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It has been clearly demonstrated that it would be feasible to consider recycling paper in an academic institution. This can be achieved through combining specific waste paper baskets, a pulping machine and power supplied by a renewable energy source, with an already established local paper making company. The paper making company would be able to gain a subsidy from the government which pays them to actually recycle paper, to counteract the cost of the pulped paper which is 30% more expensive than raw wood pulp. The academic institution would save money on waste disposal and decrease its carbon footprint by 600% with savings of up to around 5e6 tons of CO2 per year, instead of the 1e2 tones carbon offset for just recycling the paper normally. This entire process could be adapted for recycling the vast quantities of waste paper produced by students, an initiative which often fails due to the high cost of disposal. This could be achieved through urged use of the same paper disposal methods already in use, with the paper being collected and pulped once a week directly from the student paper waste bins. This research aims to study and limit the quantities of paper consumed in academic institutions in Iraq, by identifying the steps of recycling, and the extent of its environmental and economic impact, on the one hand, and on the other hand, the extent to which the Iraqi university community accepts this idea, and then study these quantities and evaluate them economically and find out the possibility of establishing a paper recycling plant based on these quantities. As well as the current research deals with the accumulation of paper waste caused by the performance of exams. In the third semester of the research, the amount of paper waste at Thi Qar University was calculated as a model for conducting a detailed research study of all departments and colleges of the University. the amount of paper waste was (11,055 tons/year), as well as calculating the cost of paper processing for the University amounted to (126252271 Iraqi dinars) and at the end of the third semester, the amount of paper waste in Iraqi academic institutions for the academic year 2022e2023, approximately (367,60976 tons/year). The cost of preparing exam books in Iraqi academic institutions for the academic year 2022e2023 amounted to approximately (4202150971 Iraqi dinars). The devices used in the practical aspect and each device and its purpose in the paper waste recycling process were explained. In addition, in the fourth chapter of the research, waste recycling was carried out in a practical way, and the results were satisfactory. We proposed a project to establish a paper and cardboard waste recycling plant in Nasiriyah, detailing its technical processes and stages in a mature way, the costs of establishing such projects in detail, as well as the annual profit of the project. At the conclusion of the research, some important recommendations were attached that help the paper waste recycling process and its success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Iraq, an extensive network of pipelines is of vital importance for the transportation of hydrocarbon products, drinking water, and crude oil through the pipelines. The underground infrastructures experience corrosion processes, which therefore requires keeping up with the application of protective measures. This is a simulation survey that takes into account the cathodic protection optimization to reduce such hazards. Employing the Wenner four-terminal method enabled assessment of elements that affect cathodic protection such as environmental factors and soil resistivity across selected sites for the surveys. Soil pH ranges within the range of 7-8, together with anode voltage and current readings were the basis of the simulation models. These models played a crucial role in predicting the best anode locations, operating voltages and currents for various conditions and by comparing the results with empirical data from field experiments it is easy to evaluate the results. The analysis of rectifier voltage, the number of anodes, the anode resistance, and the pipeline current led to the production of the most cost-efficient designs for pipeline protection. Thus, as a result, a segment at station number 2 requires 2.5A current for its protection over the same length and a segment at station number 4 needs 12A current for its protection. Through the integration of simulation outcomes with the field observation the study highlights the accuracy and efficiency of the modeled cathodic protection systems that substantiate their fundamental role in the sustainable management of the pipeline. The results reached in this study add a great deal to this body of knowledge on the subject of subterranean structure preservation, showing this paradigm for the design and optimization of cathodic protection systems against corrosion and erosion which ensures the durability and reliability of pipeline networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-dimensional operation chart is commonly used to manage the operation of a dual-reservoir system, where the water storage in each reservoir is accurately considered in the water-supply decision. The dual reservoir chart should be combined with one allocation rule to better represent water supply distribution between reservoirs. In this study, the 2D rule curve was coupled with three allocation rules: variable allocation ratios, fixed allocation ratios, and compensation regulation, to identify the efficiency of using these rules with the 2D rule curve in operating the dual reservoirs. Mosul-Dukan dual reservoirs in Iraq were implemented as a study area using monthly data extended from 2001 to 2020. The Shuffled Complex Evolution Algorithm was used to optimize the water allocation ratios. The results revealed that the variable allocation ratios were superior to the other two rules in terms of water deficit, in which the total water shortage of the variable allocation ratios rule was 56590 Mm3. The total shortage was less than that obtained by the fixed allocation ratio and compensation regulation rules by 0.9% and 56%, respectively. Finally, the variable allocation ratio was more suitable for application with a 2D reservoir rule curve than the two remaining rules (fixed allocation ratio and compensation regulation rules). The variable allocation ratios sustainably manage reservoirs in the regions that suffer from water scarcity and represent the most vulnerable to the impact of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on exploring the relationship between the academic procrastination and academic achievements for this study a survey was conducted on 132 students from first, fourth and fifth year undergraduate dental students of Missan (government) & Almanara (private) universities, in Missan province-Alamara/Iraq. The present study investigate their academic procrastination and base it on various factors such as: gender, accommodation type, academic performance, procrastinator type, and year of study utilizing from Tuckman procrastination scale, the study results were split into two parts. For Al-Manara college university (private) first year dental students was the dominant high procrastinators student type associated with the low levels of academic performance and getting better grades when the procrastination stage is moderate or low. While the Missan University (government) present the greatest of moderate procrastinator in two different study stages of dental college (first, fourth and fifth year) coupled with significantly higher in the academic scores for low and moderate procrastinator students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: to collect feedback from first year medical students on their perceptions and preferences of different teaching, learning, and aids methods that are currently used in medical chemistry teaching course. The aim of our study was to compare the more acceptable teaching & aids methods among the first stage medical students, Missan Medical College. So that best teaching aid and method can be adopted to improve their academic performance Materials and Methods: a well-structured electronic questionnaire based study was carried out on undergraduate medical students at department of clinical biochemistry, medical college, Missan University, Missan province, Iraq in second semester of academic year 2020-2021. 197 students participated out of 204 total, giving 97% response rate, the questionnaire was properly explained. The students were asked to grade teaching, learning, and aids methods that were used to teach Medical Chemistry module. The responses was analysed according to the Likert scale to detect their preferences and favourites toward the statements in the questionnaire. Results: In our study many items with high satisfaction and least preferences grades was noticed for combination of teaching, learning, and aids methods. The majority (76%) of the students like the subject of medical chemistry. Exams preparation techniques, practical exercise lectures, various teaching aids and other methods have been found excellent and very good methods by the majority of the students. For effective teaching of medical chemistry, students opinions and preferences were suggesting a clear mandate in different issues such as usefulness of more preparations techniques for main exams, using more than one teaching aids (white board + power point presentation) in the lecture. By understanding students perceptions, teaching learning precesses in medical chemistry can be improved 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the usage of mobile telecommunication apps as a long-term follow-up tool for patients after cerebrovascular surgery in Iraq. It mentions that telemedicine using widely available platforms like WhatsApp is an affordable, simple-to-use, and efficient method of remote patient monitoring, along with explores their shortcomings.

