ponticum in lung cancer strategic treatments, meriting further phytochemical studies to identify the bioactive compounds it contains.

Predictors and Prevalence of Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Cross-Sectional Study in Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Predictors and Prevalence of Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Cross-Sectional Study in Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Utilization of Primary Health Care Services in Qayyarah City Northern Iraq

Utilization of Primary Health Care Services in Qayyarah City Northern Iraq

Knowledge, perception, and attitude toward premarital screening among university students in Kurdistan region-Iraq.

Premarital screening programs are essential for identifying and providing counseling to couples at risk of transmitting genetic diseases or sexually transmitted infections. Despite their importance, university students' awareness and knowledge of premarital screening programs remain inadequate. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of university students in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq regarding premarital screening programs. A cross-sectional survey involving 960 students was conducted from December 2023 to February 2024. The survey assessed participants' demographics, knowledge, perception, and attitudes toward PMSP using a structured questionnaire. Findings revealed that a significant portion of participants (39.4%) had poor knowledge of premarital screening programs, 35.9% had fair knowledge, and only 24.7% had good knowledge. Despite limited knowledge, there was strong support for premarital screening programs, with 83.1% agreeing on its importance and 78.8% recognizing the need for premarital awareness. Most participants (65.8%) believed premarital screening programs could reduce genetic diseases, and 65.6% thought it could lower sexually transmitted diseases' prevalence. Cultural acceptance of marrying relatives was notable, with 59.7% disagreeing with the preference for not marrying relatives. Married participants showed significantly higher knowledge and attitude scores compared to single participants. Gender differences were observed, with males having higher knowledge scores. There were no significant differences in perception and attitude scores based on gender or residential area. The study underscores the need for enhanced educational campaigns to improve premarital screening programs awareness and positively influence attitudes, especially targeting cultural aspects like accepting relative marriages. Comprehensive education and fostering positive attitudes toward premarital screening programs are vital for their broader acceptance and implementation.

ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE PATTERNS OF COMMON UROPATHOGENS ISOLATED FROM FEMALES AT ZAKHO CITY, KURDISTAN REGION, IRAQ.

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system, including kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Uropathogenic bacterial-antibiotic resistance has become a severe challenge among UTI-causative agents. Objective: This work attempted to screen the activity of a wide range of antibiotics routinely used for UTI-derived infection management to assess the impact of antibiotics on some common UTI pathogens isolated from females. Method: This retrospective study was performed at Zakho Emergency Hospital, Kurdistan region of Iraq, from January 2016 to December 2019. Conventional bacteriological tests were used to identify the most common isolated uropathogens in females. The antibiotic sensitivity test was performed according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The bacterial-antibiotics assay was determined using the disk diffusion (Kirby-Bauer) method, which depended on the microbiology laboratory records. Results: Out of 1730 urine samples, 1040 (60.4%) were found to be pathogens-positive samples. The most common uropathogens isolated were Staphylococcus spp 44% (n=460), Escherichia coli strains 25.35% (n=265), Klebsiella spp 15.78% (n=65), and Streptococcus spp 14.83 (n=155). Regarding the microbial-antibiotic resistance, ≤ 25% of the UTI investigated cases, except Streptococcus spp, meropenem, imipenem, and amikacin, showed a remarkable effect against all addressed pathogens. Vancomycin was the first choice against gram-positive bacteria in addition to rifampicin and doxycycline for Streptococcus spp. Gentamycin was found to be the most effective antimicrobial against Klebsiella spp. Concerning bacterial-antibiotic resistance ≥75% and excluding Streptococcus spp, amoxicillin, ampicillin/cloxacillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, cloxacillin, and metronidazole were completely non-functional against all bacteria. Azithromycin, norfloxacin, oxacillin, cefixime, nalidixic acid, and ceftazidime showed relatively weak activity against gram-positive bacteria in addition to cephalexin, ceftriaxone, and cloxacillin for Streptococcus spp. Ampicillin, augmentin, penicillin, and cephalexin were comparatively non-functional against gram-negative pathogens in addition to vancomycin, rifampicin, cephalothin, oxacillin, and trimethoprim for Klebsiella spp. All remaining antibiotics produced an activity ranging between ≥25% to ≤75% of examined cases. The results of this work may help clinicians to accurate their antibiotic-bacterial infection empirical treatment. Conclusion: All subjected bacteria exhibited a strong resistance to a broad spectrum of antibiotics. Therefore, except for imipenem, meropenem, or amikacin, an antibiotic sensitivity test should be conducted prior to prescribing any antibiotic.

In Vitro Evaluation of Iraqi Kurdistan Tomato Accessions Under Drought Stress Conditions Using Polyethylene Glycol-6000.

