Kurdistan Region Research Articles

Assessing COVID-19 outcomes among healthcare workers: a retrospective study.

The purpose of this research was to investigate the outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in healthcare workers, assess the incidence of infection among them, and identify factors linked to the severity of the disease. This cross-sectional study was conducted retrospectively in Duhok city, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, from September 2021 to January 2023. The study included 1,958 participants, of whom 1,338 (68.33%) contracted the infection. Among them, 830 (62.03%) and 372 (27.81%) patients experienced mild and moderate infections, respectively, while 136 (10.1%) had severe infections. The results indicated that several factors, including maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding obesity, having a chronic condition, working consecutive hours, and being in an overwhelmed work environment were significantly associated with a higher severity of infection (p < 0.05). However, factors such as smoking habits, adherence to preventive health guidelines, direct exposure to COVID-19 patients, work days and patterns, family members with COVID-19, and hand/glove sterilization did not appear to have a significant effect on the severity of infection (p > 0.05). These findings may offer valuable insights for clinicians and public health officials, and aid in the development of effective strategies to manage COVID-19 patients based on their risk factors for infection severity.

Tectonic framework of Iraq. A critical review and discussion

The Iraqi territory forms the northeastern part of the Arabian Plate, which is in collision with the Eurasian Plate. The collision of the plates has formed the Zagros Foreland Basin, which includes the Zagros Fold–Thrust Belt. The belt covers the majority of the northern part of Iraq (Kurdistan Region of Iraq) and parts of the central part of Iraq. South of the belt, the Mesopotamian Foredeep is developed. All these parts of Iraq are considered tectonically unstable. To the west and south of the Mesopotamian Foredeep, the tectonically stable part is developed that has been affected by a lesser amount of deformation as compared to the remaining unstable parts by the exerted forces related to the collision of both plates. All researchers have divided tectonically Iraq into two main tectonic domains; called Stable and Unstable shelves, which are further divided into zones and sub-zones. However, different terms and names were used by different researchers, which has confused readers and workers who have dealt with the tectonics of the Iraqi territory. We have reviewed and discussed all existing divisions by different researchers and have suggested new terminology using the existing maps, reports, scientific published articles, and interpreting satellite images, besides field observations. Moreover, we presented a tectonic map with the suggested new terminology.

GIS Application for Creating Potential Flood Map Using AHP: A Case Study in Chaq-Chaq Valley, Sulaymaniyah City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

This study aims to analyze and classify the hazards of flooding within the Chaq-Chaq sub-basin, the Sharazoor-Piramagroon basin, Sulaymaniyah City, Iraqi Kurdistan Region. The selected area is exposed to flooding from time to time. The study adopted many thematic maps, namely the topographic wetness index (TWI), elevation, slope, precipitation, land use–land cover (LULC), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), distance from the river, distance from the road, and drainage density. Modern technologies like remote sensing, GIS, ENVI, and AHP programs are used to obtain a digital map showing the classification of the flooding hazard within the sub-basin area. The results showed that large parts, about 50% of the basin area, are exposed to high and very high classes of flood risk. In comparison, areas of medium risk constituted about 27% of the total area of the sub-basin. Parts with low and very low risk recorded a percentage estimated at 22% of the total area. Large parts of the city of Sulaymaniyah face a high and very high risk of flooding, significantly impacting the tourist areas and economic facilities situated in the valley basin.

Transactional leadership and intellectual capital, the mediating role of knowledge sharing: The study of customs employees in Sulaymaniyah governorate

This study aims to examine the impact of transactional leadership style on intellectual capital, and knowledge sharing as a mediator between transactional leadership and each of the intellectual capital components (human capital, structural capital, and relational capital) in the public sector, in Sulaymaniyah governorate in north of Iraq. The research model was settled based on the previous investigations on transactional leadership, knowledge sharing, and intellectual capital. To collect the data, convenience sampling was utilized, questionnaires were sent to employees in five customs directorates, and 355 responses were received. The research model analytical estimation was conducted through the employment of (SEM) Structural Equation Modeling by using Partial Least Square (PLS). The findings of the research show that transactional leadership has a significant relationship with knowledge sharing as well as with all three components of intellectual capital. Knowledge sharing also has a significant correlation with the components of intellectual capital. Moreover, the study's results show that knowledge sharing mediates the relationship between transactional leadership with human capital, structural capital, and relational capital.

