Region Of Iraq Research Articles

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.

Identification of β-globin gene mutations among transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia patients

Abstract BACKGROUND: β-thalassemias are widely distributed in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries, including Iraq. There are more than 400 transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia patients registered in the thalassemia center. β-thalassemia is a significant problem in Karbala as well as other regions of Iraq. The detection of the most frequent mutations is significant to the implementation of an effective preventive program in this area because of the significant burden it places on the local health authorities, patients, and their families. OBJECTIVES: To define the most common mutations and their frequencies among patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia and to evaluate the reverse hybridization strip assay method for the detection of β-thalassemia mutations. PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia patients were recruited from the thalassemia center in Karbala. Blood samples were aspirated from each patient just before blood transfusions for CBC, reticulocyte count, DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and identification of the mutations by reverse hybridization technique using the β-Globin strip assay method. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients with 120 chromosomes were studied, searching for the most common mutations causing β-thalassemia. Among the twelve identified mutations, the six most frequent mutations represented 79.16% of all β-globin defects. These mutations were IVSII-1 (30.83%), IVSI-110 (15.83%), Codon 5 (10.83%), Codon 44 (8.33%), IVSI-1 (6.67%), and IVSI-5 (6.67%). The detection rate of the method used in our population was 96.66%. CONCLUSION: The most frequent mutations encountered were IVSII.1 and IVSI-110, while IVS 2.745 was the least common mutant allele. Reverse hybridization strip assay molecular techniques used in the current study provide an extremely quick, precise, and simple to carry out molecular diagnostic technique for the detection of β-thalassemia mutations.

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.

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.

Enhancing Soil Texture and Bulk Density Mapping Using Soil Grids and Machine Learning: A Comparative Analysis with Observed Data

Digital soil mapping plays a crucial role in understanding soil variability and informing sustainable land management practices. This study focuses on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), evaluating the accuracy of SoilGrids, a global-scale soil mapping initiative, and exploring the efficacy of machine learning algorithms in refining soil properties estimations. The aim of this research was to assess and represent the physical parameters of soils effectively by comparing ground truth soil sampling data with data obtained from SoilGrids regarding clay, silt, and sand fractions and bulk density. Comparative analyses were conducted between ground truth soil sampling data and SoilGrids predictions, revealing significant differences across soil mineral fractions including clay, silt, sand fractions, and bulk density. The results showed that the mean clay fraction in the ground truth dataset differed notably from SoilGrids estimation, with a Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) of 124.0 g kg-1 and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 152.5. However, the integration of machine learning algorithms, particularly the Extreme Gradient Boosting (XG Boost) algorithm, showed promising results in improving accuracy. The XG Boost algorithm exhibited a relatively low MAD of 97.9 g kg-1 for clay fractions, indicating a better approximation of observed values compared to SoilGrids. Significant percent improvements in RMSE and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) values were observed across soil fractions and bulk density measurements, ranging from approximately 15% for clay to 35% for sand fractions and 20% for bulk density. These findings highlight the importance of integrating advanced mapping techniques and machine learning algorithms to enhance soil mapping methodologies. Moving forward, efforts to expand ground truth datasets through targeted soil sampling campaigns and develop international collaboration initiatives will be crucial for improving the accuracy and reliability of soil mapping products in the KRI. By incorporating advanced mapping approaches, we can better support sustainable land management practices and environmental conservation efforts in the region.

Norms of Translating Medical Terms in English Patient Information Leaflets into Kurdish

Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) are documents included in medicine packages and provide important information about the medication for patients. This study investigates the translation problems of English PILs into Sorani Kurdish. The aim of this study is to identify the translation procedures used for translating medical terminologies in PILs for lay people. It also aims to reveal which translational norms are operating in Kurdish translations of PILs. To do so, the study employs a corpus of 150 English PILs along with their Kurdish translations. To analyse the corpus, the researcher adopts Toury’s (1995-2012) three-phase methodology within the descriptive approach of translation. It also uses Vinay and Darbelnet’s (1995) translation procedures to determine how translators handled terminological rendering in the Kurdish PILs. According to the findings, nine types of translation procedures were used in translating the terminologies, with borrowing had the highest frequency, and modulation having the lowest frequency. They also revealed that Toury’s initial norms were predominantly operating in the translated PILs which labelled them as adequate translations. The translators’ choice to closely follow the original PILs was indicative of their attempt to meet the expectations of PILs’s target users, thus, revealing Chesterman’s expectancy norms therein. The study concludes that the translation of PILs into Kurdish is not regulated within the medical field and that is mainly related to the absence of an officially regulated body in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. It also concludes that while the seemingly established norm of PIL translation into Kurdish highly relies on English borrowings, it is a significant step towards developing Kurdish medical language.