Drought is one of the major abiotic stresses that affect plant growth and productivity, and plant stress responses are affected by both the intensity of stress and genotype. In Iraqi Kurdistan, tomato plants play a significant role in the country's economy. Due to climate change, which causes soil moisture to diminish, the crop's growth and yield have been dropping in recent years. Accordingly, the effects of simulated drought stress on germination parameters were assessed in 64 tomato accessions gathered from the Iraqi Kurdistan region in order to identify sensitive and tolerant accessions. In this respect, the responses associated with drought stress were observed phenotypically and biochemically. Germination percentage (GP) and morphological characteristics such as root length (RL), shoot length (SL), and shoot fresh weight (SFW) were significantly reduced in both stress treatments with polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) (7.5% PEG and 15% PEG). On the other hand, significant changes in biochemical profiles such as proline content (PC), soluble sugar content (SSC), total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AC), guaiacol peroxidase (GPA), catalase (CAT), and lipid peroxidation (LP) in tomato accessions were detected; all biochemical traits were increased in most tomato accessions under the PEG-induced treatments compared to the control treatment (0.0% PEG). Three tomato accessions (AC61 (Raza Pashayi), AC9 (Wrdi Be Tow), and AC63 (Sandra)) were found to be the most tolerant accessions under all drought conditions, whereas the performances of the other tested accessions (AC13 (Braw), AC30 (Yadgar), and AC8 (Israili)) were inferior. The OMIC analysis identified the biomarker parameters for differentiating the highly, moderately, and low tolerant groups as PC, SSC, and TPC. This study shows that early PEG-6000 screening for drought stress may help in choosing a genotype that is suitable for growth in water-stressed environments. Hence, Raza Pashayi, Wrdi Be Tow, and Sandra accessions, which had great performances under drought conditions, can be candidates for selection in a breeding program to improve the growth of plants and production in the areas that face water limits.

Helicobacter pylori Infection: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Treatment Efficacy in Symptomatic Patients in Zakho City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Helicobacter pylori Infection: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Treatment Efficacy in Symptomatic Patients in Zakho City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Three Years of Google Earth Engine-Based Archaeological Surveys in Iraqi Kurdistan: Results from the Ground

This paper presents the results of a three-year survey (2021–2023), conducted in an area of approximately 356 km2 in Iraqi Kurdistan with the aim of identifying previously undetected archaeological sites. Thanks to the development of a multi-temporal approach based on open multispectral satellite data, greater effectiveness was achieved for the recognition of archaeological sites when compared to the use of single archival or freely accessible satellite images, which are typically employed in archaeological research. In particular, the Google Earth Engine services allowed for the efficient utilization of cloud computing resources to handle hundreds of remote sensing images. Using different datasets, namely Landsat 5, Landsat 7 and Sentinel-2, several products were obtained by processing entire stacks of images acquired at different epochs, thus minimizing the adverse effects on site visibility caused by vegetation, crops and cloud coverage and permitting an effective visual inspection and site recognition. Furthermore, spectral signature analysis of every potential site complemented the method. The developed approach was tested on areas that belong to the Land of Nineveh Archaeological Project (LoNAP) and the Upper Greater Zab Archaeological Reconnaissance (UGZAR) project, which had been intensively surveyed in the recent past. This represented an additional challenge to the method, as the most visible and extensive sites (tells) had already been detected. Three years of direct ground-truthing in the field enabled assessment of the outcomes of the remote sensing-based analysis, discovering more than 60 previously undetected sites and confirming the utility of the method for archaeological research in the area of Northern Mesopotamia.

Association of Oral Manifestations with Iron Deficiency Anemia: A Case-Control Study

Insufficient iron levels cause oral signs of iron insufficiency. Iron is necessary for several biological activities, including oral tissue health. Low iron levels might alter oral tissues, causing particular symptoms. The aim of this study to detect the oral manifestations of iron deficiency anemia as well as to investigate the link between the severity of these manifestations and the degree of the iron deficiency. The study includes 100 patients with iron deficiency anemia at an Azadi Teaching Hospital, in Duhok City, North of Iraq, and 98 healthy persons. A full history was obtained, and complete blood count and serum ferritin were recorded. In terms of gender distribution, a clear dominance of females was observed, as they represented 94% of the total cases compared to only 6% for males. Regarding the severity of anemia, most patients had moderate to mild degrees, while severe anemia cases represented a smaller percentage (12%). The comparison between patients and healthy people showed highly significant statistical differences in all pathological changes of the oral mucosa. Complete absence of pathological changes was more common in healthy controls (85%) than in patients (34%). Some pathological changes were closely associated with iron deficiency anemia, such as atrophic glossitis and angular cheilitis. This study concludes by highlighting the strong correlation between iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and oral mucosal lesions, and the most common oral manifestations are present in patients with severe iron deficiency anemia.