The Effect of the Topolitosequnces on The Mineral Properties of Some Soils of Sulaymaniyah Governorate / Kurdistan Region

This study was conducted to determine the effect of different parent materials and topography on the mineral composition Sulaymaniyah Governorate was chosen as a site for its conduct. Select transact of study within the Bazian Plain extending from the Bazian Heights in the west to the Taslujah Heights in the east. The results were: The predominance of clay minerals is chlorite &gt; smectite &gt; mica &gt; Interstratified minerals &gt; kaolinites. The predominance of the minerals chlorite, smectite, and mica in the clays of these soils is mainly due to the influence of their parent material (limestone, limestone, Maral), especially within Pedons, the high areas at both ends of the aforementioned study transect (Taslujah, Bazian), whose parent material consisted of rocks. (Limestone and limestone-Maral) respectively. While the dominance of mica minerals within the soils of the plains of the plain region is due to the influence of the source material, slope, topography, and distance from high ends.

Identification of Flood-Prone Areas Using Geo-Informatics: A Case Study of Erbil City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Global flood events, intensified by an intricate interplay of natural dynamics and human activities, pose severe environmental and safety threats, driving the demand for advanced vulnerability assessments. This research innovates with a holistic geo-informatics methodology, pinpointing flood-prone regions in Erbil City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. It harnesses the Analytic Hierarchy Process and Geographic Information System synergies, enriched with insights from multispectral satellite observations, to conduct an exhaustive analysis of key flood susceptibility indicators. These encompass geological, hydrological, meteorological, and anthropogenic parameters, integrated into a robust Geographic Information System analytical matrix. Through strategic factor analysis and prioritization, the study distills a detailed flood susceptibility cartogram, classifying regional vulnerabilities into distinct risk echelons: high (encompassing 25%), moderate (38.1%), low (28.4%), and very low (8.5%). The final flood map highlights an acute susceptibility epicenter in the northeast, contrasting with the minimal threat southwest. This demarcation reaffirms the Analytic Hierarchy Process-Geographic Information System fusion's precision in translating multifaceted data into strategic intelligence, proving instrumental for scholars, administrative frameworks, and developmental strategists. The insights garnered are pivotal in sculpting informed urban development and flood counteractive blueprints, instrumental in mitigating flood repercussions and preserving ecological and human integrities.

The Paleogene Forebulge Carbonate Banks, Zagros Foreland Basin, Northern Iraq: their Paleogeography, Basin Evolution, and Economic Implications

The Paleogene sequence of Zagros foreland basin NE Iraq during the Late Paleocene- Middle Eocene is punctuated by linear and disconnected chains of carbonate bank-ramp associations. These carbonate units had developed over the NW-SE trending Paleogene basin forebuldge. Discussion of origin, facies type, and stratigraphic architecture of these banks and associated facies was fully covered by the first part of this research project. In this part the chronostratigraphic synthases of the sequence, the paleogeography, and basin evolution is examined as an integral part of the investigation of the evolution of the Paleogene Zagros foreland basin. Research methods include regional stratigraphic correlation, and biostratigraphic data compilation to infer the chronostratigraphic sequence of the events. The paleogeographic facies mapping and basin history are reviewed accordingly. Research data are collected from 15 master surface sections. In addition to the re-examination and re-interpretation of 40 previously studied surface and subsurface well logs, which are compiled for basin-wide study and regional paleogeographic mapping. The analysis of the compiled biostratigraphic data shows that the inferred age of the associated stratigraphic units is as follows: Sinjar Formation. (E. Thanetian – L. Ypresian), Khurmala Formation (Ypresian - E. Lutetian), Kolosh Formation (Daian -Thanetian), and Aaliji Formation (Danian - Ypresian). Based on this chronostratigraphic synthesis, the basin forebulge history during the Paleogene period is divided into 5 stages: the Pre-bank, Early Bank Development, Bank-ramp Development, Back-bank Lagoon, and Lagoonal dolomitization stage. The paleogeography and paleofacies maps of each stage is discussed in terms of the basin forebulge evolution. An alternative hydrocarbon play of the forebulge-controlled Paleogene sequence is discussed, with a case study from the Sufaiyah oil field of northwest Iraq.