The present investigation was carried out to compare the impact of cinnamon and clove powders and their oil additives as anti-stressors on quails under heat stress which is one of the riskiest environmental conditions that influence poultry all over the world in general and Iraq in particular. For this purpose, 420 quails (5 weeks old) were chosen and randomly grouped into seven treatments with different treatments (T0: control (standard diet), T1: 2 g clove powder/kg diet, T2: 1 ml clove oil/kg diet, T3: 2 g cinnamon powder, T4: 1 ml cinnamon oil/kg diet, T5: 1 g clove powder+1 g cinnamon powder/kg diet, T6: 0.5 ml clove oil+0.5 ml cinnamon oil/kg diet) added to standard diet. The quails were fed with these diets for 17 weeks. The results indicated that adding clove, cinnamon, and their oils to quail diet under heat stress led to significantly (p<0.05) lower relative density of heat shock protein HSP40, HSP70, HSP90, the concentrations of (corticosterone hormone, MDA and CK oxidative stimulator enzymes in blood plasma) and heterophil-to-lymphocyte (H/L) ratio, however, the concentrations of antioxidant enzymes AOA, GPx, SOD and CAT in blood plasma were significantly (p<0.05) higher in all additive treatments compared with the control group. It was also seen that treatment with the oil additives resulted in higher improvement than the powder additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The removal of dye (RS) anionic (Benzene sulfonic acid, 4-hydroxy-3- ((2-hydroxy-1-naphthalenyl)) azo monosodium salt) on flint clay in aqueous solution was investigated by using a system of the batch for different concentrations from the dye. The temperature, pH, contact time, adsorbent dose, was studied beneath the batch adsorption method. Data adsorption equilibrium appropriate with isotherm Langmuir and Freiundlich, when the correlation coefficient utilized to clarify the better model for the fitting isotherm. The thermodynamic constants like ΔH°, ΔS°, and ΔG°. Thermodynamic analyses specified for the sorption of the dyes on to Alhusaenat clay (Baghdad Governorate in Iraq) was spontaneous as well as endothermic. Density Functional Theory (DFT) was studied the dye structure used Gaussian 09 and predicted the active site in a molecule by total electron density (TED) and electrostatic surface potential (ESP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the challenges of the healthcare system in Iraq, which has limited intensive care unit beds, medical personnel, and equipment, contributing to high infection rates and mortality. The main purpose of the study was to describe the clinical characteristics, the length of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay, and the mortality outcomes of COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU during the first wave and two subsequent surges, spanning from September 2020 to October 2021, in addition to identify potential risk factors for ICU mortality., Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from COVID-19 patients admitted to the COVID-19 ICU at Al-Kindi Ministry of Health hospital in Baghdad, Iraq, between September 2020 and October 2021., Results: The study included 936 COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU at Al-Kindi Hospital. Results showed a high mortality rate throughout all waves, with 60% of deaths due to respiratory failure. Older age, male gender, pre-existing medical conditions, ICU procedures, and complications were associated with increased odds of ICU mortality. The study also found a decrease in the number of complications and ICU procedures between the first and subsequent waves. There was no significant difference in the length of hospital stay between patients admitted during different waves., Conclusion: Despite improvements in critical care practices, the mortality rate did not significantly decrease during the second and third waves of the pandemic. The study highlights the challenges of high mortality rates among critical COVID-19 patients in low-resource settings and the importance of effective data collection to monitor clinical presentations and identify opportunities for improvement in ICU care., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Malaeb, Haider, Abdulateef, Hameed, Daniel, Kabilwa, Seyni, Ahmadana, Zelikova, Porten and Godard.)

