Search

Specimens of the genus Phalangium Linnaeus, 1758 (Phalangiidae Latreille, 1802) are reported from northern Iraq and were identified as Phalangium punctipes (L. Koch, 1878). These represent the first record of both, genus and species, for the Iraqi Opiliones fauna. The characteristic features of the species and illustrations of their habitat are presented. This record increases the number of known Opiliones in Iraq to six species, which is a very low number compared to the Opiliones checklists from two nearby countries, namely Iran with 28 species and Türkiye with 89 species and five subspecies. Nineteen species and two subspecies records from the Türkiye checklist are considered misidentifications and therefore omitted in our revised checklist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of carbonate petrography is essential for understanding reservoir properties and the quality of rock formations. High-resolution cathodoluminescence spectroscopy and optical microscopy were used to determine the impact of cement on the porosity evolution of carbonate rocks of the Kurra Chine Formation at Sirwan Valley, Northern Iraq. This study represents the first-ever attempt to investigate sedimentology at this location. A total, of 183 thin-section slides, 18 X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) samples, 14 Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) samples, and 6 Cathodoluminescence (CL) samples were analyzed from the outcrop section of the Kurra Chine Formation. Four types of dolomite textures are recognized and classified based on the crystal size distribution and crystalboundary shape. The porosity within Kurra Chine Formation includes primary and secondary porosity, with the majority of primary porosity being occluded by cementation. Cathodoluminescence analysis revealed two phases of calcite cement in the Kurra Chine Formation. The first phase (C1), is characterized by weak-zoned blocky calcite, displaying a dull luminescence with typical homogenous red color, which fills most of the interparticle and moldic pores. The second type of calcite cement (C2) is ghost-zoned calcite exhibiting red to slight orange luminesces interfingering with dolomite cement. XRD analysis indicated a predominant of calcite and common dolomite. SEM analysis revealed the predominance of secondary porosity occurring within fractures of the dolomite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the extent of the gender representation and stereotyping in Sunrise textbook series (1–12) taught in state schools, primary and high school in Northern Iraq and teachers' perceptions about gender role stereotypes. The research aims to ascertain how gender is represented and what kinds of stereotypes expressions are used in the Sunrise series by focusing on four areas; Adult Social Role Beliefs, Domestic Role Beliefs, Educational Role Beliefs, and Professional Role Beliefs concerning school type variables. To this end, a quantitative content analysis approach was used. Besides, a questionnaire was administered to 390 teachers to find out their perceptions of gender role stereotypes. The results of the textbooks analysis revealed that although some aspects depicted a gender-neutral representation, males were dominantly used in the majority of text examples and illustrations due to cultural issues. Females were portrayed as having passive and domestic roles in line with the fact that traditional gender ideology exists in high schools as there are separate facilities for boys and girls. The findings of the study have pedagogical implications for the development of gender-neutral textbooks and also provide education authorities and language policymakers with recommendations for the establishment of a gender-free society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Upper Triassic Kurra Chine Formation in the Sarta oil field of the Kurdistan Region of Northern Iraq has garnered limited attention, notwithstanding the keen interest of numerous international oil companies in drilling wells within this geological epoch. This study endeavors to thoroughly investigate the Formation Evaluation and petrophysical properties of the Kurra Chine Formation in the production oil field, with a specific focus on Sarta Well-2 (S-2). The research incorporates diverse methods for formation evaluation and analysis of petrophysical properties, employing conventional wireline logs such as Gamm-Ray, Neutron, Density, Sonic, Resistivity, Caliper, and Bit size.The research findings reveal that the thickness of the Kurra Chine Formation in S-2 is approximately 380 m. The pay zones of S-2 exhibit an average shale volume of 17 %. The dominant lithology in S-2 comprises Limestone, Dolomite, Anhydrite, Shale, and Sandstone. The average total porosity within the pay zones is determined to be 6 % in S-2. Furthermore, the average effective porosity in reservoir zones of the S-2 is estimated to be 5 %, while the average secondary porosity in these zones is found to be 6 % in S-2. The average permeability in the pay zones of the Sarta well is reported to be 30.6 millidarcy (mD). Additionally, the average water saturation in the pay zones is determined to be 35 % in S-2, whereas the average hydrocarbon saturation is estimated to be 45 % in S-2.This study furnishes comprehensive descriptions and analyses of the formation evaluation and petrophysical properties of the Kurra Chine Formation in Northern Iraq, shedding light on the characteristics and potential of this oil-bearing formation.

American Presidential Doctrines play a crucial role in international politics by providing a general strategy for the United States' (U.S.) allies to follow. The U.S. international policies, like those of all states, are complex and broad-based. However, Presidential Doctrines reveal a basic strategic framework. This study examined the events that occurred in the axis of Iran-Türkiye-Northern Iraq from President Richard Nixon to Jimmy Carter's administration and analyzed the main outline of the American presidential doctrines that focused on the 1970s. The focus of this study is on the 1970s, during which the United States' policies toward the Middle East had a significant impact on the mutual relations of regional actors. Adopting a comprehensive approach, this study examines the specific issues of poppy cultivation, the Cyprus Issue, and the embargo crisis, which led to a crisis between Turkey and the U.S. in the 1970s. Additionally, this study analyzes U.S. policies aimed at maintaining the balance in Northern Iraq and Iran during this time. An this study, it was determined that the international crises of the 1970s engendered a significant level of mistrust between regional countries, specifically in relation to the United States, as well as among various regional actors. During this time, the United States implemented a policy of supporting the Northern Iraq region and Kurdish elements in order to create a balance of power between Iran and Türkiye. This policy had the consequence of increasing feelings of insecurity among neighboring countries, but also created opportunities