Detection of The Presence of Aflatoxin, Cyclopiazonic Acid and Other Alkaloids in Raisin Juice in Mosul City and its Suburbs

28 samples of fresh raisin juice were collected randomly from the city of Mosul, the right and left sides, and its suburbs. The samples were collected from the areas of Bashiqa, Hamdaniya, Bartella, Aqra, and Dohuk. The presence of Aflatoxine by the ELISA method and Cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) and other alkaloids by the modified Ehrlich reagent method, where there was a variation in the extent of contamination of the samples with Aflatoxine, ranging from 0.0235 ng/L, the highest concentration in the R1 sample, the sample was from the Bashiqa region, and the source of the raisins was from Mosul herbalists, to the lowest concentration 0.002 ng/L in the two R31 samples. This sample was collected from Mosul, left side, Al-Majmoua Al-Thaqafiya neighborhood, the sample R37 is also from Mosul, left side, Al-Masarif neighborhood. As for the other samples, the concentrations ranged from (0.007, 0.005, 0.013, 0.0135, 0.009, 0.0075, 0.01, and 0.0205, 0.012, 0.003, 0.005, 0.008, 0.017, and 0.002) ng/L. As for Cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), there were samples contaminated with this poison, and there were samples with a small percentage of contamination, as the highest concentration was in samples R2, R3, R5, R7, R8, R9, R12, R13, R15, R19, R20, R34, R35, R37, and R38. The lowest concentration is in samples R1, R6, R17, R22, R23, R39, and R40. There are samples that contain other alkaloids, as in samples R16, R21, R24, and R30. All of these samples were the source of raisins. It is either from Attarin, Mosul or northern Iraq.

Evaluation of Landslide Hazards Using the Landslide Possibility Index: The Influence of the Exposed Rocks on Landslides in Kirkuk-Koysinjaq Main Road, Northern Iraq

Landslides on slopes occur for various reasons and lead to significant economic losses, adverse influences on the environment, and fatal accidents. The newly constructed road within mountainous areas between the Shewan area and the Taq Taq district linking Kirkuk Governorate to Koysinjaq city experiences annual landslides. This paper aims to use the Landslide Possibility Index (LPI) system to evaluate the stability of slopes, identify the factors that control potential landslides and their severity, as well as the extent and scope of the risks to which slope faces are exposed. Four stations were chosen, data were collected, aerial photographs were studied, and detailed fieldwork was conducted to measure the ten LPI system parameters. The results show that the studied stations varied in failure possibilities, hazard zones, and categories, and that one of the main reasons for the slope failures in the study area is improper road cuttings with a steep angle to the slopes. There is clear control of the exposed rocks on the failures in the studied stations. The severe weathering of the claystone layers within the Bai Hassan Formation triggers secondary types of failures, which are governed by bottom weathering mechanism. Factors like failure to construct sewers or channels to drain rainwater, lack of ditches on the two side of the road, and the absence of fall-preventing techniques and slope stabilization solutions worsen the situation and escalate the hazard of failures.

