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The paragenetic history and provenance of framework grains in marginal marine and deltaic sandstones of the Pirispiki Formation in two sections, (Ora and Kaista), northern Iraq were examined. This was achieved using an integrated approach employing scanning electron microscopy-cathodoluminescence (SEM-CL), and optical microscopy. The Pirispiki Formation is lithologically characterized by alternating layers of thin- and thick-bedded sandstones. These were intercalated with thin laminae of grey-black shale. Petrographic analysis revealed that the dominant detrital grains in the mature quartz arenite sandstone were monocrystalline quartz grains with undulose extinction. The diagenetic analysis of the sandstones documented several processes that occur in three distinct stages. The SEM-CL technique enabled the identification of two distinct quartz overgrowth phases. Quartz cementations are of two types, the earliest phase and the most significant by volume is the Q1 cement characterized by dark non-luminescence which led to the destruction of most of the primary pores and the healing of mechanically induced cracks. Q2 cement is formed after major compaction and is characterized by bright luminescence with sector zoning, revealing an intricate SEM-CL zonation. CL revealed five special textures within detrital quartz grains including healed fractures and zoning. The provenance of the detrital quartz grains indicated the dominance of plutonic and metamorphic sources, with trace amounts originating from volcanic sources. These were mostly derived from the Bitlis Massif Zone in Turkey.

The Paleogene sequence of the Zagros foreland basin of NE Arabiais punctuated by a linear chain of carbonate bank-ramp associations. These carbonate banks had developed over the NW-SE trending basin forebulge. Continued convergence and compressional tectonics of the basin made the forebulge become incipient and shallow enough to commence carbonate sedimentation. The porpose of this work is to investigate the origin, facies and regional stratigraphic relations of these carbonates to the forebulge and other basin depozones. Stratigraphic data of this research are collected from (15), measured outcrop sections distributed over the basin forebulge zone and surroundings. In addition, re-examination and reinterpretation of (30) previously studied surface and subsurface sections are compiled into the study. This done to integrate the regional facies distribution and basin-wide sequence stratigraphic architecture. Stratigraphic investigations include lithostratigraphic logging and correlation, microfacies analysis, and facies modeling. Four major banks were recognized, three of these banks (informally named: Dohuk, Kirkuk, and Sulaimaniyah) were developed over the forebulge zone. The other one (Sinjar bank) of the Sinjar area, is related to basininversion mechanism. The forebulge carbonate banks were developed as the reefal limestone of the Sinjar Formation, and the lagoonal carbonate and shale of the Khurmala Formation. The Sinjar Formation is dominated by coralgal reef and foraminiferal-shoals with facies spectrum forming the basic body of the bank. The ramp setting was developed on both sides of the bank. The bank limestone represents the inner ramp facies, whilea windward ramp is developed as foraminiferal bioclastic limestone fingers into the back-bulge basinal marlstone of the Aaliji Formation. A leeward ramp facies was developed into the foredeep depozone, with bioclastic carbonate intercalations that characterize the upper part of the Kolosh Formation. At a later stage of basin shoaling (Early Eocene), a carbonate back-bank lagoon was developed over the foredeep area. It became gradually, isolated at certain parts of the basin, and finally replaced by the dolostone of the Khurmala Formation.

The Late Oligocene-Early Miocene including Anah and Bajwan formations have been studied in selected areas of Sulamaniyah (Aj-Dagh and Basara sections) and Kirkuk governorate within Bai Hassan Oilfield (BH-3 and BH-4), which is located within the Western Zagros Fold Thrust Belt, Northern, and Northeastern Iraq. The palaeontological investigations mainly depended on benthonic foraminifera of the studied sections of Aj-Dagh and Basara, as well as the studied wells of Bai Hassan OilField (BH-3, and BH-4) of Anah and Bajwan formations, twenty-four species belonging to fourteen genera recognized of benthonic foraminifera, with five index fossils determining the age of the formations as Late Oligocene-Early Miocene, which have been recognized through this study, especially benthonic foraminiferal, indicating four zones as Praerhapydionina delicata range zone, Austrotrillina howchini-Peneroplis evolutus zone, Concurrent range, and Miogypsinoides complanate-Lepidocyclina (Nephrolepidina) sp. Concurrent zone.