for non-regional actors to devise new strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mineralogical study using X-ray diffraction (XRD) supported by scanning electron microscopic (SEM) examination and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) on the claystone of the Kolosh Formation from northern Iraq was conducted to Shows the provenance history of rocks. Chlorite, montmorillonite, illite, palygorskite, and kaolinite were recorded in different amounts in the study area. The association of montmorillonite and chlorite in the claystone of the Kolosh Formation (Paleocene) refers to the marine environment. Chlorite and montmorillonite are the common minerals in the Kolosh Formation with less common of illite, kaolinite and palygorskite. These clay minerals are of authigenic, detrital and diagenetically origin, which are controlled mainly by the source rocks, paleoclimatic conditions and the burial diagenesis. The clay minerals assemblages refer to be derived mainly from Fe-Mg rich with minor Si-Al rich silicate minerals, which are very common in the ophiolites associated with the basic igneous rocks. These rocks composed the major lithological units in the Zagros Thrust Belt of NE Iraq. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shale units of the Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous successions of the Kaista and Ora formations from extreme northern Iraq have been studied for their geochemical and mineralogical features to reconstruct paleoenvironmental conditions. The Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA; high values ~93-99), high, Plagioclase Index of Alteration (PIA ~92-98), and the A-CN-K plot indicate the studied shales have undergone intense weathering at the source area. Also, high kaolinite content and predominance of kaolinite over illite in the studied shale support this conclusion. The Rb/K and Sr/Ba ratios of the Kaista and Ora formations indicate freshwater to brackish water during deposition. Geochemical investigations, using redox-sensitive trace elements ratios such as V/(V + Ni), Th/U, and U index suggest deposition of the Ora black shales under anoxic marine conditions, thus recording an ocean anoxic event in the region. Geochemical variations in the concentrations of some major and trace elements and their elemental ratios such as an increase in the Rb, K2O, Th, K/Al, and TOC values and a decrease in the Zr/Al, Ti/Al, Mo, P, Zn, and Zr, from the Kiasta upward to the Ora Formation indicate the transgressive systems tract (TST) of the Kaista-Ora sequence. Paleo-productivity indicators (P content, P/Ti, and P/Al ratios) suggest lower productivity and the paleoredox conditions in the Ora shales play an important role in the preservation of organic matter. The ternary diagram of Co-Zn-Ni, Co/Zn, U/Th, and Ba/Sr ratios indicates that there was hydrothermal activity in the basin during the deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bai-Hassan Oil Field is considered as one of the important north Iraq oil fields. The oil field of Bai-Hassan is faraway about 40 km to the northwest of Kirkuk City. The field consists of two domes (in NW-SE direction) Kithka Dome and Dauod Dome separated by a narrow saddle called Shashal saddle. The current study is focused on microfacies analysis to build 3D reservoir models and petrophysical properties of Palani Formation (Early Oligocene) and Baba, Bajawan and Tarjil formations (Middle Oligocene). In the present study, several types of welllogs obtained from BH-20, BH-39, BH-53, BH-89, BH-91, BH-92, and BH-122 wells which including gamma-ray (GR), neutron (NPHI), density (ROHB), sonic (DT), spontaneous potential (SP) and resistivity (LLD, MSFL) well-logs were used in order to determine and study of reservoir characterization to explain different parameters including lithology with contacts identifications, total (PHIT) and effective (PHIE) porosities, permeability, water saturation (SW) and hydrocarbons saturation (Sh), of Oligocene succession in the Bai-Hassan Oil Field within Zagros basin, northern Iraq. The analysis of the results showed that the Kathka dome area compared to the Dauod dome area is better in terms of petrophysical properties as well as in terms of its content of hydrocarbon groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the effects of stroke on students' L2-grit levels in an EFL context in Northern Iraq. A model was created to find how various components such as verbal, non-verbal, valuing, and activities that determine stroke levels affect students' grit. This study adopted the L2- Grit scale and a language domain-specific grit scale to measure the learners' L2-grit levels. Also, the Students' Stroke Scale (SSS) was used to measure the participants' stroke levels. The study's sample consisted of 199 participants from various academic levels, undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate at several Northern Iraq universities. The results reveal a positive and statistically significant association between the score on the L2-Grit scale and the score on the Stroke scale; more specifically, as the scores on the L2-grit scale rise, so do the scores on the Stroke scale. The mean of low stroke is lower than the means of medium stroke and high stroke indicating that as people's stroke levels grow, so does their L2-grit status. The regression coefficients estimated within the framework of the regression model structured with the logit, the link function, are the same in each category of the dependent variable, satisfying the parallel curves assumption. The overall results show that positive stroke helps learners' L2-grit levels to arise and lead to a better learning process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the effects of stroke on students’ L2-grit levels in an EFL context in Northern Iraq. A model was created to find how various components such as verbal, non-verbal, valuing, and activities that determine stroke levels affect students’ grit. This study adopted the L2- Grit scale and a language domain-specific grit scale to measure the learners’ L2-grit levels. Also, the Students’ Stroke Scale (SSS) was used to measure the participants’ stroke levels. The study’s sample consisted of 199 participants from various academic levels, undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate at several Northern Iraq universities. The results reveal a positive and statistically significant association between the score on the L2-Grit scale and the score on the Stroke scale; more specifically, as the scores on the L2-grit scale rise, so do the scores on the Stroke scale. The mean of low stroke is lower than the means of medium stroke and high stroke indicating that as people’s stroke levels grow, so does their L2-grit status. The regression coefficients estimated within the framework of the regression model structured with the logit, the link function, are the same in each category of the dependent variable, satisfying the parallel curves assumption. The overall results show that positive stroke helps learners’ L2-grit levels to arise and lead to a better learning process.