Pregnancy toxemia (PT), also known as ketosis or twin lamb disease, is a group of in-sequence metabolic disorders usually observed in the last pregnancy period of ewes. Blood samples from 60 Awassi ewes were collected, including 50 ewes suffering from PT and 10 healthy ewes (2-8 years old) as a control group. All of them were in their final month of pregnancy from different regions of Salah Aldin Governorate, Iraq. The samples were collected between October 2021 and February 2022. Biochemical analysis of serum concentrations of all parameters was performed using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer, except for the beta-hydroxybutyrate and non-esterified fatty acids that were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The results of the clinical criteria tests for temperature, respiration, and pulse showed nonsignificant differences ( P <0.05) in the infected animals, compared to the healthy group. Clinical signs included depression, loss of appetite, weight loss, lying down, odor of ketogenic bodies through breathing, inability to walk, neurological signs, dental grinding, jaundice, blindness, bloat, dystocia, animal death, and fetal death. Based on the results of the biochemical parameters tests of the blood, a significant increase ( P <0. 05) was observed in the parameters of the results of beta-hydroxybutyrate, non-esterified fatty acids, triglycerides, total bilirubin, and liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT) in the animals affected by PT, compared to the control group. However, a significant decrease ( P <0.05) was observed in the parameters of glucose, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, and globulin in the affected animals, compared to the healthy group. Concerning the association between disease and oxidative stress criteria, the infected animals showed a substantial ( P <0.05) increase in malondialdehyde concentration and a significant ( P <0.05) drop in glutathione and superoxide dismutase levels., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Breast cancer is the primary type of cancer affecting women. Patients with hormone receptor-positive cells have lower mortality rates. Both chemotherapy and hormone therapy can improve the survival rate. This study aimed to evaluate the hormonal receptor status in female breast cancer and assess the relationship with the patient's age and family history in Najaf, Iraq. A prospective study of two-hundred and fifty-one women with mastectomies (for cancers) was performed at AL Sader Medical City from January 2019 to January 2021. We collected and analyzed data regarding the age of patients, site and size of the tumor, number of pregnancies, family history, weight, smoking, and hormone receptor status. The average age of patients was 48 years, and the peak incidence was in the 40-49 age group (30.27% of patients). Of all age groups, 48.6% (122 patients) were negative for all hormone receptors (triple negative), and only 22.70% had a positive family history. The peak incidence of cancer in our study was in the 40-49 years group. A high proportion of the hormone receptors for patients were negative (triple-negative), and most patients had a negative family history., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (©2022 JOURNAL of MEDICINE and LIFE.)