This research aimed to identify the most important geomorphological and morphometric properties of the Central Erbil sub-basin and the possibility of benefiting from its water by using it optimally for various uses. The study used the descriptive analytical approach to extract and analyze the morphological and hydrological properties of the valleys in the research area to determine the properties of water drainage networks and variables influencing surface earth formation. Watersheds' morphometric parameters are computed and Identified using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems. Central Erbil sub-basin has radial, parallel, and dendritic drainage patterns and spans 2107 km2. Central Erbil sub-basin is divided into six sub-basins. The present study focused on linear and areal morphometric aspects of sub-basins. The study focuses on morphometric characteristics, for example, drainage density, stream order, stream texture ratio, length, bifurcation ratio, frequency, circularity ratio, form factor ratio, and elongation ratio, which have changed over time. Morphometric studies of the Central Erbil sub-basin indicate that it is a sixth-order drainage basin. This means that the basin is highly permeable and has dense vegetation. Aspects of the basin's morphometric study revealed that it has a significant potential for flooding, suggesting that runoff from the watersheds' upland areas has strongly permeated the basin's gentler downstream portion and increased the capacity for groundwater.

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.

Major theoretical and practical hydrological issues may be solved using methods to maintain water balance. Evaluating the climate characteristics and environmental circumstances to be employed in the methods of water managing approach used in the Erbil sub-basin, northern Iraq, is the primary goal of this study. The studied area is a part of the region influenced by the Mediterranean climatological system. The climatic parameters of the research region were evaluated using the climatic data collected in the Erbil meteorological station for the period 1980-2022. The research result shows that the mean annual rainfall is 411.26 mm/year and the average monthly relative humidity is 41.12 %, the mean temperature is 20.62 °C, mean sunshine duration 8.35 hr./day and annual pan evaporation is 1200.96 mm / year. Potential evapotranspiration considered by Thornthwaite method is 1588.94 mm. The water surplus and deficit are 216.14 mm and 1393.81 mm, respectively. The surface runoff calculating from soil conservation system (SCS) technique which is about 86 mm / year and groundwater recharge is about 130.14 mm / year. The groundwater Budgets is about 187661880 m3 / year. The climatic situation in the area is variety from winter its wet to the summer its dry climates. Also, it could be measured that the climate in the area is determined was (Humid to very humid). The draught index according to SPI analysis show that the drought was observed during Moderately drought in (1983, 1999, 2000, 2010, 2015, and 2021) to severely drought in (2022.

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.

Specifically, Iraq is threatened in its second-largest northern city, Mosul, by the collapse of the Mosul Dam due to problems at the root of the dam, causing a wave of floods that will cause massive loss of life, resources, and public property. The objective of this study is to effectively monitor the level of dam water by predicting the level of water held by the dam In anticipation of achieving flood stage and breaking the dam, and supporting its behavior through formation 14-day time series data to predict seven days later. Used six deep learning models (deep neural network (DNN), convolutional neural network (CNN), convolutional neural network long short-term memory (CNN-LSTM), CNN-LSTM-Skip and CNN-LSTM Skip Attention) that models were trained to predict the water level in the dam; these levels of being under surveillance and prepared In case of danger, alert people to potential flood threats depending on the dam’s water level. These time series were created from the actual data sets of the dam; it’s a fundamental historical reading for 13 years (1993–2006) of the water level stored in the Mosul dam and was adopted in coordination with the Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources and the Centre for Research on Dams and Water Resources at Mosul University. The methodology applied in this study shows the model’s performance efficiency and the prediction results’ low error rate. It also compares those practical results to determine and adopt the performance-efficient model and a lower error rate. The comparison of these results proved the accuracy of its results, and superior to the CNN-LSTM model, it has the highest ability to perform through high accuracy with MAE = 0.087153 and time steps = 0 s 196 ms/step and loss = 0.00067. The current study demonstrated the ability to predict the water level in Mosul Dam, which suffers from foundation problems and may collapse in the future. Therefore, the water level in the dam must be monitored accurately. It also aims to test the effectiveness of the six models proposed in this study after evaluating their performance and applying the prediction process within a scenario to obtain predictive values after 14 days. The results showed the practical effectiveness of the hybrid CNN-LSTM model in correctly and accurately obtaining predictive values within the integrated framework of the required scenario. The study concluded that it is possible to enhance the ability to monitor and identify the potential risk of Mosul Dam at an early stage, and it also allows for proactive crisis management and sound decision-making, thus mitigating the adverse effects of crises on public safety and infrastructure and reducing human losses in areas along the Tigris River.