The spherical rinded concretions in the carbonate rocks of the Avanah Formation (Middle Eocene) in the Gomaspan section, north‐east Erbil City, northern Iraq have been studied for the first time. They occur within the grey to yellow thick‐bedded marly dolomitic limestone interbedded with thin beds of grey shale in the lower part of the formation. Their diameter varies between 1 and 3 cm, are mostly spherical in shape, and characterized by brownish to dark grey isopachous rinds or cortex and brownish‐red centre. The microscopic study shows a similarity between the concretions and their host rocks in their microfacies and fossils contained. The main microfacies is dolomitized lime mudstone and contains Valvulina sp. and pelecypods. The concretions are affected by selective diagenesis that resulted in the colour changes between the centre and outer rims of the concretions. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of concretions and host rocks revealed the presence of dolomite, calcite, quartz, illite and haematite, the latter exists only in the concretions. Meanwhile, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and EDX analyses supported the results of (XRD) and show that the iron oxide (haematite) mainly was concentrated in the outer orange to red cortex. While the dark black inner cortex is characterized by containing less amount of Fe as compared with Ca, O, C and Mg in addition to illite, which also exists in the carbonate host rocks. Field observations, petrographic and mineralogical analyses revealed that the studied concretions had undergone four stages of formation, which consequently include dissolution of semi‐rounded fossils such as pelecypods and forming the moulds during the deposition of the carbonate rocks of the Avanah Formation, precipitation of calcite minerals in the moulds and formation of calcite concretions syn‐depositionally, partial dolomitization of calcite in meteoric‐marine mixed zone and formation of rinded iron oxide concretion by selective diagenesis in meteoric water conditions by the action of acidic water to form haematite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to systematically review the literature on the curriculum content of group games in physical education (PE) in northern Iraq. Overall, eight studies published between 2015 and 2021 were analysed on major research objectives, methodologies, and outcomes, guided by two research questions: 'What were the key research objectives, methods, and outcomes of the selected studies in this systematic review?' And 'What are the general objectives of PE, the standards for selecting the contents of curricula, and the types of assessments used in PE?'. This study aims to provide a guide for Northern Iraqi universities on how to incorporate group games into PE based on the analysis of the related current literature. For that reason, researchers have primarily used quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches to investigate learning phenomena, with most studies indicating positive learning outcomes. Besides, most studies were conducted in the formal educational setting, revealing three general objectives of PE: psychokinetic, social-emotional, and knowledge. The standards for selecting curricula contents include validity/effectiveness, self-sufficiency, significance, interest, learnability, utility, and consistency with social realities. Moreover, three types of assessments were used in PE: cognitive assessment, summative assessment, and formative assessment. The findings shed light on the main curriculum content of PE and how group games can potentially be included in the curriculum of PE in educational settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study deals with the biostratigraphy of Shiranish Formation (Late Cretaceous), depending on the Ammonite and associated Foraminifera in four outcrop sections, three of which are located in Al-Sulaimaniya governorate (Dokan, Esewa and Kanny dirka sections) and one in Erbil governorate, northern Iraq (Hijran section). Fourteen species of Ammonite belonging to fourteen genera were determined, which are: Dsemoceratidae, Gaudryceras, Gunnarites, Hoplitoplacenticeras, Kitchinites, Kossmaticeratinae, Neancyloceras, Neokossmaticeras, Nostoceras, Paratexanites, Partschiceras, Phylloceras, Pseudophyllites and Yubariceras. Also, thirty- five species of Foraminifera belonging to thirteen genera were determined, which are: Cibicides, Cymopolia, Eggellina, Elphidium, Globigerinelloides, Globotruncana, Hedbergella, Heterohelix, Marginulina, Miliolid, Neobulimmina, Nodosaria and Textularia. Seven range zones were determined, three of which are of Ammonite, which are: Desmophyllites larteti (Seunes, 1892), Nostoceras (Nostoceras) hyatti and Pseudophyllites teres (Van Hoepen, 1920), whereas the others are of Foraminifera species, which are: Glt. gagnebini Tilev, Glt. tricarinata lapparenti Brotzen, Glt. tricarinata tricarinata (Querean) and Glt. Stuartiformis Dalbiez. According to these findings, the age of Shiranish Formation was determined as the Late Campanian- Maastrichtian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In northern Iraq, countless non-abuse stream valleys can be used to store water for a variety of purposes; domestic, supplementary irrigation, and recharging groundwater. Bandawaya is one of the stream valleys, which form the first perspective has excellent quality. The location of the suggested dam has been evaluated by hydrological and geotechnical studies. Geotechnical studies included measurement of all the parameters related to the rock mass classification for evaluation based on four classification systems, which are the Q-System, the rock mass rating (RMR), the geological strength index (GSI), and the rock mass index (RMi). The classification results indicated that the rocks of the valley are good for constructing a dam on them, with some weak zones that may affect the integrity of the dam, which the study recommended treating before starting the construction of the dam. According to preliminary studies on different dam’s heights the qualification demonstrates an excellent choice of the site. Four stream orders are recognized, dendritic pattern in the southern part of the watershed, and trellised in the northern part. Three heights assumed to the proposed dam 450, 460, 470 m a.s.l. with 640,764; 3429,787; 8,590,763 m3 storage capacity respectively. According to the Q-System, the RMR, the GSI, and the RMi, the rock mass of the study area is evaluated. The findings illustrate the excellent selection by geotechnical, hydrological, and engineering features of the dam place.

Although the US and Iraq relations have vital importance for the Middle East, little is known about relations between the US and Iraqi Kurds. Iraqi Kurds live in the Northern area of Iraq and throughout history, they have had an impact on both Iraq and the region. This article focuses on the US and Iraqi Kurds’ relations from the beginning to Arab Spring with the perspective of realism. Relations between the US and Iraqi Kurds were examined within three time periods, characterized by touchstone events in history, namely the Second World War, the Gulf War and the Iraq War. The relations between the US and Iraqi Kurds contribute considerably to our understanding of the balance of politics at the micro level in Iraq and the macro level in the region. This study investigates whether Iraqi Kurds can be gainful or the US. As a result, because of the US’ interest-based realism, the US is always gainful.

The absence of a dense rainfall monitoring network and longer period data are the major hindrances of hydroclimatic study in arid and semi-arid regions. An attempt has been made for the evaluation of spatiotemporal changes in droughts at the northern semi-arid region of Iraq for the period 1981–2018 using high-resolution (0.05°) precipitation data of Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Stations (CHIRPS). The performance of CHIRPS in replicating rainfall and Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) for different timescales at eleven locations for the available period of observation data (2000–2014) was evaluated. The SPI was also used to estimate drought frequency and evaluate drought trends at all the CHIRPS grid points. A modified version of the non-parametric Mann-Kendall (MK) test was employed for a robust evaluation of the spatial distribution of temporal trends in droughts. The results showed a good ability of CHIRPS in reconstructing observed SPI with a correlation coefficient ranged from 0.64 to 0.87, BIAS between 1.05 and 1.81, Nash-Sutcliff efficiency from 0.39 to 0.55, and Willmott Index between 0.67 and 0.79. The CHIRPS also able to reconstruct the time series and probability distribution of observed SPI reasonably. Spatial distribution of droughts revealed a higher frequency of droughts of all categories and timescales in the east and north of Northern Iraq, mainly due to high rainfall variance. The MK test revealed a reduction in 6- and 12-month droughts in the northwest and an intensification at a few northeastern grids. It indicates droughts became more recurrent in the already drought-prone region and lessened in a less drought-prone region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present new zircon U/Pb provenance data