Background: The first medical college in Iraq was established in 1927, adopting a subject-based curriculum., Aims: To provide a description of undergraduate medical education curricula in Iraq and how they developed since 1927., Methods: We identified Iraqi medical schools and curricula from local and global directories. Curricular data were compared to 3 educational benchmarks (Dale's effectiveness of teaching methods, SPICES, Miller's pyramid). We searched for studies describing curricula and modernization., Results: There are 34 medical colleges in Iraq (32 with identified curricula) with a wide scope of visions and aims adopting 3 types of curriculum: subject-based (SBC) 20 (63%), integrated (IC) 10 (31%) and problem-based learning (PBLC) 2 (6%). The majority of updates were SBC to IC, with only 1 moving from SBC to PBLC. The predominant type of curriculum at the start of instruction is SBC or IC. Although PBLC and IC provide opportunities for inquiry-driven competencies in the first 3 years only, none provide such opportunities in the clinical phase (last 3 years)., Conclusions: Curricular reform needs to focus on modernizing the learning process/outcomes rather than reorganization of the teaching only. A new approach is needed to provide opportunities for competence and experience to prepare doctors to deal with challenges. One such approach would be the adoption of an outcomes-based curriculum model based on domains of competence with clearly defined outcomes/competencies achievable the time of graduation. All curricula should lead to the achievement of the same outcomes., (Copyright © World Health Organization (WHO) 2022. Open Access. Some rights reserved. This work is available under the CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/igo).)

Background: The intensive training requirements needed to achieve the requisiste microneurosurgical milestones makes proper training and skill acquisition a challenge to the novice neurosurgeon. This problem is compounded in low- and middle-income nations, where neurosurgery is subject to a myriad of human and financial resource constraints. A temporary solution may be provided by low-cost laboratories that are adaptive to local needs., Methods: The "HOZ NeuroSurgery LAB" is a nonprofit facility dedicated to microneurosurgery education and skills training. The laboratory, established in June 2015, is housed at the Neurosurgery Teaching Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq. It operates under the motto "More Laboratory Simulation-Fewer Brain Complications.". The fundamental infrastructure of the facility consists of a relatively inexpensive microscope, indigenous locally created training equipment, and animal-based models., Results: Since its inception, this lab has functioned as a hub for resident education and microneurosurgery service, in addition to contributing to the specialty's academic output in the nation. The lab is directly responsible for training 4 vascular neurosurgeons who are currently directing the nation's first organized neurovascular service. Also, it has delivered 53 microneurosurgery skills courses, coordinated 8 student neurosurgery elective cycles with a total of 532 participants, and published approximately 70 research articles., Conclusions: Our experience may serve as a model for other low- and middle-income countries interested in using the principle of "doing more with less" to overcome some of the challenges associated with microneurosurgery in these parts of the world., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The emergence of begomoviruses has led to significant losses in vegetable production in the recent years. Squash leaf curl disease (SqLCD) is caused by begomoviruses, and the infected plants show leaf curl symptoms on zucchini squash. In this study, we characterized the begomoviruses responsible for SqLCD symptoms and economic losses in zucchini major growing area near Baghdad and Babylon provinces. PCR amplification was performed to screen for begomovirus infection using Deng (a begomovirus specific) primer set. Sequence comparison confirmed the detection of two begomoviruses; Tomato leaf curl Palampur virus (ToLCPMV) and Squash leaf curl virus (SLCuV), in symptomatic zucchini samples when shared 99.14 and 99.50% maximum nucleotide (nt) identities with coat protein CP gene, respectively. All samples collected from Baghdad/Al-Jadriya were ToLCPMV infected while those collected from Babylon/Jibela were SLCuV infected. Moreover, mixed infection of the two viruses was detected in all zucchini squash samples collected from Baghdad/Yusufiyah. Evidence is provided here of the relevance of the wild species Malva neglecta and Datura stramonium as reservoir of begomoviruses that cause epedemics of leaf curl disease in zucchini squash in Iraq. Neighbor joining (NJ) Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the relatedness when diverged virus sequences in separated groups based on CP gene. The high nt identity suggests the two begomoviruses may recently be introduced to Iraq and could be a serious threatening to squash cultivation.