A petrographic and microfacies analysis was conducted to understand better the sequence development of Shiranish Formation in Mergasur area within Erbil governorate (Lailuk section), Northern Iraq. These analyses interpreted the depositional environment, an essential aspect of stratigraphic analysis. Shiranish Formation is overlying Bekhme Formation in Lailuk region, with an unconformable contact. Shiranish series consists of four main microfacies: lime mudstone, wackestone, packstone, and grainstone. These microfacies are further divided into seven sub-microfacies: planktonic foraminiferal lime mudstone, planktonic foraminiferal lime mudstone to wackestone, planktonic foraminiferal wackestone, bioclastic planktonic foraminiferal wackestone, bioclastic planktonic foraminiferal wackestone to packstone, planktonic foraminiferal packstone, and planktonic foraminiferal packstone to grainstone. The sub-facies are associated with four discrete depositional settings: profound shelf, abyssal or cratonic deep basin, incline, and the inclined base. The studied region, Shiranish Formation, contains three asymmetrical depositional sequences (A, B, and C). The sequence disparity suggests a correlation between sea level and carbonate production variation. Asymmetrical cycles represent a phase of increasing sea level after a calm period. Shiranish sequence was formed over a discontinuous surface, creating a clear distinction from the underlying Bekhme Formation. The surface is represented using a type two-sequence boundary (SB-2). the Shiranish succession in the research region is created in an area of high subsidence. A significant transgression caused by a series of sea level occurrences resulted in the formation of the Shiranish Formation on a carbonate platform with significant subsidence. A significant transgression that caused several periods of sea level rise and stillstand is responsible for the formation of the Shiranish Formation on a carbonate platform that has seen significant subsidence. The depositional sequence stratigraphy, Shiranish sequences A to C, is distinguished by three maximum flooding surfaces (MFS-165, MFS-170, and MFS-175). These sequences have a notable correlation with comparable stratigraphic patterns reported in Iraq and other regions of the Arabian plate.

Regions characterized by an arid or semi-arid climate are highly susceptible to prospective climate change impacts worldwide. Therefore, evaluating the effects of global warming on water availability in such regions must be accurately addressed to identify the optimal operation policy of water management facilities. This study used the weather generator model LARS-WG6.0 to forecast possible variations in precipitation and temperature of the Mosul Dam Reservoir in northern Iraq. Future climate change was predicted using three greenhouse gas emission scenarios (i.e., RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5) for four time intervals (2021–2040, 2041–2060, 2061–2080, and 2081–2100) using five Global climate models (GCMs): CSIRO-Mk3.6.0, HadGEM2-ES, CanESM2, BCC-CSM1-1, and NorESM1-M. The model’s calibration and validation were conducted using data from 2001 to 2020 from eight meteorological stations in the study area. The results showed that the weather generator model’s performance was outstanding in predicting daily climate variables. The results also showed that the highest increase in maximum and minimum temperatures was 5.70°C in July and 5.30°C in September, respectively, for the future period 2081–2100 under RCP8.5. The highly forecasted minimum and maximum temperatures were extracted from the CanESM2 and HadGEM2-ES GCM models. It was demonstrated that the study region would experience different patterns of precipitation change during the wet seasons in the evaluated periods. Finally, the variations in precipitation and temperatures in the Mosul dam region would significantly impact the amount of freshwater obtained in these areas due to rising loss rates of evaporation. This could lead to a water shortage and mismanagement of the sustainable operations of the dam.

Four new Ostracods species are newly described from the Late Campanian - Early Maastrichtian age in the Bekhme Formation from the Badi section in the Dohuk area. They are Cytherella badiensis sp. Nov, Uroleberis bakhmaensis sp. Nov, Xestoleberis globularis sp. nov and Loxoconcha quadratus sp. nov. The current study identified and classified 16 ostracod species belonging to 12 genera according to the standard systematics of ostracods. These species are very similar in terms of geological age and external appearance to the same species that previously recorded in the Arabian Gulf region and North Africa.