The Involvement of Lactic Acid Bacteria in Modulating the Levels of Biogenic Amino Acids within Fermented Tarasas Products

Combining turnip roots and leaves with cooked wheat grits and salt makes Tarasas, a fermented dish from Iraqi Kurdistan. The fermentation process takes 15 days, to produce a ready-to-eat dish. This study aims to identify the bacteria responsible and the role of wheat grits during the 0, 5, 10, and 15 days of fermentation for forming biogenic amines in Tarasas. The results demonstrate that pH levels during the fermentation periods decreased gradually. Microbial analysis showed an increased lactic acid bacteria count during Tarasas fermentation. The study also investigates how adding Lactobacillus plantarum, and yogurt starters (Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus) affects the process. The current study shows that adding yogurt starters at 3% increased biogenic amine levels, On the other side, using Lactobacillus plantarum as a starter at 3% reduced biogenic amine levels compared with treatments that ferment spontaneously. Additionally, decreasing the wheat grit content to 50% (of the total weight of wheat grits) was associated with a decrease in biogenic amines in the Tarasas. The sensory evaluation results also revealed that the treatments containing Lactobacillus plantarum were more acceptable to the consumer than the traditional treatment or the one with added yogurt.

Assessment of heavy metal concentrations in blood and radon concentrations in urine samples of workers at selected building material factories in Erbil, Iraq

ABSTRACT A total of 90 blood and urine samples were assessed to evaluate the health risks associated with radon and heavy metals in the Erbil Governorate. The worker group from the building materials manufacturers provided 70 samples, while an additional 20 samples were obtained from a control group. X-ray fluorescence technology was employed to measure and analyse the heavy metal content in the collected blood samples, while radon levels in the urine samples were analysed using a CR-39 detector. The findings indicate that the working group exhibits greater levels of radon and heavy components (Pb, Cd, and Ni) compared to the control group. The statistical analysis revealed that the levels of radon in urine samples of workers were significantly different (p ≤ 0.001) in certain factories, such as the cement plant, lightweight block, and red brick factories, compared to the control group. However, the levels were not statistically significant in other factories. The test showed significant differences in Pb concentrations between the employed and control groups (p < 0.05), with higher average values of Cd and Ni, but not statistically significant (P ˃ 0.05). The study found a positive correlation between the duration of employment and the average concentration of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, and Ni) in workers’ blood samples. Additionally, smokers and non-smokers had significantly different mean heavy element levels in their blood samples (p < 0.05). There is no statistically significant correlation between smoking status and radon levels (P ˃ 0.05). Remarkably, each urine sample had radon levels below the 200 Bq/m3 International Atomic Energy Agency standard, suggesting that urine is impurity-free. These results are critical and serve as baseline data in the Kurdistan region.

Iron deficiency among primary school children in Mosul City /Northern Iraq, a cross-section study.

To determine the prevalence of iron deficiency among primary school students in an urban setting. The descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2019 in Mosul, Iraq, after approval from the ethics review committee of the College of Medicine, Nineveh University, Iraq, and comprised students aged 6-12 years who were part of the 2018-19 academic year at 4 public primary schools located along the two banks of Tigris River. Serum ferritin was measured in all the participants. Data wa analysed using Minitab 20. Of the 827 subjects, 439(53%) were girls and 388(47%) were boys. The overall mean age was 8.5±0.057 years, with 558(67.5%) aged <10 years. The mean serum ferritin level was 8.05±6.43ng/ml, and 173(20.92%) subjects were found to iron-deficient. Among the iron-deficient students, 87(50.29%) had iron deficiency anaemia and 86(49.71%) had non-anaemic iron deficiency. Age and gender were significantly different between students with anaemic and non-anaemic iron deficiency (p<0.05). Within boys, significant difference was also noted in terms of body mass index-for-age values (p<0.05). One-fifth of the students were found to have iron deficiency. Plans to control iron deficiency among young children are essential.

