Zanco Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences

Elemental Composition and Biochemical Properties of Honey as a Reflection of Environmental Quality

2023-07-10T13:34:42+03:00

Honey represents the reflection of the surrounding environment and it is used as a biomarker for pollutants in the environment. It is noteworthy and necessary that the food be free of heavy metals and toxic compounds. In this research, a comprehensive survey of essential and non-essential elements along with heavy metals was carried out for honey samples collected from honey-rich areas in Iraqi Kurdistan region. The biochemical properties of honey and 20 elements were studied. The honey samples showed pH values ranged between (3.66 –7.05 ), acidity (9 –35 meq/kg), moisture percent (12-16.1% ), conductance ( 0.203 –1.063 mS/m), diastase enzyme activity ( 11.1 -65 IU), HMF (1.46 –48 ) and the average of sugar content ( 3.14, 27.2, 39.2, and 77.8) for sucrose, glucose, fructose and total sugar percentage, respectively. The mean values of the analyzed elements (Pb, Sb, As, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Fe, Mn, Cr, V, Ti, Mg, Al, Sr, Ba, Cd, Se, Mo and Be) were (0.050, 0.037, 0.005, 0.916, 1.096, 0.257, 0.034, 6.977, 1.232, 2.309, 1.355, 0.033, 0.0, 74.803, 61.565, 1.300, 0.178, 0.008, 0.366 and 0.039 mg/kg), respectively. A single sample from Erbil governorate showed a high quantity of aluminum, and the highest value for Pb was found in honey samples from Sulaymaniyah governorate. Additionally, the highest concentration of all the other important nutrients was detected in Sulaymaniyah honey samples. The final findings demonstrated that the honey from Kurdistan region is not contaminated with heavy metals (HM) and contains sufficient essential nutrients that are necessary to human health, supporting the high quality of the region’s honey.1Department of Chemistry, College of Science, SalahaddinUniversity-Erbil, Erbil,KurdistanRegion, Iraq.ZANCOJournal of Pure and Applied SciencesKEY WORDS:Honey, elements, heavy metal, Kurdistan region.TYPEOriginalResearchDOIhttp://dx.doi.org/10.21271/ZJPAS.36.4.1

Detection of Parasites in Locally Sourced Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Using Various Diagnostic Techniques

2024-06-03T00:06:18+03:00

A prospective study was conducted from September 2022 to March 2023 to examine the occurrence and contamination rates of different parasitic stages on fresh edible fruits and vegetables in local markets of Erbil city. Eight different types of fruits and vegetables were selected from eight markets, and 144 samples were analyzed for parasites using direct sedimentation, indirect floatation (ZnSO₄), Kinyoun, and trichrome staining methods. The highest total frequencies of parasites were detected using the direct sedimentation method (18.75%), followed by the indirect floatation method (6.25%), Kinyoun technique (5.55%), and modified trichrome staining (4.16%). A. lumbricoides (Ova) was detected with 4.16% using direct sedimentation, while no positive detections were observed with other techniques. Kinyoun technique identified Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. For E. histolytica 1.3% were positive using the direct sedimentation method, while the other three methods showed no positive detections. Similar results were observed for G. lamblia where only the modified trichrome staining technique detected 0.69% with trophozoites and 1.3% with cysts. Additionally, the direct sedimentation method revealed the presence of nematodes at 2.77%, but no positive detections were made with other methods. Concerning Taeniid eggs, the indirect floatation identified 0.69% with ova, while other methods showed no positive detections. Lastly, the direct sedimentation method yielded 6.25% with unidentified flagellate protozoa, but no positive detections were found using the indirect floatation method, Kinyoun technique, or modified trichrome staining technique. The study concluded that Kinyoun and trichrome techniques are the gold standard for detecting different parasite stages.

Photodetector Devices: Investigation of ZnO Thin Films Fabricated via SILAR Technique on Various Substrates:

2024-04-30T20:45:35+03:00

The synthesis of photodetectors for ZnO nanostructure films on various substrates, including p-type (100) silicon (Si), and porous silicon (pSi), has been achieved through the utilization of a straightforward technique known as the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method. To analyze the optical properties, surface morphology, and crystal structure of the ZnO layers, UV-Vis spectrometers, field emission scanning electron microscopes (FESEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed. The characterization of the ZnO samples revealed that the number of SILAR cycles has a significant impact on the morphology and optical band gap of the synthesized layer. The Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum successfully detected the distinctive extended vibration mode of ZnO. By conducting 20 cycles, high-quality hexagonal ZnO was obtained. The responsivity of the planar ZnO on silicon (ZnO/Si) and ZnO on the porous silicon (ZnO/pSi) surface exhibited variations depending on the substrate surface and bias voltage. The results indicated that the (ZnO/pSi) heterojunction demonstrated a high response in the visible range (350–850 nm) at a low bias voltage. On the other hand, the (ZnO/Si) photodetector displayed a high sensitivity of 666.66% at a low voltage of 1V in comparison to the (ZnO/pSi) photodetector, which exhibited a sensitivity of 483%.