The newly established Seikanian suburban area is located about 5 km north of Kirkuk City. The area has a civil engineering problem concerning the unknown location of the water supply buried pipe in a road which might destructed during excavation works for maintenance operations. The geophysical surface self-potential method is chosen to find the pipe's location and depth. For acquiring data grid self-potential 20 and 22 points measurements were taken around the suspected location of the pipe within non-streaming water and streaming water in the pipe conditions respectively. Additional two survey lines of gradient configuration of 28 m length away of 3.5 m from the suspected buried pipeline carried out in the two conditions also. The grid self-potential points are rendered into observed, regional, and residual contour maps using surfer software 8. The interpreted self-potential gridded points in non-streaming water pipe conditions yielded positive anomalies in the observed map but the streaming water produced dominantly negative anomalies map. The residual self-potential maps in the two conditions showed positive and negative anomalies, all anomalies in the self-potential maps were spread along the center line of the maps where the suspected buried water supply pipe is extended, the residual maps showed it more clearly. To constrain the location of the buried water supply pipe second horizontal derivative technique upon the residual self-potential maps was applied and the constructed maps revealed accurately the anomalies aroused from the buried pipe spread over the center line. The gradient surveyed line profiles indicated that the self-potential signals submit to potential field theory formulations. The curve anomaly analysis of the survey line across the suspected buried pipe in the streaming water condition determined the depth of the buried pipe as 1.4 m.

This study examined the effects of stocking density on the growth, survival, and overall health of common carp Cyprinus carpio in net cages at Lake Dukan, in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. Common carp with an initial weight of 180 ± 5 g were used in nine experimental net cages (7 m × 7 m × 3 m, 147 m3) for the study. The three different common carp stocking densities (1000, 1250, and 1500 fish/cage, or 6, 8, and 10 fish/m3) were assessed using three replicates for each treatment. The trial was conducted for 120 days, and the fish were fed commercial floating feed. Fifty fish were taken out of their cages at random every two weeks in order to assess their weight gain and adjust their diet. Total and daily weight, feed conversion ratio, survival rate, and somatic index were measured at the trail's end. The final weight, weight gain, daily weight gain, and specific growth rate (1546 g, 1363.9 g, 11.37 g, and 1.8), respectively, were found to be highest at the lowest stocking density of 1000 fish/cage, and the lowest stocking density had the best feed conversion ratio (1.52). Additionally, the fish applied at 1000 fish/cage had the highest flesh weight index (75.03) and ‌recorded survival rate (96%). It was determined that the condition factor and organ somatic index of cultured fish were unaffected by stocking density. According to our results, stock fish at a density of 6 fish/m3 with an initial weight of 180 g are suitable for the cage culture of common carp in northern Iraqi lakes.

The Gulneri Formation (Early-Middle Turonian) Deep-water depositional model was constructed using detailed microfacies analysis from the northern Iraqi wells of Kirkuk (K-116) and Bai Hassan (BH-81) as well as the Dokan outcropped area. In the outcropped section, the formation consists of 2 m of thin friable marly limestone with high organic matter and thin-bedded black shale in addition to boulder and gravel-like limestone masses in the lower part. In the K-116 and BH-81 wells, the formation is 4.3 m and 9 m thick, respectively. It is composed mainly of black bituminous, pyritic calcareous shale, and shaley limestone with scattered glauconites. Petrographic studies of seventeen thin sections of the Gulneri rocks reveal that the pelagic/deep marine faunas are the dominant skeletal grain in the micritic groundmass. Three main microfacies were recognized in the studied rocks of the Gulneri Formation, namely lime mudstone, lime wackestone, and lime packstone. However, the latter is absent in the Dokan section. According to their environmental interpretation, these microfacies were grouped into two facies associations (basinal deep water and deep shelf). Based on the results of petrographic and microfacies analyses, it is concluded that the Gulneri Formation was deposited in a basinal deep marine environment with quiet and reducing conditions in the Dokan section and a basinal deep marine environment in the K-116 and BH-81 wells which changed at intervals to a shallower deep shelf setting toward the upper part with semi reducing conditions. The euxinic deep basin that formed at the beginning of the Kurdistan foreland basin's formation was quite anoxic and deeper from the northeast to the relatively shallower basin with semi-reduced conditions towards the southwest. This is how the depositional model of the Gulneri Formation in northern Iraq changed.