Way to achieve sustainable benefits of ISO 9001 practices

PurposeThe primary aim of the current study is to validate the theoretical model presented by Demir (2021a, b, c) via empirical evidence. In this respect, the study intends to offer a holistic pathway for obtaining both external and internal advantages from the implementation of ISO 9001, with a particular emphasis on developing countries.Design/methodology/approachThe research utilized an empirical methodology to investigate the research objective. Data were collected from various sources, including employees and managers of the various companies. In this context, a model was developed, and 170 data points were collected from businesses in the Kurdistan region of Iraq in order to test the hypotheses in this model.FindingsAfter the collected data passed the reliability and validity test, the hypotheses designed were tested by applying the partial least squares method. When the results were examined, it was observed that organizational culture and organizational learning variables were the two key antecedents that these factors would emerge after applying ISO 9001 practices with discipline for a certain period of time and that organizational benefits could be obtained only as a result of them. Detailed results and suggestions were given to managers and theorists as a result of the analysis.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature as an empirical application of the theoretical work written by Demir in 2021. Demir's work, which produced a theoretical concept based on many empirical and theoretical studies done before, still needs much more empirical work in developing countries.

Evaluating the COVID-19 Lockdown’s Effects on Land Surface Temperature, NO2, and O3 in the Erbil City, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Evaluating the COVID-19 Lockdown’s Effects on Land Surface Temperature, NO2, and O3 in the Erbil City, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Neglected Human Fascioliasis in IRAQ: A retrospective study of human fascioliasis at north of Iraq

Neglected Human Fascioliasis in IRAQ: A retrospective study of human fascioliasis at north of Iraq

Evaluation of accuracy for satellites rainfall datasets compared in ground stations: a case study of duhok governorate, Northern Iraq

Evaluation of accuracy for satellites rainfall datasets compared in ground stations: a case study of duhok governorate, Northern Iraq

Association of apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism with gallstone disease in Iraqi Kurdish women

Gallstone disease (GSD) is a worldwide problem; the frequency of GSD varies greatly amongst different ethnic groups, possibly due to environmental and genetic factors. One circulating lipoprotein involved in lipid metabolism is apolipoprotein E (APOE). The APOE gene is polymorphic, has three distinct alleles, APOE2, APOE3, and APOE4. The an APOE polymorphism is linked to a variety of diseases, including Alzheimer's and type-two diabetes, so this study aimed to assess the relationship among various APOE genotypes and alleles with gallstone cases in Iraqi Kurdish women. The present case-control study involved 81 cases with laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstone disease and 80 healthy women without GSD. Genomic DNA samples were taken from blood to find the genotype of APOE using allele-specific sequence-primers and a method based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR). lipid profiles were examined using an automated biochemical analyzer. SPSS and GraphPad Prism 9.1.1 software were used to conduct the statistical analysis. No significant relationships were found between healthy people and GSD patients in genotype and allele frequencies. However, the genotype for E3/E4 and the APOE4 allele in GSD patients were higher than the controls (9.88% vs. 5.0% and 4.94% vs. 2.5%, respectively; P &lt;0.05) but statistically nonsignificant. serum levels of cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins, and very low-density lipoproteins were higher, and the levels of serum high-density lipoprotein was lower than controls. These findings revealed no connection between the examined polymorphisms and gallstone cases. Additionally, it was demonstrated that gallstone disease and lipid parameters had a favorable relationship. Keywords: Apolipoprotein E, APOE, Gallstone disease, Genotype, Polymorphisms.

C-Kit Immunohistochemical Expression as a Complementary Method to Assess Mast Cell Density in Helicobacter Pylori-mediated Gastritis.

