Zanco Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences

Bacterial Co-Infections and Antibiotic Resistance in Urinary Tract Infection of Covid-19 Patients in Erbil City

2022-07-25T06:36:52+03:00

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns over secondary infections because it has limited treatment options and empiric antimicrobial treatment poses serious risks of aggravating antimicrobial resistance. Many studies have shown that COVID-19 patients are predisposed to developing secondary infections. The prevalence of urinary tract infections (UTI) was evaluated in 248 patients admitted to different hospitals in Erbil city, Iraq. Results showed 138 (55.65%) patients were positive for bacterial growth, of which 72 isolates of Gram-negative and 66 isolates of Gram-positive bacteria were isolated and identified from the urine of COVID-19 patients depending on the 16S rRNA gene using PCR. The predominant obtained bacteria were Staphylococci species, of which isolates belong to 6 species, and the predominant Gram-negative species was Pseudomonas spp. which belongs to 4 species. Also, their susceptibility to 15 antibiotics was tested and it was found that most of the Gram-negative isolates were highly resistant to ampicillin 66(91.66%), amoxicillin 60(83.33%), cephalexin 52(72.22%) and cefixime 50(69.44%). While the most effective antibiotic was imipenem, and with percentage of 26(36.11%), it also showed variable sensitivity to other antibiotics. For Gram-positive bacteria, the highest resistance was against cefixime 40(60.60%), ampicillin 28(42.42%), and 18(27.27%) for both amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin, while the most effective antibiotic was gentamicin, which showed effectiveness against all the Gram-positive isolates. Another part of the study concerned with detection of the existence of ESBLs genes responsible for antibiotic resistance. The results revealed that all the isolates possessed the 16S rRNA gene, whereas blaTEM and blaCTX-M were found to be the most possessed genes in all the isolates, with a percentage of (88.33%).

The Anti-Candidal Activity of Salvia verticillata subsp. verticillata Against Several Candida Species

2024-07-03T13:59:08+03:00

The examination of Salvia verticillata extract encompassed an exploration of its anti-Candida properties, phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and the quantification of total tannins. The use of ethanol as a solvent yielded the highest extraction efficiency at 26.1%. The plant exhibited a substantial tannin content of 6.5 mg/kg, signifying a noteworthy concentration. The inhibitory zones against Candida tropicalis reached a minimum diameter of 17.6 mm, while Candida guilliermondii displayed the most significant inhibition with a zone diameter of 21.8 mm. The minor inhibitory concentration (MIC) findings for all Candida species ranged from 6.25 to 12.5 g/ml. In the case of Candida guilliermondii, the synthetic antifungal activity FLU/25 demonstrated a maximal inhibition zone measuring 39.30 mm. Additionally, the maximum antioxidant activity, recorded at 0.3 ml, reached a value of 98.65. Phytochemical screening unveiled elevated concentrations of phenols and flavonoids, with malic acid (1901.1 g/g), hesperidin (302.4 g/g), and rosmarinic acid (30619.93 g/g) all experiencing an increase in concentration. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the diverse bioactive components and properties associated with Salvia verticillata extract.

The Effect of Physicochemical Properties and Elemental Composition on Nutritional Value and Safety of Tomato Fruits

2024-04-26T19:37:57+03:00

Fruits and vegetables are considered as health-improving contributors in the daily diet. Tomatoes are one of the most widely consumed fruits. However, the nutritional quality and safety of these fruits may not always be regulated. This research therefore worked on establishing two main aspects related to tomato consumption: the first is the relevance of visual appearance and texture to the quality and nutritional value of tomato fruits; and second to investigate the health and safety aspects of the fruits based on their elemental content. The study was conducted in Erbil - Iraq in which eight different samples were collected including local and imported fruits. The samples were investigated to determine physicochemical variables including dry matter content, total soluble solids (TSS), taste and maturity indices, total phenolic content (TPC), radical scavenging power using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ascorbic acid and lycopene contents to investigate the correlation between visible physical traits and rather obscure chemical characteristics. Additionally, Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was used to analyze the elemental content and to assess the beneficial impact and/or toxic effects of these elements. The results showed significant positive correlations between taste index, lycopene content and TSS. Also, antioxidant activity was found to be more strongly influenced by ascorbic acid rather than TPC and lycopene contents. The results indicated that physical properties such as firm texture combined with deep red color and smaller fruit size are indicative of higher quality and presence of taste-enhancing and beneficial chemical components. Significant differences were found in the elemental content of the samples. Local samples were higher in essential elements. However, they also contained higher levels of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). One of the imported samples contained arsenic (As). Applying the human risk assessment model (HRA), it was found that there is an appreciable carcinogenic risk from Cd in two of the local samples. Strict monitoring is therefore required to ensure that market tomatoes are safe for consumers.