In Erbil City, Northern Iraq, an evaluation was conducted to determine the pollution level and health effects caused by heavy metals found in dust collected from tree leaves. Throughout June and July 2022, thirty samples of dust were taken from eucalyptus leaves. These samples were collected from various locations including industrial areas, streets, parks (green areas), and residential sites. The concentration of heavy metals including As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn was determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). To assess the contamination level of the dust with heavy metals, various indices and models were utilized; these included the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), and pollution load index (PLI). In addition, the Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI) and health risk assessment model were evaluated using the Hakanson and USEPA methods, respectively. The findings revealed that the metals' concentrations followed a descending order of Mn> Zn> Ni> Cr> Cu> V> Pb> Co> As> and Cd. The Igeo data showed that the dust in the area of study was clear of As, Co, Cr, Mn, Pb, and V pollution, unpolluted to moderately polluted with Cd, Cu, while moderately polluted with Ni, and Zn. The CF results indicated that the degree of dust pollution was low for V, moderate for As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, and Pb, and considerable for Ni and Zn. According to the EF calculation results, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb and V all have deficiencies or very minimal enrichments, but Ni has a moderate enrichment and Zn has a moderate to significant enrichment. The Er values exhibited that the Er was classified as low potential risk for As, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn except Cd which indicate moderate potential ecological risk. The RI value is classified as low ecological risk for heavy metals in all sampling sites. The results of the health risk assessment revealed that the examined heavy metals pose no non-carcinogenic danger to children and adults, while Cd, Co, Ni, and Pb do not represent a carcinogenic danger to children or adults. The risk of As and Cr on human being is within acceptable limits.

In post war regions, especially in low-income countries, the health care systems often require immediate support. For example, after the terror of the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in 2014, many internally displaced persons took refuge in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). Those displaced by war have had to face the reality that psychotherapy did not exist as a service in the Kurdish health system. Many projects and Non-Government-Organizations (NGOs) that work in post-conflict regions focus on short term and quick response and/or basic psychological services. The implementation of the “Institute for Psychotherapy and Psychotraumatology” (IPP) at the University of Dohuk, follows a long-term approach. The 3-year-program teaches students to become professional psychotherapists, with respect to evidence-based and culturally adapted methods of psychotherapy. To achieve sustainability, the project is working towards handing over the teaching and organizational responsibilities into local hands. This article highlights the chances and challenges during this transition, as well as the importance of cultural understanding and realistic, practical solutions. An honest reflection on existing cultural challenges, e.g. inflexible hierarchical structures or an “old-fashioned” religious view of homosexuality, can then lead to practical solutions. These include winning over local authorities by including them in the process, culturally adapting to customs with the help of educated locals, demonstrating non-authoritarian forms of leadership, and explicitly promoting newly graduated young lecturers into positions of authority.

The distribution of petrophysical parameters is governed by lithology, hence understanding the spatial variation in lithology is essential for reservoir characterisation. This study points out the use of well logs to estimate the lithology of carbonate rocks (limestone, marly limestone, dolomite, and dolomitic limestone) found in Upper Cretaceous to Miocene formations at the Khabbaz Oil Field in Northern Iraq. Applying the multivariate regression technique to neutron, and density data enabled accurate lithology prediction. By using independent values (well log data) to predict a dependent value (lithology), this technique is a progression of regression analysis. The formations under study comprised a large amount of marly limestone, dolomite, and dolomitic limestone, according to the well log data results. It is possible to calculate the shale content using gamma-ray logs. R2 ¼ 0.72 showed a statistically significant association between the described and anticipated lithologies. For subsequent prediction for other formations in the same well, the model with a higher coefficient of determination (0.72) might be evaluated. In the absence of cores, this work is helpful for lithological and petrophysical characterization of carbonate reservoirs and facies analysis.

Valley Bastorh Basin is located in the northern part of Iraq in (the northeastern part of the city of Irbil within the administrative border to Shaqlawa distract) between latitudes (15َ 36ْ, 29َ 36ْ) in the north and length (49َ 43ْ, 28َ 44ْ) to the east. The surface area of ​​the basin is 503.9 k.m2. The geographical site of the basin determined by of the Great Zab River from the northwest and Sven and Biermam Mounts from the northeast. Its sources descends from the highlands located between the chains of Sven & Biermam mountains, in this extension, the length of the river in the area would be (98.6) km2 from upstream to downstream. The study included, the geomorphological hazards of Bastorh valley and its secondary basins. The result was building a model of the geomorphological dangers in the tubs of the studied. All the data on the study had been collected through the preparation of maps and building a data base using (Arc GIS 10.3) program to be the beginning of an integrated database utilized researchers and planners for the development of the region.