using laser ablation induced coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (LA‐ICP‐MS) for eight samples of mature quartz arenites and subarkosic sandstones of the Lower Ordovician Khabour Formation, northern Iraq, to establish their depositional age and provenance. The samples were collected from thin‐ to medium‐bedded sandstones along profiles of the Chalky Nasara and Ora sections. Most analysed detrital zircon analyses are concordant within 100 ± 10% and include a prevalence of Proterozoic over Archean ages. Collectively, the data can be divided into four main age groups: (a) Neoproterozoic ages, 570–1,000 Ma (58%); (b) Mesoproterozoic ages, 1,000–1,500 Ma (10%); (c) Palaeoproterozoic ages, 1,620–2,480 Ma (21%); and (d) Archean ages, 2,500–3,300 Ma (11%). The predominance of Cryogenian–Ediacaran ages (850–550 Ma) reflects major magmatic events associated with the assembly of northern Gondwana. The major age group at ~600 Ma likely represents the unroofing of late‐stage granitic rocks from the Arabian‐Nubian Shield. The lack of zircons younger than 490 Ma suggests that Lower Ordovician sandstones in northern Iraq were probably deposited on the distal shelf of the northern Gondwana passive margin and were not influenced by rifting and magmatism in northern Gondwana caused by the opening of Palaeo‐Tethys. Diagenetic xenotime overgrowths are common on detrital zircon grains, but radiometric dating of these was not possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of prolonged dry spells and the shortage of precipitation are two different hazardous factors affecting rainfed agriculture. This study investigates a multi-state Markov chain model with the states of dry spell length coupled with a probability distribution of positive rainfall depths. The Nineveh Plains of Northern Iraq is chosen as the study site, where the rainfed farmers are inevitably exposed to drought risks, for demonstration of applicability to real-time drought risk assessment. The model is operated on historical data of daily rainfall depths observed at the city Mosul bordering the Nineveh Plains during the period 1975–2018. The methodology is developed in the context of contemporary probability theory. Firstly, the Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests are applied to extracting two sub-periods where the positive rainfall depths obey to respective distinct gamma distributions. Then, empirical estimation of transition probabilities determining a multi-state Markov chain results in spurious oscillations, which are regularized in the minimizing total variation flow solving a singular diffusion equation with a degenerating coefficient that controls extreme values of 0 and 1. Finally, the model yields the statistical moments of the dry spell length in the future and the total rainfall depth until a specified terminal day. Those statistical moments, termed hazard futures, can quantify drought risks based on the information of the dry spell length up to the current day. The newly defined hazard futures are utilized to explore measures to avert drought risks intensifying these decades, aiming to establish sustainable rainfed agriculture in the Nineveh Plains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kurdish rebel group PKK, which is classified as a terrorist organization by Turkey, as well as the EU and the US, has been waging an armed separatist campaign against Turkey for almost four decades. Turkey has conducted frequent cross-border military operations against the PKK in Northern Iraq, where the group's bases and headquarters are located. This paper will assess the first three of those, the ground offensive of May 1983 and the air attacks of August 1986 and March 1987, from the perspective of jus ad bellum. All three were conducted by "the Iraqi consent", which is the key part of the present work. This consent was given by the legal government of Iraq and the Turkish side acted within the limits of it. That's why the 1983-1987 Turkish cross-border operations in Northern Iraq do not violate the prohibition on the use of force, and consequently, should be considered legal under international law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kurdistan region of northern Iraq contains world-class outcrops that make it possible to examine the Cretaceous deep and shallow marine Tethyan faunal succession. Six separate sections covering the Shiranish, Bekhme, Mergi and Qamchuqa formations have been investigated in this study from the Shiranish Islam area. A number of papers have been published on this area, but no comprehensive biostratigraphic record has been published that fully documents the Cretaceous stratigraphy and the chronostratigraphic interpretation of the succession. As a result, this has led to significant lithostratigraphic and chronostratigraphic uncertainties. The upper part of the Qamchuqa is pervasively dolomitized. Rare occurrences of foraminifera are found in less dolomitized intervals in thin-section indicating an early - middle Albian age for the top of the formation. A thin interval comprising the Gir Bir Formation is Cenomanian in age and is present between the top of the Qamchuqa Formation and the overlying conglomerate. Historical studies indicate that the Turonian Mergi Formation occurs between the Qamchuqa and Bekhme formations, but our field and analytical data does not support it as a discrete lithostratigraphic entity, as Turonian aged faunas were not recognized. The conglomerate separating the top of the Gir Bir and base of the Bekhme is subdivided into three units (A, B & C). Units Aand B are late Cenomanian to early Turonian age, whilst Unit C is of Campanian age. Asignificant hiatus separates the Gir Bir and the Bekhme, which encompasses the intra Turonian to Santonian. The limestone facies of the lower part of the Bekhme Formation contains rich benthic foraminiferal faunas (miliolids, Pseudedomia, Cuneolina) of early - early middle Campanian age. This lower - lower middle Campanian section at Shiranish Islam is considered to be equivalent of the upper part of the Sa'di Formation in central Iraq and is therefore re-assigned on the basis of chronostratigraphic attribution to the Sa'di (equivalent) herein. The top of the early - early middle Campanian biofacies is abruptly truncated by an omission surface, marked by an erosive base, an influx of clastic material and a major up-section biofacies change characterized by an influx of Pseudosiderolites and Orbitoides representing an intra-Campanian hiatus. The bioevent sequence suggests that this hiatus at Shiranish Islam comprises at least the middle Campanian (upper part of the G. elevata Zone) into the late Campanian (intra R. calcarata Zone), from approximately 80.64 Ma to 76.09 Ma with 4.55 my missing. The middle part of the Bekhme Formation comprising the Pseudosiderolites - Orbitoides facies is thin (c. three meters) and is re-assigned to the Lower Bekhme Member. The boundary between the Lower Bekhme Member and the Upper Bekhme Member is conformable and marked by a gradual up-section reduction in the size and presence of larger benthic foraminifera (Orbitoides, Pseudosiderolites) and an increase in the planktic component (small planktics and calcispheres). This trend of gradually increasing water depth continues into the Shiranish Formation, with no apparent major breaks in deposition. The Campanian - Maastrichtian boundary falls within Unit A of the Shiranish Formation. Deposition of the Shiranish continued into the earliest late Maastrichtian and is unconformably overlain by the Danian Kolosh Formation. The hiatus between the top of the Cretaceous and the Paleocene extends from the early late Maastrichtian (c. 68.86 Ma) to the upper part of the Danian (62.2 Ma) with an estimated duration of 6.66 my. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This short letter from the field is offered as a rapid communiqué of the emergency medical situation in Mosul and surrounding areas on the eve of the final onslaught to liberate the city. This letter is based on emergency medical work at two World Health Organization (WHO) and Ministry of Health (MoH) Iraq lead Role II+ Field Hospital facilities south of Mosul City from April to June 2017; these facilities are currently and temporarily managed and administered by private medical industry until full handover to MoH Iraq, with WHO support and expert facilitation. The prominence of non-state actors in the conflict, using hybrid warfare tactics that maximize casualties, makes health security a particular challenge for the global community. This challenge requires health leaders and other actors in the region to set clear strategic goals that support public health of the many millions displaced, maimed and affected by the war. Whether in clinical medicine, development, peace and stability operations, or global health diplomacy, the shared values and conviction to best serve vulnerable communities and mitigate morbidity must embrace the lessons of evidenced based practice derived from military medical experience. WHO is leading the charge in disaster response for the conflict in Iraq, and many challenges remain. This might also include developing a new process in emergency medical response that utilizes private contracting to improve efficiency in delivery and overall sustainability.