A NEW CONJUGATE GRADIENT METHOD BASED ON LOGISTIC MAPPING FOR UNCONSTRAINED OPTIMIZATION AND ITS APPLICATION IN REGRESSION ANALYSIS

The study tackles the critical need for efficient optimization techniques in unconstrained optimization problems, where conventional techniques often suffer from slow and inefficient convergence. There is still a need for algorithms that strike a balance between computational efficiency and robustness, despite advancements in gradient-based techniques. This work introduces a novel conjugate gradient algorithm based on the logistic mapping formula. As part of the methodology, descent conditions are established, and the suggested algorithm's global convergence properties are thoroughly examined. Comprehensive numerical experiments are used for empirical validation, and the new algorithm is compared to the Polak-Ribière-Polyak (PRP) algorithm. The suggested approach performs better than the PR algorithm, according to the results, and is more efficient since it needs fewer function evaluations and iterations to reach convergence. Furthermore, the usefulness of the suggested approach is demonstrated by its actual use in regression analysis, notably in the modelling of population estimates for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. In contrast to conventional least squares techniques, the method maintains low relative error rates while producing accurate predictions. All things considered, this study presents the novel conjugate gradient algorithm as an effective tool for handling challenging optimisation problems in both theoretical and real-world contexts.

The use of autonomy among physical education teachers in Finland and Kurdistan region of Iraq

IntroductionThe aim of the study was to examine fifth-grade physical education (PE) teachers’ reflections and perceptions about PE teaching in Finland and Kurdistan region of Iraq (KRI), using analyses of in-depth interviews with a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach.MethodsThis was accomplished by exploring eight Finnish and six KRI PE teachers’ opinions, attitudes, experiences, and reflections regarding their work as PE teachers, using semi-structured in-depth interviews about PE, as well as their reflections related to an indoor and an outdoor video from ordinary PE teaching in the other country. The initial analyses of the two groups of teachers using the qualitative analysis program NVivo revealed interesting findings related to student autonomy, and these differences were examined closely.ResultsWhile the analyses showed that all the Finnish PE teachers highlighted the importance of providing student autonomy within the open-ended questions related to PE, PE teachers in KRI seldom discussed autonomy during the open-ended questions. Instead, they seemed to organize their teaching in a way that decreased autonomy. The Finnish PE teachers indicated that the use of autonomy was central in the curriculum, and that they used autonomy to increase the students’ motivation and to make PE more meaningful for the students. With such a strategy, the use of autonomy would also activate and include more students, even if Finnish PE teachers reported certain challenges with students’ autonomy. The PE teachers from KRI, however, related PE to be mainly focused on performing sport activities and reflected a strategy of “just do as I do” - a strategy that created little room for autonomy, even if the findings pointed to some traces of autonomy among the PE teachers in KRI.DiscussionConsidering the findings and the theoretical concept of self-determination theory that highlight students’ autonomy as essential for students’ motivation, integration, wellness, and well-being in PE, our findings suggest that new perspectives and practices are needed among teachers in KRI to ensure autonomy in PE teaching. In this vein, increased exchange of experiences and collaboration between educators from Finland and KRI could be beneficial.

Outcomes of Congenital Heart Diseases in Duhok, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Background: Congenital heart diseases (CHD) are the most common birth defects worldwide, significantly impacting morbidity and mortality, especially in low- and middle-income countries where early diagnosis and access to surgical care are limited. In Iraq, congenital heart surgeries are relatively new, and few studies have investigated CHD outcomes in this context. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, distribution, and surgical outcomes of congenital heart diseases among patients treated at the Azadi Heart Center in Duhok, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Patients and Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted involving 111 patients aged 1-69 years with CHD who underwent surgery at the Azadi Heart Center between March 2019 and March 2024. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, clinical profiles, surgical details, and postoperative complications, including mortality rates. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel, with data presented as means, standard deviations, frequencies, and percentages. Results: The average age of patients in the study was 13 years (±16), with congenital heart disease (CHD) being most common among children, who made up 80.18% of cases. Male patients accounted for 54.95%. The most frequent CHD types observed were Tetralogy of Fallot (25%), isolated Ventricular Septal Defect (20%), and Atrial Septal Defect (10%). The surgeries were highly successful, with a 95.5% success rate. However, some patients experienced postoperative complications, such as pneumonia (11.71%), arrhythmias (10.96%), and surgical site infections (5.41%). The overall mortality rate was 10.81%, with infections being a leading cause of death after surgery. Conclusions: CHD is prevalent among young patients in Duhok, with favorable surgical outcomes and acceptable complication rates. These findings highlight the need for early detection, enhanced surgical resources, and continued surveillance to improve outcomes for CHD patients in Iraq.

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.