Climate change plays a crucial role in shaping the hydrological dynamics of rivers owing to its immediate implications on the driving meteorological parameters. Therefore, Understanding climate change and its implications is essential for sustainable water resource management. This study aims to assess the extent of climate change and its effects on streamflow in the Mosul Dam watershed Under three global warming Representative Concentration Pathways scenarios (i.e., 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5) based on mean climate data extracted from four Global Circulation Models (i.e., Beijing Climate Center, China, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Australia, Met Office Hadley Center, United Kingdom, and Norwegian Climate Center, Norway). For this purpose, the stochastic weather generator model (LARS – WG) and soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) were used. The hydrological model (SWAT) was calibrated and validated for 2001-2013 and 2014-2020, respectively. The performance of the swat model according to the four statistical parameters (i.e., coefficient of determination, Nash-Sutclife, Root mean square error to the standard deviation, and percent bias test) was classified as very good for two calibration and validation processes. Additionally, results showed that the mean temperature would probably rise by 1.3, 2.4, and 4.5°C under RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5, and RCP 8.5 at the end of this century, respectively. At the end of the century, the simulated average annual precipitation decreased from 772 mm/y to 756.7 and 741.6 mm/y under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively. In contrast, under the RCP2.6 scenario, the mean annual precipitation increased to 803 mm/year. As a result, the projected mean annual streamflow decreased from 501.52 m3/s to 429.7, 391.9, and 376.6 m3/s at the end of the century under RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5, respectively. Finally, the study region will potentially face water shortage due to climate change, exacerbated by population growth and increased water demands from agriculture and municipalities. Therefore, this paper emphasizes the need for reevaluating and adapting to accommodate changing streamflow patterns, ensuring a sustainable water supply for human needs while protecting the environment.

A comparative anatomical taxonomic study was conducted for (4) species and (8) cultivars belonging to the genus Juglans belonging to the family Juglandaceae, naturally grown and cultivated in northern Iraq, in (16) sites distributed over (5) governorates (Nineveh, Dohuk, Erbil, Halabja and Sulaymaniyah), These four species are (Juglans regia L., J. microcarpa Berl J. australis Gris.and J. nigra L) and the eight cultivars of the common walnut species Juglans regia L are(Denmarki, Afghani, clustered, lobed-3, Kirmashan1, Yahoodi Horaman1,and Horaman2) The study included two main aspects, namely the chemical separation of wood cells(Maceration), and the mechanical separation of wood cells using the Macrotom device. We found that the naturally grown species in northern Iraq, which is J. regia L., has long fibers compared to the other studied species, which gives it preference in wood industries, and due to the possession of trees of various species and cultivars of walnuts. Because the trees of species and cultivars of walnuts possess rather long container elements, they are suitable in various wood industries, and the results showed the variation of species and cultivars in the characteristic of the pitting type. Hence, it was found that this characteristic is of great importance in Identification the wood of the studied walnut species. With regard to the anatomical study of the mechanically separated wood cells, and after reviewing the research and sources, it was found that there is no anatomical and diagnostic study of the three aspects of wood (cross-section, tangential and radial) for species and cultivars of walnut at the level of the Iraqi country, as it is being conducted for the first time in it. The results also showed that the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of walnut trees growing in northern Iraq are of great diagnostic importance. Northern Iraq based on the evidence of Panshin and DeZeeuw (1980) to diagnose the wood of this studied species. © 2024, Tikrit. J. Agric. Sci. All rights reserved