A New Integral Transform and Applications: HK-Transform

2024-09-15T22:11:53+03:00

In this paper, we propose a new integral transform called the Transform and employ it to analytically solve the Volterra integral equations (VIE.) of the first kind. To achieve this First we derive the transform of basic algebraic and transcendental mathematical functions. The fundamental characteristics of the transform, which can be used to solve a variety of functional equations, including, we then discuss the fundamental properties, such as ordinary differential equations and integral equations, then we discover the exact solution for general first class V.I.E. To illustrate the applicability of the transform, numerical problems are examined and handled carefully step-by-step. The results show that the proposed Transform new integral transform produces accurate solutions for first-kind VIE. without requiring time-consuming computations.

Climatic Parameters Use for Evaluating Water Budget and Drought Analysis in Erbil Sub-basin, Kurdistan Region, Northern-Iraq

2024-08-12T10:19:41+03:00

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.

Identification of Subsurface Geological Structures from Gravity Data by Modelling Techniques in Kalak-Bardarash Area, West of Erbil City Iraqi Kurdistan Region

2024-08-04T10:15:22+03:00

A quantitative interpretation of gravity anomalies in the Kalak-Bardarash area, west of Erbil City in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, was performed using two-dimensional analysis techniques. These techniques modeled geological structures identified from a previously created Bouguer anomaly map of the area. Five profiles were selected for the analysis, resulting in eight models constructed for both deep and shallow-seated rock units. The deep-seated rocks are represented by the basement rocks, with models constructed in the NNE-SSW, WNW-ESE, and NW-SE directions using the regional anomaly component. The depth of the basement rocks ranges from five to nine kilometers and is affected by numerous faults in the form of graben and step structures. The basement rock surface slopes towards the NE and ESE at a gradient of 110 m/km. The shallow-seated rocks are represented by the sedimentary cover, which includes Neogene, Paleogene, and Cretaceous-aged groups of formations. The residual component of the anomalies of the five profiles were interpreted. Three profiles, oriented NNE-SSW and nearly perpendicular to the main anticlinal structure, revealed that the Bardarash anticline is influenced by two faults striking both limbs and extending in the NNW-SSE direction, with an estimated throw of 200 meters on each side. The southern fault is believed to extend down to the basement rocks. The other two profiles, oriented NW-SE and nearly perpendicular to the Zab River, indicated the presence of two additional faults with a throw of approximately 600 meters in the deeper parts striking the basement rocks, dipping towards the southeast. The throw of these faults gradually decreases upward in the sedimentary cover, reaching about 200 meters. These faults directly influence the course of the Zab River, directing it in a NE-SW direction at this district.

A Study on the Allelopathic Effects of Wild Barley (Hordeum spontaneum) Residue Incorporated with Soil on Growth of Some Plant species

2024-08-24T10:19:24+03:00

This study examines the allelopathic effects of wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum) on the growth and yield of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), and wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum). The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at Shamamar-Hawler/ Kurdistan Region of Iraq using a complete randomized factorial design (CRD) within 3 replications. The roots, shoots, and seeds of wild barley were dried, powdered, and added to the soil at different concentrations (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) in 500 g pots. Each pot was planted with 5 seeds, which were later reduced to 3 seedlings. Growth parameters such as shoot and root lengths, dry weights, number of tillers, weight of spikes, seeds number per plant, and biological yield was measured. The results indicated significant effects of wild barley residues on the studied crops. Wheat showed the highest roots, shoots and total lengths were (29.56 cm, 17.05 cm and 46.58 cm, respectively) and the highest shoots and roots dry weights were (0.24 g and 0.30 g). Barley showed the highest number of stems (1.96) but the lowest shoots and dry weights of roots were (0.11 g and 0.23 g). Wild barley had the highest biological weight and harvest index (HI). Among the plant parts, seed extracts significantly enhanced growth parameters, while roots and shoots extract had the greatest inhibitory effects as wild barley residue concentrations increased. Nevertheless, the HI showed a decline as the concentrations increased, suggesting a detrimental effect on growth efficiency. The study shows the potential of wild barley as a bio-herbicide, emphasizing its allelopathic effects. This suggests that agricultural practices should be carefully considered to maximize the efficiency of crops. Incorporating these results into precision agriculture can greatly improve crop management and increase yield.