An understanding of alcohol's place in Iraq's history and society can help inform alcohol policy responses in that country and other Muslim majority countries. This article describes the history of alcohol in Iraq from ancient to modern times, with reflection on the challenges facing Iraqi youth today. A search was undertaken to identify peer-reviewed and gray literature that describes alcohol-related practices, norms, and values across the millennia in Iraq. A historical overview is provided of alcohol's use and context, with more detail on recent times. Alcohol was an important commodity in Iraq until the rise of Islam in the seventh century CE. Despite the subsequent Islamic restrictions on alcohol, alcohol remained present in Iraq's society and cultures. Recent studies provide varying descriptions of the prevalence of alcohol consumption, and there are challenges in researching this sensitive topic. External forces shaping alcohol use in Iraq include direct and indirect alcohol promotion, globalized media, and conflict and violence with its associated stress and trauma. Alcohol research and policy development in Iraq must consider the country's unique cultural, religious, historical, and political context. Iraq's youth may be subject to pressures to increase consumption, and thus policies must be informed by an understanding of the complex set of current perspectives and pressures.

Due to the sudden emergence of the novel coronavirus as a worldwide pandemic, this study aimed to evaluate the awareness and practices of both the Jordanian and Iraqi populations during the early stages of the pandemic. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between the 19th and 22nd of March to assess the public's awareness toward COVID-19. Multiple scored domains were used to assess the differences between the two populations. Statistical analysis was conducted to reveal the influence of sociodemographic variables on these scores. A total of 3167 participants were recruited in the study, of which, 1599 (50.5%) were from Jordan and 1568 (49.5%) were from Iraq. More than half of the Jordanian (56.8%) and Iraqi participants (53.2%) showed average or adequate awareness about COVID-19. More than 60% of both populations relied on medical staff for COVID-19 related information. Social media was the second most common COVID-19 information source, as it was reported by 53.7% of Jordanian participants and 62.8% of Iraqi participants. More than 90% of both populations participated in precautionary measurements. Finally, about 20% of both populations failed to recognize droplet inhalation as a source of transmission. Despite the portrayed awareness levels, governmental involvement is warranted to increase the public's awareness and fill the gaps within their knowledge., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

COVID-19 poses grave challenges for mass gatherings. One of the world's largest annual gatherings, Arbaeen, occurs in Iraq. We studied respiratory symptoms and risk and protective factors using representative sampling of Arbaeen pilgrims in 2019 to inform prevention of COVID-19 transmission. Structured sampling was used to recruit walking pilgrims. A questionnaire asked about respiratory symptoms, risk, and preventive factors, including hygiene-related resources of toilet facilities. The commonest symptom reported by the 1842 participants (63.3% male, 36.7% female) was cough (25.6%). Eating in mawkibs (rest areas) with indoor kitchens and drinking only packaged water were associated with lower risk of cough (AOR = 0.72, CI = 0.56-0.94; AOR = 0.60; CI = 0.45-0.78, p < 0.05). Facemask use was associated with increased risk of cough (AOR = 2.71, CI = 2.08-3.53, p < 0.05). Handwashing was not protective against cough, or against (one or more of) cough, fever, or breathlessness in multivariate analysis. Toilet facilities often lacked running water (32.1%) and soap (26.1%), and had shared hand towels (17%). To reduce risk of respiratory infections including COVID-19 during Arbaeen or other mass gatherings, needs include running water, soap, and hygienic hand drying options or hand sanitiser. Education on proper handwashing and facemask approaches and monitoring around food preparation and eating spaces are needed.

Background: T-helper 17 plays a novel role in inflammation in gastritis by producing IL-17A, IL-17A gene polymorphisms that might be responsible for disease susceptibility and development of different gastric lesions., Objective: The aims of study was to determine the association of IL-17A (G197A) genotype and allele frequency with disease phenotype and risk with different gastric lesions., Methods: Case controlled study involved 30 gastroduodenal ulcer, 30 chronic gastritis and 30 subjects as a control group with negative endoscopic findings. After genomic DNA extraction, IL-17A (G197A)ARMS-PCR genotyping were done for all cases. Serum IL-17A was measured using ELISA method and tissue expression was visualized using immunohistochemistry staining method., Results: The results showed that allele A was significantly frequent in gastroduodenal ulcer more than that in healthy control odd ratio= 4 (1.42-10.46), and none significantly with chronic gastritis p=0.071. Serum IL-17A was significantly higher in gastroduodenal ulcer (116.45±48.09 pg/ml), chronic gastritis (78.02±30.17pg/ml) and healthy control 19.36±9.28 pg/ml).However, the serum IL-17A level is not related to the allele pattern of each group. The tissue expression was expressed as dense granular cytoplasmic and membranous of inflammatory cells. Interestingly, the percentage of IL-17A protein expression was significantly higher in gastroduodenal ulcer (38.2±16.55%), chronic gastritis (30.89±14.02%) and normal mucosa (2.8±3.02%). Furthermore, patients with strong intensity of IL-17A stained mucosa were frequently carrier for mutant allele (68%)., Conclusion: IL-17A might predispose for aggressive inflammation of advanced lesions in stomach like ulcer., Competing Interests: Authors declares that there is no conflict of interest., (© 2021 Haider F. Ghazi, Manar Mustafa, Hayfaa M. Fahad.)