Organizational conflict management scale for first division league football players in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

The importance of the study is to crystallize the concept of organizational conflict management by developing an organization conflict management scale for the first-division club players in the Kurdistan Region who face conflict through the game and matches. In addition, the players of the first-division clubs under study may benefit from this study in developing their level and getting rid of the difficulties of negative competition, and thus ascending and raising their performance and achieving the best results which helps them increase scientific knowledge of organizational conflict management in matches and its effects and how to confront and address it in a positive way. This study aims to develop an organizational conflict management scale for the first-division club players in the Kurdistan Region, using the descriptive approach in the survey method for its suitability with the nature of the study. Eighteen clubs from the first- division league of Kurdistan Region- Iraq season (2021-2022) were selected as a community of the study. The building sample (292) players were selected in a simple random way (draw) from the basic research sample. The sample of the exploratory experiment was chosen (27) players from Koya sports Club using the intentional method. Mean (M), standard deviation (SD), percentage (%), simple correlation and Spearman's correlation coefficient were used as a statistical analysis by using (SPSS). Attaining the organizational conflict management scale that the researcher developed through the scientific procedures followed in building the standards, The number of paragraphs of the scale was (46) paragraphs and the distribution of paragraphs on (4) areas.

Factors Associated with Student Feedback to Teachers in Quality Assurance in Iraqi Kurdistan

Over the past few decades, the quality of education has emerged as a critical strategic concern in tertiary education institutions worldwide. University managers’ daily tasks now include comparing educational outcomes and rankings, for which quality assurance is significant. Quality assurance incorporates three separate but interdependent elements including student feedback to teachers, teacher portfolios, and continuous academic development. Student feedback concerns the quality and effectiveness of teaching and teacher performance. University instructors often complain about the grades and feedback they gain from students and reckon that the grades are based on students’ rate of success and teachers’ intimacy with students, rather than on teachers’ performances. Therefore, this study is devoted to investigating student feedback and the factors that determine the quality of feedback provided to instructors. To this intent, the study follows the principles of mixed methods in data collection and analysis; using self-reported questionnaires, instructor feedback scores in quality assurance, and student rates of success for each module as well as using IBM SPSS 25 and thematic analysis. The participants include university students and instructors selected from a public university in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The study assumes that three factors play a significant role in determining the level of feedback including the rate of success, instructors’ intimacy and rapport with students, and the quantity of material provided to students. The study concludes with far-reaching implications for higher education institutions in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Assessing the Impact of CO2 Emissions from Transport and Power on Health and Environment in Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

This study investigates the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions generated by transportation and power generation in Duhok Governorate, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The research highlights the alarming levels of CO2 emissions resulting from the region's 270,315 vehicles and 1,814 private electric power generators, which consume approximately 1,500,000 liters of gasoline and 650,000 liters of diesel daily. These activities contribute to a total daily CO2 emission of 1,741,188 kg, amounting to over 626,827,680 kg annually. The findings reveal the significant environmental and public health threats posed by these emissions, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted mitigation strategies. Comparisons with other urban regions such as Cairo, Tehran, New Delhi, Lagos, and Nairobi reveal a similar pattern of high vehicular and generator-induced CO2 emissions, underscoring the global nature of this environmental challenge. The study underscores the importance of addressing CO2 emissions through improved regulations, modernized infrastructure, and sustainable energy practices to protect both the environment and public health.

Bully victimization and self-esteem among students with communication disorders

BackgroundBullying is a universal problem among school-aged adolescents, characterized by recurrent and destructive behavior toward peers. Bullying victimization has a strong impact on self-esteem. Students diagnosed with communication disorders are more likely to experience low self-esteem. The study’s main goal is to detect a correlation between victimization and self-esteem in teenage students diagnosed with communication disorders.MethodsFrom October 2023 to March 2024, we conducted this cross-sectional study in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. The study included 150 teenage students of both genders diagnosed with communication disorders. Rosenberg’s self-esteem scale was used to measure self-esteem, and the multidimensional peer victimization scale was used to measure bullying victimization. We analyzed the data using independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, and simple linear regression analysis.ResultsThis study found that students with communication disorders experience high levels of bullying victimization (M = 18.63) and report low self-esteem (M = 13.56). A significant negative correlation was observed between bullying victimization and self-esteem (r2 = 0.21), indicating that bullying accounts for 21% of the variance in self-esteem. Male students were more likely to experience higher levels of bullying victimization and lower self-esteem compared to female students.ConclusionThe study determined the severe impact of bullying on the self-esteem of adolescent students with communication disorders, particularly among males and those with stuttering. The long-term effects of bullying and potential protective factors that could mitigate its impact on self-esteem require further research.