Soil degradation and desertification are persistent ecological issues that present significant challenges worldwide. An accurate evaluation of land susceptibility to desertification is essential for developing suitable strategies or policies to address it on national scales. Modified Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use (MEDALUS) model is widely utilized to assess environmental and desertification sensitivity. This study employed MEDALUS model to identify environmentally sensitive areas prone to desertification in the Harrir region, northern Iraq. A total of 102 soil samples were collected from 0 to 20 cm depth covering a land area of 279.36 km2. Environmental sensitivity area index (ESAI) was used to evaluate sensitivity of the study area to environmental changes. The results indicated that ∼68.18 km2 of the study area would be exposed to land degradation and desertification. Fragile (F) regions accounted for 39.63 km2, underscoring the need for effective management and conservation practices. Only a small portion of the region (2.81 km2) was classified as ‘critical’ (C). Further analysis revealed that fragile sub-classes F1, F2, and F3 accounted for 11.84%, 17.16%, and 14.19% respectively, while critical subclass C1, C2, and C3 areas accounted for 10.97%, 9.12%, and 1.006% respectively. The remaining areas were either classified as unaffected or had potential for being influenced by environmental changes. Approximately 24.41% of the study area had the potential for being influenced by environmental sensitivity. This highlights the importance of implementing effective management and conservation practices to protect fragile regions in the study area. Policymakers and land managers can effectively prioritize and implement targeted interventions to prevent further soil degradation and desertification in the Harrir region of northern Iraq.

To study the state of potassium in the soil using the intensity and capacitance relationships, and to find out the effect of adding mineral fertilizers NPK and biochar on the dry weight of the vegetative part and seeds, as well as on the potassium content in the vegetative part and seeds of corn crops, we chose the field of the College of Agriculture and Forestry at the University of Mosul. The field was divided into nine blocks with three replications according to a randomized complete block design. Urea was used as a source of nitrogen at three levels (0, 160, 320) kg h-1, while potassium sulfate was added as a source of potassium at three levels (0, 40, 80) kg K2O h-1, and also tri-superphosphate fertilizer was used as a source of phosphorus at three levels (0, 100, 200) kg ha-1, noting that nitrogen was added in two batches, the first before planting and the second batch a month after germination. Biochar was added at three levels: %0, %1, and %2. The results indicated that the values of the ionic activity ratio ranged between (0.056 -0.141) mol. L-0.5, while the values of labile potassium ranged between (2.980-7.852) Cmolc.kg-1, and the free energy values ranged between (-1705.371) cal. mole kelvin-1 and (-1160.957) cal. mole kelvin-1, whereas the values of the Potential Buffering Capacity ranged between (45.346 -55.737) Cmolc.kg-1/mol-1.L0.5.

Hepatitis D virus (HDV), which occurs as a co-infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV), is a significant public health burden. Currently, there is a scarcity of data regarding this co-infection in the developing countries. This study aims to address the clinical prevalence of HDV among HBV-infected patients in Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Iraq. This prospective cross-sectional study, conducted from May to November 2022, screened HBV DNA-positive patients visiting Sulaimani Teaching Hospital in Sulaymaniyah governorate, Iraq, for anti-HDV antibodies and HDV RNA. The study included 150 confirmed HBV DNA-positive patients. Of these, 54.7% were male. The mean age of the patients was 49.1 ± 10.1 (18-68). Serological assessment found that 23 (15.3%) of the patients had anti-HDV IgG antibodies, suggesting past or chronic HDV infection, while 16 (10.7%) tested positive for anti-HDV IgM, indicating recent/acute infection. Further molecular analysis confirmed HDV RNA in 15 (10%) of HBV patients, indicating real HDV prevalence. The prevalence of anti-HDV and HDV RNA did not significantly differ by age, gender, marital status, residency, medical, family or medical history (p > 0.05). In conclusion, this study demonstrated a relatively high HDV prevalence among HBV patients in Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Iraq, at 10%, which stresses the need for better screening, health strategies and focused research to combat its impact., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

To determine the prevalence and molecular basis of β-thalassemia in the Northeastern Iraqi province of Kirkuk, a total of 3954 individuals attending the provincial premarital screening center were recruited. The prevalence of β-thalassemia minor among the screened individuals was found to be 3.0%, while those of Hemoglobin E, and δβ-thalassemia carrier states were 0.05%, and 0.03% respectively. Molecular characterization of the β-thalassemia mutations was achieved by multiplex PCR and reverse hybridization, followed by next generation sequencing for those left uncharacterized by the former technique. Among 19 β-thalassemia mutations identified, seven were the most frequent, namely: IVS-II-1 (G > A), codon 8/9 (+G), IVS-I-6 (T > C), IVS-I-110 (G > A), IVS-I-I (G > A), IVS-I-5 (G > C) and codon 44 (-C) accounting for 78.5% of the mutations. This study further illustrates the heterogeneity of the spectrum of β-thalassemia in different parts of Iraq, and provides an essential step to facilitate prenatal diagnosis in the setting of a future national thalassemia prevention program.