Abstract The Kurdistan foreland basin (NE Iraq) was formed as a result of the ophiolite–radiolarites obduction of the Iranian plate on the Arabian Plate. Extensive fieldwork for the determination of nine facies associations has been integrated with the planktonic and large foraminifera and other macrofossils biostratigraphic data in order to identify the sequence stratigraphic framework of the studied (late Campanian–Maastrichtian) successions comprising the Shiranish, Tanjero and Aqra formations. The studied successions are identified sensu Vial et al. (Payton CE (ed) Seismic stratigraphy application to hydrocarbon exploration memoir of the American association of the petroleum geologists, Tulsa, vol 26, pp 49–62, 1977) concepts, as three third-order depositional systems, within one major second-order depositional system, which is bounded by a sequence boundary of type one at its base and top. The Late Campanian–Early Maastrichtian third order is bounded by a middle Campanian gap as a sequence of boundary type one. The rapid drowning starts with planktonic foraminiferal-rich mudstone which indicates pre-flysch facies associations within starved foreland basin conditions and maximum flooding surface (MFS175). The sea level fell by the Early Maastrichtian, as characterized by a sequence boundary of type SBT2. The distal, medial and proximal turbidites flysch facies of the Tanjero formations manifest the second third-order depositional system. This may indicate a progressive shallowing upwards and characterized by MFS 180, which is placed at the top of the last planktonic-rich shale parasequences. The last third order is represented by rudist (Hippurites)-dominated carbonate parasequences (Late Maastrichtian-Aqra formation). The aggradational stacking pattern of the rudist lithosomes indicates the last MFS 190 during the Maastrichtian greenhouse. The sequence boundary is of type one which separates the Palaeocene molasses of Swais Group from the Maastrichtian sequence in the imbricated zone, while in the high folded zone it is replaced by Kolosh siliciclastic (Palaeocene) due to migrations of the Kurdistan foreland basin depocentre towards south-west. The reactivation of the deep-seated transversal faults is in addition to the sea level changes with south-westwards migration of the Zagros deformations front controlling the late Campanian–Maastrichtian supersequences framework.

Major, trace, rare earth elements (REE), and stable isotopic compositions in carbonate rocks of Pila Spi Formation were measured to constrain the source of rare earth elements and depositional environment. The low ΣREE content (average = 6.53 ppm, n = 14) indicates that the carbonates seawater-like REE patterns with (1) LREE depletion (average (Nd/Yb)n = 0.81), (2) HREE enrichment, (3) negative Ce anomaly (average = 0.91), and (4) superchondritic Y/Ho ratio (average = 30.07); slightly lower average value of Y/Ho ratio than the typical seawater value (~ 44–74) suggests modification of the seawater by input of fresh water. The (Nd/Yb)n and (Dy/Yb)n ratios of the Pila Spi carbonates have similarity with that of the Arabian sea carbonate. The low concentrations of U (0.35–1.0 ppm) suggest the deposition under oxygen-rich environment. This study indicates that the carbonates still preserve their original seawater-like REE pattern, provided that the contamination with terrigenous materials was small, and they serve as a seawater proxy. The Pila Spi carbonates have δ13C values ranged from − 6.17 to 0.76‰ PDB, and the δ18O values range between − 3.85 and 0.46‰ PDB. The positive correlation between δ13C and δ18O (r = 0.949, n = 14) values indicates the alteration of original isotopic compositions due to diagenesis. Finally, it is conceived that the Pila Spi carbonate was deposited in the lagoon environment with seawater invading and mixing of the continental (terrigenous) materials to the basin is viable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The studied area is a part of the Arabian plate located within the High Folded Zone of the Zagros Fold-Thrust Belt in northeastern Iraq (Kurdistan Region). The Study area deals with the Shakrok Anticlines is located between Safin Mountain and Sork Mountain. These structures are formed during the Alpine Orogeny in Cretaceous-Tertiary period. Generally, the folded structures are trending NW-SE direction which is parallel to the main Zagros Orogenic trends. The exposed stratigraphic succession of the studied area that represented by 4 formations deposited from the Early Cretaceous which are Shiranish, Aqrah, Bekhme and Qamchuqa formations. Shakrok Anticline are asymmetrical, double plunging and verging toward northeast. This establishes that Merawa is a Tertiary continuation part of Cretaceous Shakrok Anticline, but there is a deflection in the direction of the fold axis that affected the Merawa Anticline due to the effect of strike slip fault addition to Lineament. Shakrok Anticline with Cretaceous successions formed due to the effect of Cretaceous and Tertiary folding phases. But Merawa Anticline with Tertiary succession that formed due to the effect of Tertiary folding phases. The high stress and intensity of the major fault on the southwestern limb rotated and overturned Tertiary successions and changed its dip toward NE. The differences in fold geometry, fold axis, axial surface, and curvilinear hinge imply that the structure formed as a result of two folding phases & lateral growth of folds that developed by changing the direction of the compressional tectonic processes due to Alpine Orogene of Zagros. The fold axis of Shakrok Anticline rotated 16o in anticlockwise trend from Merawa to Sork anticlines. Because of anticlockwise rotation of the Arabian plate due to its collision with Iranian and Anatolian plates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bitumen from surface exposures of the Palaeocene Kolosh Formation in three areas (Duhok, Shaqlawa and Dokan) of northern Iraq were investigated using GC, GC-MS, carbon and hydrogen isotope ratios of aromatic, NSO and asphaltene to determine their state of alteration (biodegradation, water washing and abiotic oxidation), thermal maturity and potential source rocks. These samples have a high percentage of NSO and asphaltene and minor amounts of saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons. These bitumens have a distinguished biomarker distribution, which can be attributed to different levels of biodegradation. The samples of Group 1 are moderately biodegraded: their normal alkanes and isoprenoids have been removed, whereas their hopanes and steranes are intact or have been very slightly altered. The samples of Group 2 are heavily to very heavily biodegraded; their steranes and hopanes are degraded without the formation of 25-norhopanes. These samples are more oxidized than those of Group 1. The bitumens have different origins, and their terpane and sterane ratios indicate that they were generated by early mature marine carbonate source rocks that were likely to have originated from Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous Formations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In northern Iraq, countless non-abuse stream valleys can be used to store water for a variety of purposes; domestic, supplementary irrigation, and recharging groundwater. Bandawaya is one of the stream valleys, which form the first perspective has excellent quality. The location of the suggested dam has been evaluated by hydrological and geotechnical studies. Geotechnical studies included measurement of all the parameters related to the rock mass classification for evaluation based on four classification systems, which are the Q-System, the rock mass rating (RMR), the geological strength index (GSI), and the rock mass index (RMi). The classification results indicated that the rocks of the valley are good for constructing a dam on them, with some weak zones that may affect the integrity of the dam, which the study recommended treating before starting the construction of the dam. According to preliminary studies on different dam's heights the qualification demonstrates an excellent choice of the site. Four stream orders are recognized, dendritic pattern in the southern part of the watershed, and trellised in the northern part. Three heights assumed to the proposed dam 450, 460, 470 m a.s.l. with 640,764; 3429,787; 8,590,763 m³ storage capacity respectively. According to the Q-System, the RMR, the GSI, and the RMi, the rock mass of the study area is evaluated. The findings illustrate the excellent selection by geotechnical, hydrological, and engineering features of the dam place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For decades, Turkish policymakers have perceived the possible