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Introduction: Nurses, comprising the largest profession in healthcare, play a significant role in the identification and management of mental health disorders in hospitals. Objectives: The study assessed the knowledge and attitudes of non-psychiatric nurses and their encounters with depressive patients throughout their careers. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study with 400 non-psychiatric nurses from different hospitals in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq during October and November 2022. The independent Student's t -test, one-way analysis of variance, and binary logistic regression were used to assess possible factors associated with knowledge and attitude toward depression. Results: In this study, 400 non-psychiatric nurses were examined, revealing a mean age of 31.57 ± 8.59 years. Their mean scores for knowledge and attitude toward depression were 5.41 out of a maximum of 11 (standard deviation 1.15) and 5.15 out of 18 (standard deviation 1.83), respectively. Notably, differences in mean knowledge scores were observed concerning participant marital status (P =.044), while disparities in mean attitude scores are related to participant gender (P =.010). Upon binary logistic regression analysis, none of the independent variables exhibited an association with good knowledge. Nevertheless, gender emerged as a significant factor influencing attitude toward depression (odds ratio: 0.51; 95% confidence interval: 0.30–0.86; P =.012). Subsequently, in the multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, gender sustained significance (adjusted odds ratio: 0.573; 95% confidence interval: 0.348–0.942; P =.028) as the key variable impacting attitudes toward depression among non-psychiatric nurses. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, nurses have insufficient awareness and management skills for depression. It has been experienced and reported that nurses lack knowledge and an attitude toward depression management. The study highlights a significant gap in nurses' skills for managing depression, urging the immediate improvement of training programs. Customizing these programs to enhance nurses' abilities in identifying and managing depression is crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research focuses on past and present dust storms in Iraq. Notably, this climatic phenomenon has frequently occurred in Iraq, as detailed in historical records. Iraq, specifically Baghdad city, witnessed a series of dust storms in spring 2022. Although these storms are among the normal climatic phenomena in Iraq due to the location in an area with widespread deserts, these storms are distinguished by their severity, causing adverse health effects and leading to aviation disturbance and airport closure. The increase in the intensity of these dust storms could be attributed to the decrease in rainfall in Iraq and neighboring countries in recent years. These storms lasted between 2 and 11 hours (6 hours on average). The frequency of these storms during the spring and summer seasons has increased. Satellite image analysis revealed that the source areas of these dust storms encompass northeastern Syria, eastern Jordan, and northern Saudi Arabia, as well as various sources in Iraq. Synoptic analysis of surface and upper weather maps showed that the comprehensive conditions suitable for dust storm formation can be divided into three cases: the first corresponds to the convergence of two pressure systems over Iraq, the second case corresponds to the convergence of two systems outside the borders of Iraq, and the last case corresponds to a single pressure system impacting Iraq. It was found that the first case accounted for (50%) of the total dust storms, where the meeting of two pressure systems led to the formation of a cold air front forming the core for dust storm development. A cold trough in the upper atmosphere (500 mb) accounted for the majority of dust storms (75%). It was found that the wind speed during these storms ranged from 4-12 m/s, and they were largely accompanied by clouds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review discusses the current state of psychiatric nursing in Iraq and emphasizes the need for improvement. It explores the historical background of psychiatric nursing in Iraq, including its evolution and the impact of socio-political factors. Psychiatric nursing in Iraq faces a number of difficulties, including a shortage of qualified nurses, stigma surrounding mental health, a lack of services, limited infrastructure, and a lack of established protocols. The various strategies to shape the future of psychiatric nursing in Iraq are urgently needed. These include training and recruitment programs to address the shortage of nursing personnel, awareness campaigns and policy advocacy to reduce societal prejudice, the use of technology and community-centred care models to improve access to mental health services, the establishment of infrastructure and resources, and the implementation of standardized practices. The role of government policies in shaping psychiatric nursing is also discussed. The paper critically analyses the impact of policies, calls for increased government support and resource allocation, and explores international cooperation and best practices. Ethical considerations in psychiatric nursing are also examined, including the protection of patient rights, the preservation of human dignity, and the development of cultural competency. In conclusion, this review highlights the challenges and opportunities for psychiatric nursing in Iraq and emphasizes the importance of ongoing efforts and financial commitment. It calls on individuals and organizations involved in mental health and nursing to actively participate in promoting the progress of psychiatric nursing in Iraq. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although human monkeypox infections had not been recorded in the Kurdistan region of Iraq as of August 2023, the rapid growth of cases worldwide and the detection of monkeypox in neighboring Middle Eastern nations call for careful planning and timely response measures. Educating and empowering frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) so that they can act to curb the spread of monkeypox infections are core elements of primary prevention and protecting public health. Therefore, this study aimed to assess HCWs' knowledge and attitudes about monkeypox and their willingness to vaccinate against monkeypox. By employing a convenience sampling method, an online survey was disseminated via Google Forms between 1 November 2022 and 15 January 2023. The researchers utilized regression analyses to ascertain the factors associated with the three parameters: knowledge, attitude, and the willingness to vaccinate. A total of 637 HCWs were included in the analysis (ages ranged between 21 and 51 years). The mean overall scores were 8.18 of a max score of 16 (SD 3.37), 3.4 of 5 (SD 1.37), and 2.41 of 5 (SD 1.25) for knowledge, attitude, and willingness to vaccinate, respectively. A multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that HCWs who had heard about monkeypox before 2022 rather than later had a higher level of knowledge (AOR: 4.85; 95% CI: 2.81–8.36; p < 0.001). In addition, those who had newly joined the workforce or had less than 1 year experience in practice had more positive attitudes about curbing monkeypox (AOR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.20–0.59; p < 0.01) than those who practiced for longer. No significant predictors of willingness to vaccinate against monkeypox were identified. The research revealed that HCWs exhibited a relatively low level of monkeypox knowledge. They also had poor attitudes towards monkeypox vaccination and were therefore reluctant to receive the vaccines. Imparting knowledge about the infectious disease can cultivate better awareness and attitudes among HCWs as to their roles in mitigating the spread of an epidemic in the foreseeable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Litho‐prediction is a non‐unique process that requires more than integrated techniques to reinforce the final results and harmonize hydrocarbon probability. Consequently, integrated procedures have been started with log data of the Mishrif formation in different site locations and involve petrophysics and rock physics analyses altogether to evaluate the general situation of the formation. In the second stage, we performed seismic inversion for 3D seismic data in the Kumaite and Dhafriyah oil fields. A brand‐new technique called pseudo–post‐stack simultaneous inversion has been used to calculate all the elastic engineering properties of the seismic cube. This method is performed by utilizing a real genetic inversion model that would be used to calibrate a low‐frequency model of simultaneous inversion to enhance the resolution and event isolation of the final inverted cube to identify reservoir characterization. The final output then is used to perform quantitative analysis and determine the productive layers within the area of interest. Density–velocity analysis also plays an extraordinary role in establishing the main relationship between different elastic parameters. Finally, by using the local equation and global density–velocity equations, different velocities of carbonate succession have been calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid spread of monkeypox (mpox) has been declared as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). The present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and worry levels of the general population in the Kurdistan region of Iraq regarding the ongoing mpox multi-country outbreak. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted between 27–30 July 2022, using a convenience sampling method. The questionnaire was adapted from previous studies addressing the same topic. The independent Student's t-test, one-way ANOVA, and logistic regression were used to assess possible factors associated with knowledge, attitude, and worry toward mpox. A total of 510 respondents were included in the final analysis. The participants showed a moderate level of mpox knowledge, a neutral attitude towards mpox, and a relatively moderate worry level. The logistic regression analysis showed that age, gender, marital status, religion, level of education, and place of residence were associated with mpox knowledge; however, the significant variables in the multivariate regression analysis were gender, religion, level of education, and residential area. Gender and residential area were associated with attitudes toward mpox; however, the significant variables in the multivariate regression analysis were gender and residential areas. The worry toward mpox was influenced by gender, marital status, religion, and place of residence, yet the significant variables in the multivariate regression analysis were gender, religion, educational level, and residential area. In conclusion, the Kurdish population had moderate knowledge, a neutral attitude, and a moderate level of worry about mpox. Considering the continuous rapid rise in mpox cases in several countries, and its possible risk as pandemic amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, proactive control measures, adequate disease prevention strategies, and preparedness plans need to be formulated and immediately implemented to tackle the appearance of fears among people, and to safeguard the mental health of the public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil loss (SL) and its related sedimentation in mountainous areas affect the lifetime and functionality of dams. Darbandikhan Lake is one example of a dam lake in the Zagros region that was filled in late 1961. Since then, the lake has received a considerable amount of sediments from the upstream area of the basin. Interestingly, a series of dams have been constructed (13 dams), leading to a change in the sedimentation rate arriving at the main