Antimicrobial activity of propolis agents on some pathogenic microbes

The study aims to investigate the antimicrobial activity of propolis obtained from different regions of Iraq compared with that of propolis obtained from Iran. Samples were investigated for their antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Eschericha coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus cereus , Staphylococcus epidermidis and Candida albicans using standard antimicrobial assays. Marked variations in the antimicrobial activity of the different propolis samples were observed, the method of extraction selected gives the highest antimicrobial activity and the best alcohol concentration using in the extraction of propolis , then the crude extract of propolis showed synergistic effect with some antibiotics in inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms.

The role of education in economic growth - an analytical study of the reality of higher education in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

The role of education in economic growth - an analytical study of the reality of higher education in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

The relationship between communication education and communication skill and their impact on creating job opportunities in the hospitality industry in the Kurdistan region of Iraq

The relationship between communication education and communication skill and their impact on creating job opportunities in the hospitality industry in the Kurdistan region of Iraq

Incidence and Predictors of Anemia Among Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Incidence and Predictors of Anemia Among Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Developing mathematical models to calculate annual evapotranspiration rates in Iraq using climate data.

Abstract Evapotranspiration is considered the fuel that controls the water cycle in the natural world. It is necessary for the stability of ecosystems and is involved in many important aspects in calculating groundwater quantities, determining optimal locations for building dams and reservoirs and knowing the water needs of crops. The work is divided into two main parts. The first includes the use of The Penman-Monteith method, which is considered the most standard method in the world according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), for calculating the annual rate of evapotranspiration in Iraq for the past fifteen years (2008-2022). The second part is a modification of a simple method for calculating evapotranspiration, which is the Thornthwaite method, to give results close to the accuracy of the Penman-Monteith method, as the modification was made using different statistical methods. The study showed the possibility of using the modified Thornthwaite method as an alternative to the Penman-Monteith method to calculate evapotranspiration in all regions of Iraq.

Pain Management of Cow Before and After Cesarean Surgery

Background: On-farm pain reduction treatments are used depending on whether or not they are feasible and how important they are to the producer. The Iraqi beef industry lacks understanding on the various methods of pain treatment. The aim is to management the pain in cows of caesarean section operation. Method: This article provides an overview of agricultural pain techniques as well as producer pain mitigation strategies. A questionnaire covering calving and processing was given to one hundred cow–calf producers in the southern region of Iraq. Interviews on farms were semi-structured, and 25 people who had filled out the questionnaire were chosen to participate. Results: Between fifty and one hundred percent of respondents utilized cesarean pain relief. Reports. In most cases, pain medication was not offered. 66% of them employed branding, while just 7% focused on pain alleviation. The perception of pain by producers is influenced by factors such as common sense, relatability to cattle, visual evidence of suffering, and the age of the animal. The reason for reducing pain was impacted by factors such as the age of the animal, the benefits of operation, costs and logistics, market needs, and personal conscience. The management adhered to the norms of Iraq. Conclusion: The findings of this research might potentially provide future efforts in policy making, research, and extension with a route to follow in order to expand the adoption of pain reduction techniques.

Factors Associated With Meconium-Stained Amniotic Fluid Among Postdated Women In Kirkuk Province, Iraq

Background: Meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF), also known as green-stained amniotic fluid, has long been associated with the risk of miscarriage. MSAF is becoming more prevalent as a woman gets older and reaches a peak of 15% around delivery time. Studies indicated that MSAF affects 7–9% of all term births. Objectives: The main aim of this study is to identify whether the prolongation of pregnancy beyond the expected date of delivery has negative effects on the health of both mothers and the neonate. To identify the risk factors related to meconium-stained amniotic fluid among postdated deliveries. Additionally, to identify the risk factors related to MSAF among postdated deliveries. Methodology: The study was carried out over six months in the hospitals in the Kirkuk province region of Iraq. The constructed questionnaire (Using the interviewing technique) was used for data collection. Statistical significance was defined as a P value of less than or equal to 0.05. Results: The study results reveal that the mean age is 28.36 ± 6.52. Concerning residence, most reported that they have been living in urban areas. Regarding the client's educational qualifications, more than half read and write. The gestational age for less than half is 37-40 weeks. Regarding the occurrence of MSAF, the study found a significant association between gestational age, educational qualifications of the mothers, and their residency. Conclusion: MSAF is among the risk factors that jeopardize the life of the mother and the baby during pregnancy and after delivery. The study revealed significant findings among some demographic data such as the mother's gestational age and the area of residency along with the women's educational qualifications with MSAF. The study recommended that extra attention and care be provided to the rural areas which have a crucial role in the prevention of such problems.