emergence of a Kurdish autonomous region or an independent Kurdish state in northern Iraq as an existential threat to Turkey. However, from 2008 onwards, under the Justice and Development Party government, Turkish foreign policy towards the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) was gradually desecuritized. In light of Turkey's experience, this paper explores the role of context in desecuritizing foreign policy issues in general and Turkish foreign policy towards the KRG in particular. It argues that the changing civil–military relations in Turkey as well as the country's broader political and economic conjuncture allowed for the desecuritization of Turkey-KRG relations from 2008 onwards. The context also determined what kind of a desecuritization Turkey experienced towards the KRG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the current study was to complete an important gap within the Bouguer map of Iraq implemented by the Iraq Petroleum Company (IPC). In addition, the collected data were processed with recent gravity concepts and methods to establish a new regional geological image. A total of 868 gravity points were measured and corrected. The Bouguer anomaly map of the study area was initially drawn up with the parameters and equations used to construct the IPC map. The newly-produced map shows a very strong correlation with the old IPC results. A new Bouguer map of the study area was then constructed using modern parameters and equations. A comparison between the old and new maps illustrates the difference between recent and previous techniques. The isostatic residual map shows the presence of over-compensated areas close to Chia Gara and Mateen and spreads to the Aqra zone with a negative value of up to -20 mGal. In contrast, there is under-compensation in the southern regions with positive isostatic anomalies of about 80 mGal. In the researched area there are zero compensation lines around the larger structures (Chia Gara, Mateen, Mangesh, Aqra, Piris, and Perat). In order to draw up the crustal thickness map, the Moho discontinuity depth was determined using topographic and Bouguer anomaly grids of the study area. In addition, the upper mantle anomalies were calculated by continuing the isostatic residual anomaly to 45 km upward and then removing the past isostatic residual anomaly, that was continued upward to 35 km. Several qualitative approaches were used to isolate the regional and remaining anomalies to analyze the gravity data, with an optimal upward continuation level of 14 kilometers generated for the large and small maps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work depends on a detailed organic geochemical study of collected samples from the Upper Jurassic Naokelekan formation, from Ajil and Balad Oilfield. This study has manifested the advantages pyrolysis geochemical methods for source rock evaluation of the studied formations, thirty four core and cutting rock samples. Rock-Eval pyrolysis data indicate a wide variation of source richness and quality, the Naokelekan samples indicates good to excellent source rock richness , the kerogen Type-II/III( oil and gas prone) and type II kerogen (oil prone), in immature to mature stage (early oil window), reflect the marine environment with terrigenous influx.

Northern Iraq (federal part of Iraqi Federal Republic) has witnessed a huge development in construction sector last ten years. However, there are lack of awareness and legislation regarding the sustainable construction in the building sector. The impact of construction technologies became a challenge front the serious problems of environmental crisis. The aim of the paper is to find the required mechanism to introduce sustainable practice and implement sustainable construction in the building construction sector. The main objectives in the paper are: identify the barriers in sustainable construction; investigate the law and regulations in dealing with these barriers; evaluate the application of LEED rating system in the construction sector. The research method in the paper is based on literature review and professional opinion through questionnaire. The paper list the most important barriers for implementing sustainable construction, the suggestions to apply LEED rating system, and recommendations to improve and develop sustainability in construction sector at Northern Iraq.

Drought is a phenomenon of climate and is one of the catastrophic events that cause much damage on each occurrence. One of the ways of drought adjustment, evaluation and drought monitoring is based on indicators that can be used to determine its extent and continuity in a region. In this study, drought analysis (the duration and severity of drought) in the north Iraq region was studied by using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) for time intervals of 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. That feature of this method helps to compare the drought events in different places and scales. To observe dry and wet periods and the severity and length of drought monthly rainfall data of 15 meteorological stations of the northern Iraq provinces from 1979 to 2013 were used. Calculations were performed on the SPI by using the SPI code in MATLAB computer software. The results of the study showed that the continuity of dry periods in the 6, 9 and 12 month periods was higher than in the 1 and 3 month time intervals. Moreover, according to the calculation, the driest year was observed in 2008. This analysis is essential because it gives full information about the longest dry and wet periods for all stations of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate reflections of independence referendum made in Iraq Kurdish autonomous region in Turkish and Kurdish press and discourse take place about referandum in the news. The web site news related to referendum of Sabah the newspaper from Turkey and Rudaw the newspaper from Kurdish autonomous region has been examined between 23-27 September 2017 in the scope of the study. In this context, study focuses how independence referendum has been reported as news in the press of both country. Teun Van Dijk's Critical Discourse Analysis methodology is used in the study. According to the results of the analysis, it has been determined that Sabah and Rudaw the newspapers, express the dominant ideology of their home country's power. It has been observed that the newspapers evaluate the news in the frame of their own ideology and create new realities. Furthermore these realities have been provided through the headlines, word choice and comments of the event parties of the news texts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Iraqi Bulletin of Geology & Mining is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Iraqi Bulletin of Geology & Mining is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A total of 13 carbonate rocks samples represented Aqra Formations deposited in the reefal environment, Chemical results of Aqra samples showed that the formation could be divided into two parts, lower part is limestone while the upper part has been subjected to dolomitization prosses, the two parts are separated by a transitional strata which have been less dolomitized. Its noticed that the upper part contain higher concentrations of trace elements like Cr, Ni, Co, Sc, the concentrations of this elements (9.33, 9.47, 3.15, 0.95)ppm in lower part and (57.25, 75.88, 5.68, 2.13)ppm in upper part respectively, which indicated that this part has been subjected to the influences of mafic and ultramafic provenance in contrast to the lower part, The rare earth elements (REE) content was also different in the two parts, there is relatively depletion in the light rare earth elements (LREE) towards the upper part (4.56ppm – 4.07ppm) with increase in the insoluble residue (I.R.) content from 2.84% to 5.60% and increase in the heavy rare earth elements (HREE) towards to upper part (0.52ppm – 0.78ppm), The ƩREE is 5.08ppm in lower part and 4.85ppm in upper part, This is also reflection of the difference in the nature of the terrigeneous component which the two parts where supplied. Negative Ce anomaly was noticed in the parts which are not dolomitized of the Formation involved in the present study but absent in the dolomitized part. Through the study of binary relations between major and trace elements its shown that the major part of trace are well correlated with the terrigeneous constituents and not correlated with the carbonate phases, The sedimentation basin which Aqra deposited was affected by the tectonic activities happened at that time, this is supported by the presence of trace elements of mafic nature associated with the terrigeneous clasts which the basin of deposition received.