reservoir. This motivated us to evaluate a different combination of equations to estimate the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), Sediment Delivery Ratio (SDR), and Reservoir Sedimentation (RSed). Sets of Digital Elevation Model (DEM) gathered by the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), Harmonized World Soil Database (HWSD), AQUA eMODIS NDVI V6 data, in situ surveys by echo-sounding bathymetry, and other ancillary data were employed for this purpose. In this research, to estimate the RSed, five models of the SDR and the two most sensitive factors affecting soil-loss estimation were tested (i.e., rainfall erosivity (R) and cover management factor (C)) to propose a proper RUSLE-SDR model suitable for RSed modeling in mountainous areas. Thereafter, the proper RSed using field measurement of the bathymetric survey in Darbandikhan Lake Basin (DLB) was validated. The results show that six of the ninety scenarios tested have errors <20%. The best scenario out of the ninety is Scenario #18, which has an error of <1%, and its RSed is 0.46458 km3·yr−1. Moreover, this study advises using the Modified Fournier index (MIF) equations to estimate the R factor. Avoiding the combination of the Index of Connectivity (IC) model for calculating SDR and land cover for calculating the C factor to obtain better estimates is highly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Signalized intersections play a significant role in regulating the traffic stream in urban transportation networks. Extensive delay increases travel time cost and reduces Level Of Service (LOS). This study is conducted to determine delay at five isolated signalized intersections in Erbil city, Iraq using two software to improve intersection performance. The Highway Capacity Software (HCS+T7F) and Signalized and Unsignalized Intersection Design and Research Aid (SIDRA Intersection 8) software. An optimizing model following the Genetic Algorithm (GA) has been applied to optimize the signal cycle time using HCS2010(HCS+T7F) and SIDRA software in order to minimize delay at signalized intersections. The average delay value for all the intersections has been reduced after optimization using SIDRA delay model, which represents 21% reduction. On the other hand, by using HCS2010, the value has been reduced by 29% reduction, which is still higher than average field measured delay. In addition, SIDRA optimizing model has a lower optimum cycle time compared with HCS2010 optimize model. For better performance, the intersections should be optimized depending on the SIDRA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is increasing concern about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown's social and economic consequences on gender-based violence. This study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gender-based violence by comparing the prevalence of spousal violence against women before and during the COVID-19 related lockdown periods. This study was conducted in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq using a self-administered online questionnaire survey after the COVID-19 lockdown period in June 2020. Data were collected from a sample of 346 married women about the occurrence, frequency, and forms of spousal violence before and during the lockdown period. Significant increases in violence were observed from the pre-lockdown period to the lockdown period for any violence (32.1% to 38.7%, p =.001), emotional abuse (29.5% to 35.0%, p =.005), and physical violence (12.7% to 17.6%, p =.002). Regarding emotional abuse, humiliation (24.6% to 28.3%, p =.041) and scaring or intimidation (14.2% to 21.4%, p <.001) significantly increased during the lockdown. For physical violence, twisting the arm or pulling hair (9.0% to 13.0%, p =.004) and hitting (5.2% to 9.2%, p =.003) significantly increased during the lockdown. Forcing to have sexual intercourse also significantly increased during lockdown (6.6% to 9.5%., p =.021). The concerned authorities and women's rights organizations should collaborate to enhance the prevention of violence against women. An effective prevention strategy should emphasize recognizing and acknowledging the extent of the problem, raising awareness about the problem and the available resources to address it, and ensuring social and economic stability. Lessons learned about the increased prevalence of spousal violence against women during the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to adopt appropriate strategies to prevent and address it will be valuable for similar future crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation aims to provide epidemiological features of the COVID-19 patients that admitted to Shahid Dr Hemin Teaching Hospital in Sulaimani city, Iraq. To carry out this work, cross-sectional method was used. A convenience sampling method was applied for data collection which started from 2nd October to 31th December 2020. The current study included only 371 patients who admitted for having COVID-19. The data were collected from patient’s medical record and a direct interview method was used for filling in the questionnaire forms. The collected data were statistically analysed by SPSS program with considering a p-value ≤ 0.05 as a significant interpretation. The findings show that the age of patients ranged from 19-95 years old and mean age of the participants was (63.69±12.73). The majority of patients 159 (42.9%) were between 65-79 years old and followed by 124 (33.4%) of them were between 50-64 years old. Male to female ratio was 2:1. Most of the patients were retired 119 (32.1%) in comparison to other occupations and illiterate patients 151(40.7%) were dominance over other patient’s education levels. In addition, majority of patients had hypertension 278(74.9%), diabetes 132 (35.6%) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) 130 (35.0%). On the other hand, regarding to condition of patients 230 (62.0%) and 141(38.0%) of them were in severe and moderate stage of disease respectively. Also, a. significant association were observed between the age group, occupation, education level, stage of the disease and patients’ outcome, while for gender, marital status and residency there were statistically non-significant. The presence of CVD, hypertension and diabetes increase the mortality rate among the patients. In conclusion, the age of COVID-19 patients has a great impact on increasing mortality rate and the presence of comorbidities among the COVID- 19patients significantly raise the mortality rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pediculosis is a common parasitic public health issue. Many socio-demographic and economic factors affect the pattern and prevalence of pediculosis. It is widely spread among pupils, particularly those in elementary schools. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Pediculus capitis infestation and its related risk factors in primary school children in Sulaimani Governorate, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, overall, 2064 primary school children (aged 5–14 years) during the period from October 2019 to February 2020 were randomly examined for the presence of any stage of Pediculosis capitis in both urban and suburban areas. The schools were selected by multistage sampling methods. A questionnaire was sent to the parents to get consent and fill in for every single pupil. The results were computed using the chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. Results: The overall prevalence of head lice infestation was (9.16%). The study found a significant association of Pediculosis capitis infestation with gender, parents’ education level, mother’s employment, number of siblings, and previous infestation. The older age of children (≥12 years old) and the higher-grade pupils (4th to 6th class) were more infested. Conclusion: Head lice remain a health problem for school children. It needs collaboration of many sectors for decreasing and early detection and treatment in both urban and suburban areas since they have a close rate of infestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of reduced tillage (RT) and conventional tillage (CT) systems on some soil properties of wheat fields in Northern Iraq (Duhok Province) under a hot and dry climatic condition were investigated. This study was carried out in a randomized plot design with four replications at three locations (Bardrash, Sumail, and Zakho) in the seasons 2017-2018. Four fields in each location at Duhok Province were equally separated into two groups for CT and RT systems. A group of 24 soil samples for each tillage system were taken from the locations. Soil organic matter content, pH, EC, bulk density and total porosity values were significantly (p<0.05) affected by different tillage systems. Soil pH, EC and bulk density values generally significantly reduced with the RT compared with CT. On the other hand, soil OM content and total porosity were significantly increased with the RT system in all locations under a hot and dry climatic condition. In all locations, RT system decreased bulk density and increased total porosity with conserving soil OM due to preventing from rapid mineralization. However, rapid mineralization of soil OM in the CT system under dry climate condition caused increases in EC which indicated that there were high soluble ions in soil solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inappropriate use of antibiotics causes the emergence of multidrug resistant bacteria. Therefore, this study investigated the rate of beta- lactamase resistance genes and drug resistance pattern of 87 E. coli isolated from feces of different hosts. The rate of resistance to amoxicillin, cefotaxim, ceftriaxone, and meropenem were the highest in E. coli of humans compared to other hosts. 18 (20.6%) isolates were positive with blaCTX-M and blaTEM and 17 (19.5%) of them were found in heavy antibiotic users, but only one blaCTX-M gene (1.1%) was discovered in the low antibiotic user group of pigeons. The rate of blaCTX-M gene was the highest in E. coli isolated from the feces of humans, 13.7%, whereas the highest rate of blaTEM was found in E. coli of poultry, 3.4%. The highest rate of blaCTX-M and blaTEM genes were recorded in phylogenetic groups B2 and D at the rate of 61.5% and 60%, respectively. There were sequence similarities between local and foreign beta-lactamase genes, but single nucleotide polymorphism was found in comparison to CTX-M3 isolated in Poland. We conclude that E. coli isolated from humans were more resistant to antibiotics compared to other hosts and the rate of CTX-M gene was more common in human hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Ischemic stroke is characterized as a sudden neurological deficit attributed to an acute focal injury of the central nervous system by a vascular cause. This study was performed to determine the frequency of G20210A mutation in the prothrombin gene and its effectiveness on the incidence of ischemic stroke in the Erbil city of Kurdistan region, Iraq. Methods: A total of 50 patients with ischemic stroke was analyzed for the detection of prothrombin gene mutation (G20210A), using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) with Hind III restriction enzyme. Results: We observed no evidence of an association between ischemic stroke and G20210A mutation in the prothrombin gene in this region. Conclusion: Our finding demonstrates that prothrombotic gene variant seems not to be linked to the incidence of ischemic stroke in Erbil region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four hundred and seventy eight gravity base stations in Iraq were used to obtain a new local theoretical gravity equation. The obtained equation was used to construct a Bouguer anomaly map of Iraq depending on the available gravity base stations. This map was compared with the Bouguer map constructed for the same stations using the international formula (1930). Good similarity in shapes and locations of the anomaly were observed, while the gravity