Effect Gamma-ray on structure and mass attenuation coefficient of Hydroxyapatite Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, in Bovine Bone

2024-05-09T17:51:02+03:00

Hydrothermal treatment procedures were employed, to generate hydroxyapatite (Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂ ,(HAP) powder, from the femur and ribs of bovine bone samples. This investigation delves into the effect of gamma rays, from a Cs-137 activity equal to 220 µCi at integral doses of 20 kGy, on the surface structures, vibration properties, and attenuation coefficient of HAP, in the bovine femur bone and ribs. The mass attenuation coefficients for HAP powder were registered as E= 511 keV, with 1276 keV gamma energy released from the 22Na radioisotope, and 662 keV gamma energy released from the 137Cs radioactive isotope. We used the Nist XCom program to calculate the mass attenuation coefficient of HAP before and after radiation for photon energies ranging from 0 keV to 100 keV.

Accessibility to Urban Parks by disablers: A Case Study on a Main Park in Erbil

2024-06-23T23:25:09+03:00

Quite a large number of Iraqi – Iran war victims as well as casualties of Kurdish revolution since 1961 now making a noticeable ratio of the disablers population in Kurdistan of Iraq. In fact, recent uprising also did contribute in raising the number of the injured and handicaps within Kurdish community. Actually, all these people almost got no easy way for participating in entertainment within this park, or any similar parks in Erbil (Hawler). All these are because of lack of suitable road and even special gates within such parks. In fact, even babies and nurseries are in need to such gate and ways that is absent so far. A review of the actual design and pointing out the stages of establishing points in this respect will be the goal of the present study for such and other parks in the region in order to reduce the existing gaps in designing, planning and in constitution of any parks. Present study is concentrating on the effect on disablers, the psychological and physical effects on crippled individuals, and the effects on disability institutions. Sami Abdulrahman Park is one of Erbil's largest parks, present study's primary goal is to build a system that addresses issues with disabled people's access to these parks. According to studies, the existence of inaccessibility is routed, and cities are referred to eliminate it; design measures with interior locations are then used to suggest presenting options. Using sketches, photos, and interviews, researchers record the park's landscape design sites—entrances, streets, pedestrian crossings, parking lots, ramps, urban furniture, etc.

Modulation of Intestinal Histology and Immune Functions Using Different Level of Salvia Indica Supplementations with Stocking Density in Local Quails

2024-06-26T16:15:38+03:00

Under the direction of Salahaddin University in Erbil's College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, study was carried out to investigate how local quail performed biochemically, histologically, and immune-wise when varied levels of Salvia indica (SI) additive were added at high stocking density. For a 42-day trial, 216 one-week-old local quails were divided into four treatments at random, with three replicates for each treatment, in cages measuring 60 by 30 by 25 centimeters. The following was the design of the feed treatments: Positive control (12 birds/replicate), Negative control 20 birds per replicate at a high stocking density, 20 birds per replicate plus 0.2% of SI additive, and 20 birds per replicate plus 0.4% of SI additive. When compared to a negative control, the results indicated that 0.4% SI supplements with high stocking density produced the best live body weight and weight gain. When compared to positive and negative controls, the cholesterol level of female quails considerably (P<0.05) decreased in both SI with high stocking density; however, no significant variations were seen with either of the SI additives with high stoking density. Furthermore, when compared to the positive control, the LDL content in female quails was considerably (P<0.05) reduced by both supplements of SI with high stocking density and negative control. When treated with SI, the height of the jejunum villus was significantly (P<0.05) higher than when treated with both positive and negative controls. The size of Fabricius follicles was significantly (P<0.05) enhanced by the addition of SI treatments, but no significant difference was seen between the two SI additives with high stocking density. In summary, adding Salvia indica to a diet with high stocking density enhanced the quail population's biochemical markers, immunological response, and jejunum histology.

Response of Soil, Growth, and Biomass Properties of Lupin (Lupinus albus L.) to Wood ash and Sawdust

2024-07-22T23:25:10+03:00

Two organic carbon resources (wood ash and sawdust) were applied in the study site to assess their profound effects on soil properties and growth and biomass properties of lupin (Lupinus albus L.). Because of their contribution to improving soil structure, enhanced water-holding capacity, and increased carbon sequestration. The experiments were conducted in mid-November 2022 at Grdarasha Research Station, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Iraq. The experiment includes two organic amendments (wood ash and sawdust) as a treatment and Control.