The mutation detection of β thalassemia is absolutely necessary for molecular diagnosis, as well as any genetic epidemiological study. The β globin gene has 3 exons and 2 introns, involved in β-thalassemic pathogenesis. The study aim of the study is to characterize the spectrum of β globin gene mutations in 136 Turkish, Northern Iraqi and Albanian pediatric β thalassemia major patients. After genomic DNA extraction from venous blood and amplification of the target DNA regions with PCR, genotyping was achieved by Sanger based DNA sequencing. The IVSI-110 G>A mutation was the most frequent allele in the Turkish and Albanian patients. In Northern Iraqi patients IVSI-1 G>A was is the most frequent. There are two mutations are firstly reported for Albania [c.*111 A>G 3’ UTR (rs63751128) and c.113 G>A (p.Trp38Ter, p.W38*) (rs35887507)] with this study. These findings may be of value for genetic counseling, premarital diagnosis, prenatal diagnosis and prevention programs.

The issue of rapproachment with Kurdish parties in the Northern Iraq turned a discursive battlefield between Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) and the ruling Justice Development Party (AKP) after the 2005 General Elections in Iraq from Kurdish groups emerged as a strong polirtical actor in Iraq politics.

Kuzey Irak, tasavvufun kurumsallaştığı dönemden bugüne yoğun tasavvufî hareketliliğe sahne olmuştur. Bu bölgede, Kadiriyye başta olmak üzere Kübreviyye, Sühreverdiyye, Nakşbendiyye, Halvetiyye, Mevleviyye ve Bektaşiyye gibi tarikatlar faaliyette bulunmuşlardır. XVIII. Asra gelindiğinde Kuzey Irak’ta tekke faaliyetleri en yaygın tarikatın Kadiriyye olduğu görülür. Bu asırda en çok tanınan Kadirî şeyhleri içinde Şeyh Muhammed en-Nûdehî (ö. 1126/1714), Şeyh İsmail el-Vulyânî (ö. 1158/1745), Şeyh Hasan Gelezerdî (ö. 1175/1762), Şeyh Derviş Mustafa el-Bilbâsî (ö. 1172/1758), Şeyh Osman b. Yûsuf el-Kadirî, Şeyh Tâhâ b. Yahya el-Kürdî (ö. 1205/1790), Şeyh Mahmud Zengenî (ö. 1215/1800), Şeyh Ebûbekir b. Hıdır el-Âlûsî, ve Şeyh Ma’rûf el-Berzencî (ö. 1254/1839) yer almaktadır.

Ana hatları ile bugünkü Kerkük, Erbil ve Süleymaniye olarak ifade edebileceğimiz Şehrizor, tarihte Şehrezûr olarak da bilinmektedir. 1554 yılında Osmanlı hakimiyetine giren Şehrizor’un ilk tahriri 1560 yılında tamamlanmıştır. Burada vilayet (eyalet) olarak adlandırıldığını görmekteyiz. Eyalet bu dönemde 7 liva ve 17 nahiyeden oluşmuştur. Zamanla genişleyerek 20 sancağın üzerine çıktığı kaynaklarda görülmektedir. Bazı dönemlerde ise bu sayı 30-32’yi bulmaktadır. Bu anlamda Osmanlı Devleti’nin büyük eyaletlerinden birisi olmuştur. 1864 vilayet nizamnamesi ile sancak olarak Bağdat’a bağlanmıştır

The Kurdistan foreland basin (NE Iraq) was formed as a result of the ophiolite-radiolarites obduction of the Iranian plate on the Arabian Plate. Extensive fieldwork for the determination of nine facies associations has been integrated with the planktonic and large foraminifera and other macrofossils biostratigraphic data in order to identify the sequence stratigraphic framework of the studied (late Campanian-Maastrichtian) successions comprising the Shiranish, Tanjero and Aqra formations. The studied successions are identified sensu Vial et al. (Payton CE (ed) Seismic stratigraphy application to hydrocarbon exploration memoir of the American association of the petroleum geologists, Tulsa, vol 26, pp 49-62, 1977) concepts, as three third-order depositional systems, within one major second-order depositional system, which is bounded by a sequence boundary of type one at its base and top. The Late Campanian-Early Maastrichtian third order is bounded by a middle Campanian gap as a sequence of boundary type one. The rapid drowning starts with planktonic foraminiferal-rich mudstone which indicates pre-flysch facies associations within starved foreland basin conditions and maximum flooding surface (MFS175). The sea level fell by the Early Maastrichtian, as characterized by a sequence boundary of type SBT2. The distal, medial and proximal turbidites flysch facies of the Tanjero formations manifest the second third-order depositional system. This may indicate a progressive shallowing upwards and characterized by MFS 180, which is placed at the top of the last planktonic-rich shale parasequences. The last third order is represented by rudist (Hippurites)-dominated carbonate parasequences (Late Maastrichtian-Aqra formation). The aggradational stacking pattern of the rudist lithosomes indicates the last MFS 190 during the Maastrichtian greenhouse. The sequence boundary is of type one which separates the Palaeocene molasses of Swais Group from the Maastrichtian sequence in the imbricated zone, while in the high folded zone it is replaced by Kolosh siliciclastic (Palaeocene) due to migrations of the Kurdistan foreland basin depocentre towards south-west. The reactivation of the deep-seated transversal faults is in addition to the sea level changes with south-westwards migration of the Zagros deformations front controlling the late Campanian-Maastrichtian supersequences framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sixteen organic-rich argillaceous limestone and black shale samples from three wells with up to 16 wt% TOC (average 9.32 wt%) from the Middle–Upper Jurassic Naokelekan Formation in the west Zagros Basin of northern Iraq were evaluated as source rocks. Both organic geochemical and molecular data indicate an open marine environment at the time of deposition, leading to accumulation of Type-II and Type-III kerogen with varying oil and gas generation potential. The predominance of short-chain n -alkanes ( n -C 13 – n -C 19 ), and C 27 and C 29 steranes, and absence of oleanane confirm the dominantly planktonic/bacterial and algal origin of the organic matter. Organic richness, low Pr/Ph, and high C 35 /C 34 homohopane ratios suggest alternating anoxic to suboxic depositional conditions. Biomarker distributions are consistent with sporadic anoxia, with unequivocal evidence for stratification of the water column and hypersalinity. The 22S/(22S + 22R) ratios for C 32 homohopanes, moretane/hopane, and C 29 sterane 20S/(20S + 20R) and ββ/(ββ+αα) ratios vary irregularly, whereas the C 27 diasteranes, Ts/(Tm + Ts), triaromatic cracking and MDR ratios vary substantially and increase with burial depth among