anomaly values in the new map were increased by about 30 mGal. The eastern zero gravity contour line of the new obtained gravity map coincides with the western boundary of the tectonic Mesopotamian zone, while the main negative gravity values coincide with the Mesopotamian area, which contains most oil fields in eastern Iraq. All negative gravity anomaly areas coincide with the deepest basement rocks (the sedimentary basins) in Iraq. The obtained results are very valuable in geological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A new gravity and seismic survey along a profile length (70 Km) carried out at the area of exploration Block- 11 in Al- Najaf desert, southwest Iraq. The obtained gravity and seismic value compared with the previous available data that achieved by IPC and OEC for gravity and seismic data respectively. The difference between the new gravity profile and the old one is mainly in small anomaly not more than (14 %) that related to shallow depth levels and presents through power spectrum analysis. Previously, Ghulaissan-1 well which drilled in (1960) depend on a positive gravity and magnetic anomaly interpret, which is considered as an anticline structure in sub surface. It did not indicate any hydrocarbon shows after drilling, the integration study shows, that the positive anomaly appear in gravity record may be results from extension of presence thick Ophiolites and syn- tectonic gabbro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic infection that caused by an obligated intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii of many types of tissues, including nervous, muscular and intestinal epithelial tissue. Congenital toxoplasmosis is most severe condition when occurs in early period of pregnancy. The main aim of this study is to determine prevalence of toxoplasmosis among aborted women in Garmian region by using both Latex Agglutination Test (LAT) and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The study was carried out in Kalar General Hospital to detect Toxoplasma antibodies among 350 samples, in which 250 samples were from aborted women and 100 samples were from normal birth women as a control. Participants' age was range from < 18 to > 35 years old. The data were collected form 15th January 2009 to 25th June 2010 by using a special questionnaire form to obtain full information from each participant. For statistical analysis of the data, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 was used. The study showed that (112) cases out of 250 were seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii by using LAT, (65) cases for IgG and (50) cases for IgM by using ELISA. In the abortion group, it showed (87) cases out of 150 were seropositive by using LAT, (51) cases for IgG and (40) cases for IgM (26.6%), whereas in normal birth group (control), it showed (25) case out of 100 were seropositive by using LAT, (14) case for IgG and (10) case for IgM by using ELISA. A High seropositivity percentage was recorded among housewives (35.2%) than teachers and employees (29.4%), (28.5%) respectively. Furthermore, a higher percentage of Toxoplasma seropositivity was recorded in rural area than urban area. The aborted women who were in contact with soil showed the higher rate of Toxoplasma seropositivity (38.7%) than those were not in contact with soil (25%). This study concluded that the prevalence of toxoplasmosis was higher in Garmian region and especially among those women who have lower education level and who live in rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new derivative applied to the old gravity Bouguer map (served in 1940s and 1950s), taking regional study area covered the mid and south of Iraq. The gravity anomaly reflects a density contrast variation; therefore it is possible to use gravity inversion to the density and velocity model through layers (615m, 1100m, 1910m, 2750m and 5290m), the depth layers according to the power spectrum analysis of gravity Bouguer. The inversion is according to the integration of gravity anomalies of the each depth layer with the same depth of wells data, considered to the estimations and analysis of density and velocity scatters of the oil wells distribution with depth at the regional area. Taking the relation curve of density and velocity by presenting the function of (8 logs), which obtained the main relation to Seismic velocity and density of the study area, which is confirm with (Nafe and Drake curve). The result of the gravity inversion is on the anomalies behavior in density and velocity domain, taking in seismic stack processing of seismic reflection records and time to depth conversion, as the geophysical integration data is addition to the well data distribution in the regional area of Iraq. Good results obtained on comparing the interpretation of the considered seismic section in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes the impact of the totalitarian policy of Iraq on the country's literature in general and on poetry in particular. According to the author, Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein's totalitarianism has turned the poet or the writer into a lover of militarism and a lover of a language that idealizes and leaves no room for questions and gentleness. The author asserts that the state itself has emphasized that those who would try to be like T.S. Eliot would be considered mentally ill and would be dealt with accordingly.

The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the vacuum liquid chromatographic (VLC) fractions of the dichloromethane (DCM) extract of the bulbs of Ornithogalum cuspidatum, a native perennial of Iran, Iraq and Turkey, led to the identification of a number of steroidal compounds. The free radical scavenging activity of the DCM extract was assessed by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) assay, and found to be much weaker (RC50 = 0.5197 mg/mL) than that of the positive control Trolox® (RC50 = 3.07 x 10-3 mg/mL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]