Chronic gastritis is a group of conditions commonly characterized by stomach lining inflammation. The study aims to investigate the clinical and pathological aspects that play a role in its development. Additionally, the study examines the use of CD117 as an immunohistochemistry marker in evaluating mast cell density (MCD). This retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in Iraqi Kurdistan with a sample size of 380 patients. Patient data included gastritis type, neutrophil infiltration severity, mononuclear cell infiltration within the lamina propria, intestinal metaplasia, and glandular atrophy, which were categorized and given a score. The CD117 level was identified using an anti-human rabbit polyclonal antibody. A statistically significant association was revealed between Helicobacter pylori-mediated gastritis and non-specific gastritis with age, activity, H. pylori and MCD, dysplasia, and malignancy. Meanwhile, no association was found with gender, inflammatory infiltrate, intestinal metaplasia, and glandular atrophy. C-Kit exhibited a marked increase in MCD in patients with H. pylori-mediated gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, atrophy, and gastric carcinoma. However, a significant decrease in MCD was observed on repeating endoscopy evaluations for patients after treatment. Regions that exhibit severe inflammation, metaplasia, atrophy, and carcinoma demonstrated an increase in MCD with H. pylori-mediated gastritis. A detailed investigation in clinical practice to screen early diagnosis and treatment needs to be performed in high H. pylori prevalence.

Variation of sugarcane varieties in stems yield and juice quality under the conditions of Sulaymaniyah Governorate- northern Iraq

This study aimed to investigate the effect of cultivating sugarcane varieties on the production of sugarcane juice and the purity of the juice as well as the yield of both the crop stems and the sugar under the conditions of Sulaymaniyah Governorate- northern Iraq. The space allocated for the experiment was divided according to a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. It included three different varieties: CP72-2086, CP89-2143, and CP81-325. The variety CP89-2143 produced the highest increase in the mean number of total stems, reaching 55.8 stems, while the variety CP72-2086 gave the lowest number of stems, reaching 45 stems. The variety CP89-2143 gave the lowest mean stem height, reaching 3.0 m, while the variety CP81-325 gave the highest mean stem height, reaching 3.8 m; 9 (3) The variety CP89-2143 produced the highest increase in mean stem diameter, reaching 3.4 cm, while the variety CP72-2086 gave the lowest diameter, reaching 2.5 cm;(4) The CP89-2143 variety achieved the highest increase in mean stems yield, reaching 92.827 tons/ha, while the CP72-2086 variety gave the lowest yield, reaching 81.474 tons/ha .The CP89-2143 variety recorded the highest increase in sucrose percentage, reaching 16.0 %, while the CP72-2086 variety gave the lowest percentage, reaching 12.2 :The variety CP89-2143 recorded the highest increase in the percentage of juice purity, reaching 87.5%, while the variety CP72-2086 gave the lowest percentage, reaching 67.6 %.The variety CP89-2143 achieved the highest increase in the mean sugar yield, reaching 15.017 tons/ha, while the variety CP72-2086 gave the lowest yield, reaching 9.862 tons/ha.

Groundwater potential mapping in arid and semi-arid regions of kurdistan region of Iraq: A geoinformatics-based machine learning approach

Groundwater (GW) is a crucial and increasingly scarce natural resource, that is affected by climate change and mismanagement. To manage GW resources effectively, it is crucial to accurately identify GW potential zones (GWPZs) using modern techniques. This study aimed to employ and assess geoinformatics-based machine learning (ML) models to delineate GWPZs in the Akre district, Kurdistan region of Iraq. Six nonparametric ML models were used: a support vector machine (SVM), k-nearest neighbours (KNN), decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), gradient boost DT (GBDT), and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost). These models were trained on diverse GWPZ-favourable influencing factors, encompassing topographic, hydrological, geological, and environmental aspects. The findings of this study revealed that the XGBoost model outperformed the other nonparametric models in terms of best-fit performance and accuracy in generating a GW potential map (GWPM), achieving a R2 of 0.88, a root mean square error (RMSE) of 11.348, and a mean absolute error (MAE) of 6.623. Notably, over half of the study area (53%) was categorised as having high or very high GWPZs, primarily in the low-lying Rovia Plain. The study identified rainfall, elevation, lineament density (LD), drainage density (Dd), topographic wetness index (TWI), and slope as the most significant factors influencing GWPZ modelling. This study provides a comprehensive framework for GW resource management, ecological conservation, and urban development planning. These insights are crucial for stakeholders, policymakers, and local authorities in strategic resource planning and environmental stewardship.