different homologues within the same sample set, indicating the threshold to peak of the oil-generation window. Based on hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) of 13 selected source-related biomarker ratios, the source rock extracts have been divided into three groups: Group-1 from the Ba-1 well, Balad oil field, and Groups-2 and -3 from the Aj-8 and Aj-12 wells, respectively, in the Ajil oil field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mutation detection of β thalassemia is absolutely necessary for molecular diagnosis, as well as any genetic epidemiological study. The b globin gene has 3 exons and 2 introns, involved in β-thalassemic pathogenesis. The study aim of the study is to characterize the spectrum of b globin gene mutations in 136 Turkish, Northern Iraqi and Albanian pediatric β thalassemia major patients. After genomic DNA extraction from venous blood and amplification of the target DNA regions with PCR, genotyping was achieved by Sanger based DNA sequencing. The IVSI-110 G>A mutation was the most frequent allele in the Turkish and Albanian patients. In Northern Iraqi patients IVSI-1 G>A was is the most frequent. There are two mutations are firstly reported for Albania [c.*111 A>G 3' UTR (rs63751128) and c.113 G>A (p.Trp38Ter, p.W38*) (rs35887507)] with this study. These findings may be of value for genetic counseling, premarital diagnosis, prenatal diagnosis and prevention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Iraqi Bulletin of Geology & Mining is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Quartz cements of the quartz arenitic sandstones from the Chalky Nasara and Ora sections of the (Devonian-Carboniferous) Ora Formation in northern Iraq have been studied. A combination of hot cathodoluminescence, LA-ICP-MS, and fluid inclusion microthermometry revealed three syntaxial quartz cement generations (Q1, Q2, and Q3). The early Q1 cementation has gray to slightly brown luminescences, postdated compaction, and reduced intergranular porosity associated with illite formed during eogenesis. Q2 is characterized by dark brown luminescence overgrowths and is more voluminous in the thinly bedded sandstones than in the thickly bedded sandstones filling most of the remaining pore space during mesogenesis. Q3 was formed during the early telogenesis stage fully cementing the sandstones and the fractures were filled by hydrothermal chlorite and sulfides. Significant amounts of trace elements Al, Li, Ge, and Fe have been detected in quartz overgrowths. Al varies consistently between each cement with averages of 7125, 4044, and 2036 ppm for the Q1, Q2, and Q3 generations, respectively. A strong linear correlation between Al and Li in the three quartz cements with an average Li/Al of ~0.02 in Q1 and Q2 indicates sufficient availability of both Al and Li where Li is most likely to be found in highsaline pore waters. Illite is the most probable origin of Li since high salinities favor the mobilization of Li during diagenesis. Germanium concentrations in quartz cements are slightly less than that in the detrital quartz of the Ora Formation, indicating that the pressure dissolutions of quartz and feldspar are the dominant sources of cementation in the Ora Formation. Homogenization temperatures of fluid inclusions indicate precipitation of the Q1, Q2, and Q3 cement generations at temperature ranges of 155-160 °C, 160-166 °C, and 168-178 °C, respectively, with salinities ranging between 5.0 and 6.4 wt.% NaCl equiv., as an indication of hydrothermal burial conditions for Q3 cement, which was affected by the major Zagros Thrust Zone faulting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Maastrichtian sediments of northern Iraq are rich in larger benthic foraminifera. Among them, the genus Loftusia is well-known one because of its significant palaeogeographic distribution across the Mediterranean and Middle East. In this study, observations of abnormal test shapes, species recognition criteria and endoskeleton characteristics of Loftusia are discussed, based on the new material from north-eastern Iraq. The following species of Loftusia are described: Loftusia elongata Cox, L. persica Brady, Loftusia morgani Douvillé, L. anatolica Meriç, L. matsumarui Meriç and Görmüs, L. minor B Cox, L. ketini B Meriç and L. kahtaensis Meriç, Loftusia minor A Cox, L. oktayi Meriç and L. baykali Meriç. The predominant species are Loftusia elongata, L. morgani and L. baykali. Skewed abnormal individuals and epidermal parts of the endoskeleton structure are also interesting aspects to note. Quantitative data obtained for Loftusia allow us to better understand and interpret species identification criteria, abnormal occurrences and the endoskeleton structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of ‘safe areas’ emerged in the early 1990s as a way of responding to increasing displacement triggered by internal conflicts. As a form of protection, their record was mixed—for every success like northern Iraq in 1991, there was a failure like the collapse of the Srebrenica safe area in 1995. But why did the safe area concept itself emerge at this time? Traditionally, safe areas were akin to humanitarian spaces anchored in consent. The shift in the early 1990s was to replace consent with an international military presence, including military forces and peacekeepers. This article argues that this shift was only possible because of two critical changes which occurred within the United Nations: the recognition that civilian protection represented an international problem and the UN Security Council broadening how it interpreted the notion of ‘threats to international peace and security’ to include issues such as forced migrant flows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internationally proclaimed safe areas do not aim to end ongoing wars. Instead, their more limited goal is to create islands of temporary refuge where threatened civilians can find shelter. As intuitively compelling as the idea of safe areas may seem, however, it raises numerous practical and ethical questions. The articles in this special issue draw on history, moral philosophy and political science in order to assess whether safe areas are indeed an appropriate response to humanitarian crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]