Results showed that the application of wood ash and sawdust improved and raised the number of essential elements and heavy metals in the soil, which in turn boosted the ability of the roots

to absorb nutrients. The highest germination percentage, plant height, and leaf number were observed in the ash treatment (95.00 %, 22.00 cm, and 21.22) respectively. The great values of fresh and dry shoot weight were found in sawdust treatment 63.78 and 14 g/plant) respectively. The effects of treatments were not significant on root length and fresh and dry root weights. The final findings showed that adding various forms of organic carbon could alter the chemical characteristics of the soil. This, in turn, might have a good impact on microbes, which can subsequently help plants grow by converting, solubilizing, and mobilizing soil nutrients. Furthermore, lupin plants appeared to be a form of phytoremediation, or absorption, for certain heavy metals.

The impact of object properties and scan geometry on the quality of TLS data

2024-07-16T14:35:31+03:00

Object surface Properties, range, and measuring trip time are main variables affecting the positional accuracy of the computed point clouds by the terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS). In this research, Practical experiments were carried out by Faro focus premium TLS in order to investigate how does the variation of surface roughness and its reflectivity affect the positional accuracy of the measured scanner data at different scan angles and ranges. For this purpose, different materials that have distinct surface properties were conducted (glass, steel, wood, ekoplast, and total station (TS) sheet targets). Also, to examine the impact of the surface color, three of those selected materials have been painted with RGB color and black and white colors as well. About 54 scans were recorded during the experiment as all materials were scanned at three different scanning angles of (0˚, 30˚, and 60˚) and at ranges of 5 and 20 meters. The experiment's findings reveals that, at various incident angles, smooth surfaces have a greater impact on the accuracy of the scanned objects to create 3D point clouds than do rough surfaces. Furthermore, the total RMSEs in the point clouds position that measured from surface painted with red and black colors is greeter and higher than those measured from blue, green, and white colors painted surfaces. Interestingly, the total station target had never reflects the laser beam at all incident angles and ranges for class-1 laser beams. Additionally, the intensity of various materials varies. For example, the smooth materials steel and glass have varying degrees of accuracy because of their respective characteristics of the surface.

One-Dimensional Electrical Resistivity Prospecting for Small Dam Projects: A case Study Smaquli Dam, East Erbil City, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

2024-07-12T12:01:40+03:00

Abstract: This study employs the One-Dimensional Vertical Electrical Resistivity technique to elucidate the subsurface stratigraphy and structures beneath the axis and abutments of the suggested Smaquli dam, situated to the east of Erbil City in Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). Three traverses were conducted using a Schlumberger array. Data interpretation was performed using the Russian commercial software, IPI2WIN. Each measurement point featured a maximum total electrode spread ranging from 400-600m, reaching an investigation depth of 130m to 150m. The inter-distance between successive measurement points varied from 16m to 17.5m. Geo-electrical sections were generated by interpreting the data, revealing three distinct lithological groups: alluvial deposits (upper first group) with a thickness ranging from 3 to 10 meters, marl and marly limestone of the Shiranish Formation (second group) with thickness ranging from 18 up to 110 meters, and dolomitic limestone of the Bekhme Formation (third group) which its thickness is not defined. These lithological groups exhibited significant resistivity contrasts, rendering the resistivity method effective for delineating their interfaces. The resistivity of the upper horizon ranged from 18 to 136 Ω·m, the second horizon exhibited values between 19 and 304 Ω·m, while the lower third horizon showed high resistivity values ranging from 97 to over 50000 Ω.m.. The relatively low resistivity values of the lower horizon (Bekhme Formation) are interpreted as fractured and water-saturated limestones, whereas the high values are indicative of bituminous material. A correlation was established between the geo-electrical sections and borehole geologic columns, demonstrating consistency in indicating the presence of two rock units within the uppermost 20m, which corresponds to the borehole depth.

Evaluation Of the Safety Management System of Building Construction Projects: A Case Study of Erbil Governorate.

2024-06-30T08:25:08+03:00

Any organization linked with construction needs to apply suitable standards, procedures, and structures to support the right acts by all the involved construction structures that are related to health and safety. This paper evaluates the safety management procedure of building construction projects by rating the importance of safety management factors and calculating the average practice. This has been done by conducting a case study of (94) projects constructed during 2013-2023 by designing a questionnaire that represents a successful plan of 49 factors of seven phases for a safety management system. And delivering it to stakeholders who worked on those projects. The results of the study show that the average practice of safety management is 61.27%, which is unacceptable. The typical safety management process falls between 37.54% for initial planning and 79.93% for precautions before scaffold implementation. The results revealed that the shortage in practicing safety management stages is noticeable in all building construction projects, especially for initial planning with a rate of practice of 37.54%, and the use of personal protection equipment with a rate of practice of 47.41%. There is a lack of practicing safety procedures. A team for emergency issues is rarely available in addition to the shortage of first aid centers. There are not enough medications in case of accidents. Also, the workers are not using suitable protection equipment often. There must be an emphasis on the issue of safety management in future construction projects.