Background: Arbaeen is an annual religious procession in Iraq with an estimated 17-20 million participants. Public health risks associated with such a mass gathering can be serious at both local and global levels. This is the first quantitative examination of risk factors for, and symptoms of, infectious disease among Arbaeen participants., Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted of a convenience sample of 191 Arbaeen participants in 2017. Interviewers administered a structured questionnaire. Questions included food sources, preventive measures used and symptoms of infectious diseases during the procession., Results: Data were collected for 191 participants (143 males, 58 females). The most prevalent symptoms were respiratory (runny nose: 22.6%, cough: 22.5%). Diarrhoea was reported by 12.6% of participants, with a strong association with high-income country origin and eating (commercial) street food (odds ratios 6.1 and 4.1, respectively, p < 0.05). All symptoms investigated, except breathlessness, were more prevalent in high-income country participants (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: Street food and high-income country origin were independent risk factors for respiratory or gastrointestinal infection symptoms in this sample of Arbaeen participants. However, these results cannot be generalised due to possible selection bias. Further studies are required to inform policy development and health system preparedness to reduce Arbaeen-associated health risks., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest There are no conflicts of interest to declare., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Suspended sediment is one of the most influential parameters on the water bodies' pollution. It can carry different pollutants with different concentration through the suspension movement in the flow. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to monitoring or modelling these loads so that an accurate sediment reduction strategy can be adopted. However, the monitoring process is laborious and time-consuming task. Thus, modelling is suggested as an alternative method. In this study, three different methods of artificial intelligence (i.e., random forest, support vector machine (Radial Basis Function), and artificial neural network) were employed to model and predict the suspended load at Sarai Station in Baghdad. To this end, observed flow rate (m 3 /s) and the corresponding suspended sediment concentration (mg/l) measured over the periods 1962-1981 and 2000-2010 were collected. Auto and partial correlation was used to identify the best combinations of input model data. The data was randomly partitioned into 75% for training and 25% for validation. The confidence interval was hypothesized to assess the uncertainty in the observed and predicted data. Whereas, the k-fold cross validation was used to quantify the uncertainty in the modelling results. The predictive modelling results for the three evaluated methods were assessed based on R 2 , RMSE, and NSE coefficient. Results show that random forest has the superior performance among the others. The total suspended sediment transported was estimated to be 72,734,852 ton during the period 2000-2010.

This study examined the antiradical activity and chemical composition of essential oils of some plants grown in Mosul, Iraq. The essential oils of myrtle and parsley seed contained α-pinene (36.08% and 22.89%, respectively) as main constituents. Trans-Anethole was the major compound found in fennel and aniseed oils (66.98% and 93.51%, respectively). The dominant constituent of celery seed oil was limonene (76.63%). Diallyl disulphide was identified as the major component in garlic oil (36.51%). Antiradical activity was higher in garlic oil (76.63%) and lower in myrtle oil (39.23%). The results may suggest that some essential oils from Iraq possess compounds with antiradical activity, and these oils can be used as natural antioxidants in food applications.

Cardiac hydatidosis is extremely uncommon; only a few case series have been reported in the worldwide medical literature. Whereas hydatid cysts develop in the liver or lungs in 90% of patients who have hydatidosis, only 0.5% to 2% of patients thus diagnosed have cysts of the heart. Herein, we present the clinical summaries of 4 patients who had cardiac hydatid cysts-0.5% of the 763 patients who underwent surgery for thoracic hydatidosis over a period of 20 years at Ibn-Alnafis Teaching Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq. In addition, we discuss our operative technique. A year after surgical treatment and medical therapy, all 4 patients were free of hydatid disease.