Generating of A Dynamic and Secure S-Box for AES Block Cipher System Based on Modified Hexadecimal Playfair Cipher

2024-08-05T23:07:49+03:00

In today's digital world, the extensive use of devices, including smartphones, tablets, IoT devices, and the internet, emphasizes the necessity for strong security measures. These measures are essential to safeguard both user data and sensitive government information. As technology advances, the enhancement of cryptographic methods becomes imperative, ensuring alignment with this rapid progression. This paper introduces a novel approach to encrypting classified data using the modified AES cipher system. It employs a dynamic and secure substitution byte operation with a 4×4 matrix, replacing the static and public 16×16 S-box found in the original version of AES. To construct the presented S-box, the system makes a secret key of 56 bytes (4×14 Rounds), where each round of the AES-256 utilizes 4 bytes to generate a 4×4 Hexadecimal Playfair matrix. By altering the S-boxes in each round and block (where each block utilizes AES key expansion to generate a 56-byte secret key for the Playfair matrix), it becomes feasible to produce distinct encrypted blocks even when the original blocks remain identical. In terms of security, the effectiveness of the provided method has been verified by experimental and analytical studies including the Avalanche effect, Balanced output, Hamming distance, and Time complexity. The result shows that the Avalanche effect of the proposed method exceeds 50% and increase the time of brute force attack. Moreover, the proposed algorithm exhibits impressive execution speed, handling approximately 200 KB in just one second.

Wastewater Management as a Part of Solution for Water Resources Problem in Erbil City

2024-09-03T09:37:05+03:00

In Erbil City, municipal wastewater (MWW) is disposed directly without any treatment processes in the natural environment water body and in some places used for irrigation purposes. Untreated MWW causes problems for the environment, and people's health. Water quantity and quality variation produce complications for water sources in Erbil City, Kurdistan Region-Iraq. There is a lack of performing MWW management fundamentals in the area as well. This research aimed to study the MWW management in Erbil City, presenting water resource difficulties and bringing about suitable solutions for the water resource problems, and also to highlight the risk for the poor Management. MWW Data on Erbil municipal (EMWW) water quality parameters were collected and analyzed for the study period (four months), beginning in October 2022 and ending in March 2023. Twelve EMWW quality parameters were captured and tested in the Laboratory, arranged, and compared with MWW disposal criteria and local standards. The following MWW parameters include pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved salts (TDS), chloride (CL), total solids (TS), total alkalinity, total acidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and colour. The results showed that Erbil's MWW characteristics in terms of temperatures ranged between 11-23 °C and in turn, affected biological species activities. Maximum PH value was 7.7. Total alkalinity found in the range from 140 to 178 mg/l. Chloride concentration results showed for October was 62 mg/l and the maximum value was 80 mg/l in November due to the increment in temperature and evaporation. The range of the COD values of sewage water for five months was 246 -773 mg. Erbil's MWW's moderate to medium strength may be treated and utilized for landscaping, fountains, and irrigation, minimizing the need for fresh water from resources like wells and surface water in the Greater Zab River.

Emotion Recognition in Kurdish Speech from the Sorani Dialect Corpus

2024-09-14T09:01:37+03:00

Given the increasing need for interactive human-computer applications, the field of employing machine learning algorithms to discern emotions from speech has seen a substantial surge in interest. While emotion recognition systems have made substantial progress in languages like German, English, Spanish, Dutch, and Danish, the availability of comprehensive datasets for the Kurdish language remains notably limited. This paper addresses this gap by focusing on emotion recognition in Sorani Kurdish dialect speech data, which was carefully gathered from openly available videos from the YouTube platform and categorized into four clear supposed emotions: neutral, sadness, happiness, and anger. The study applied both natural Mel Spectrogram and Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficient (MFCC) features for various spectrals, followed by the classification models K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), and Support Vector Machine (SVM) to evaluate the results. By closely examining and contrasting the results of using several methods for feature extraction, it was found that SVM obtained a higher accuracy, reaching as much as 85.57%. This is so much more than the first Kurdish emotion classification technique for the recognition of the emotion of the words.