bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Biological Phenomenon of Cadmium Accumulation of Wheat Crop in Salt-Affected Soil
Authors: Al-Hassoon S. N. H. , Al-Hayani A. S. J. Z. , Al-Obaidi M. A. J.
Published: April 2024

This study was carried out to show the extent to which some economic crops (wheat) grown in soil affected by salts and polluted with cadmium were affected by wheat crops. An experiment was conducted with pots in the plastic canopy. Combat Desertification Department College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences. University of Baghdad for the year 2022-2023, as a factorial experiment was designed according to a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications and five levels of cadmium, which are 0.37, 51, 03, 51, and 03 mg kg−1, for soil with two levels of salinity (Electrical conductivity 2.90 and 9.10 dS m−1, respectively. Seeds of wheat, Bohuth class 22, were grown in clay loam soil taken from the surface layer (0-30 cm) from the site of Al-Karmashiya located in Thi-Qar Governorate, north of Al-Hammar marsh. The results of the study showed a decrease in growth indicators represented by plant height and biological yield (straw and grain weight), while the cadmium concentration increased in the biological yield (straw and grain) as a result of soil contamination with cadmium levels compared to the comparison treatment, as there was a rise in the bioavailability of cadmium content despite the fact that The soil is calcareous, and the high salinity of the soil also led to an increase in the readiness of cadmium, which caused an increase in its absorption and concentration in the wheat plant compared to the control treatment, and the absorption and accumulation of cadmium in straw was greater than in the grain.
Productive Response for Adding Copper Nanoparticles Synthesized by Green Method to Broiler Chickens Diet
Authors: Khalil Ibrahim Al-Saeedi Mohammed , Rasool Abbas Al-Khafaji Fadhil
Published: April 2024

The technology of green synthesis of nano-metals is promising, as it produces environmentally friendly nano-metals in larger quantities and can be used at low levels in broiler diets, which reduces the amount excreted in the bedding and thus reduces environmental pollution. This experiment was conducted on the farm of Al-Anwar Poultry Company in Babil Governorate for 35 days from 28/11/2022 until 2/1/2023, To study the response physiological and production response to adding copper nanoparticles and copper nanoparticles loaded on papaya plants to the diet of broiler chickens was studied under conditions Ordinary. Three hundred sixty unsexed Ross-308 broiler chickens were used. The experimental treatments included (0, 8, and 16 mg/kg feed of copper nanoparticles, 8 and 16 mg/kg feed of copper nanoparticles loaded on papaya plants and 10 mg/kg feed Papaya fed for treatments (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6), respectively. In this study, we reached the following results: There was a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) for T4 treatment in live body weight, a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) for the T1 treatment in total weight gain, meanwhile a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) for the T2 and T4 treatments in feed consumption compared other treatments, at the same time significant improvement (p ≤ 0.05) for the T5 treatment in feed conversation ratio.
Investigate the impact of microorganism species richness, carrier materials, and nitrogen fertilizer on (Eruca vesicaria subsp. Sativa) growth and its active compounds content: Running Title; Fertilizer and Arugula
Authors: Aziz Z. N. , Sahib M. R. , Hilo B. R.
Published: April 2024

Using microorganisms is one of the most important tools to increase plant production without harming our environment and health. However, little is known about microbial diversity and related that to soil nutrients in arugula plants. Therefore, we hypothesize that mixing more microorganisms with suitable carrier materials will improve arugula growth and its active compounds. Using two factors biofertilizer and chemical fertilizer, biofertilizer including: mycorrhizae (30g) Trichoderma asperellum (30 g), Bacillus subtilis (50 ml/L), and a combination of microorganisms (Bacteria and fungi Trichoderma and Mycorrhizae) in that order (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, and B6). Chemical fertilizer including nitrogen, comparison, and at a rate of 15 kg per acre (or one-fourth of the recommended rate), and 30 kg per acre (or half the recommended rate), respectively (A1, A2, A3). The results showed that:Adding bacteria and their carrier materials was significantly superior to the leaf content of active compounds (phenols, flavonoids, and tannins), whose values reached 1.083 (mg.g-1dry weight), 35.98(mg.g-1dry weight), and 1.086(mg.g-1dry weight) and sequentiall, and addition of Trichoderma and and their carrier materials was significantly superior to the leaves’ content of elements (N, P, and K), whose values reached 3.98% and 0.88% and 4.92%, respectively, and quantity of yield in the first harvest increased upon the addition of combination of microorganisms and nitrogen fertilizer (urea). The use of environmentally friendly fertilizers is critical to promoting both plant development and the increasing of beneficial active compounds, and this research provides useful insights into how to best cultivate arugula organically. Using such environmentally friendly methods is crucial to promote sustainable agriculture.
Effect of using Plantago ovata psyllium seed powder on some physiological, immunological and histological characteristics of broiler chickens
Authors: Jasim Mohammed Aseel , Saadi Rasool Bushra , Muzahem Al-Khailani Firas
Published: April 2024

This experiment was conducted in the Office of Agricultural Research’s chicken farm, the Animal Resource Department, and the chicken Research Station, from January 13 to February 23, 2023. The experiment used thirty-one-day-old Ross 308 chicks, with an average weight of 38.1 grams. The enclosed hallway housing the thirty cells where the chicks were raised. The chicks were randomly assigned to one of five treatments. Each treatment was repeated five times with 10 birds each replication. The birds were fed a balanced food and a balanced diet was used. At 0, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1% of the ration in each of the five treatments (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5), psyllium was found in Plantago ovata seeds. The findings showed that there was no significant difference in the blood plasma concentrations of glucose, triglycerides, and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) between the experimental treatments. It was discovered that all treatments had considerably (P≤0.05) lower amounts of cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) than the control therapy. It was shown that treatments T5, T4, and T3 resulted in significantly higher blood serum levels of IgG (P≤0.05) compared to the control therapy. Furthermore, it was shown that blood IgM levels increased significantly (P≤0.05) in response to treatments T5 and T4. Serum IgA concentrations in all study treatments rose considerably (P≤0.05) as compared to the control treatment. The relative weights of glandular and index fabricia did not differ noticeably amongst the treatments. The findings showed that the villus height, diameter, and crypt depth in the T4 and T3 treatments were considerably (P≤0.05) larger than in the control treatment. After conducting the experiment, we conclude that broiler chickens’ body composition and immunohistochemistry features may be improved by including 0.4-1% of psyllium seed powder into their diets.
Effect of Inhalation Exposure to Nano-Imidacloprid on Liver and Kidney Functions In Male Rats
Authors: Ahmood Al-Janabi Qassim Ammar , Abdulhay Hind Suhail
Published: April 2024

Pesticide poisoning is a serious global public health issue and is responsible for a sizable number of annual fatalities. This study was designed to examine the potentially harmful effects of adult rats being exposed to imidacloprid (IMD) as a nanoparticle by determining the chronic effect of inhalation of (5,10 and 20) mg/kg/b.w. of nano-imidacloprid for a duration of 60 days. The most important biochemical parameters of the serum liver function parameters were aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase ALP, kidney function [blood urea, creatinine, and urea], and oxidative stress parameters (MDA, GSH, and CAT) in all treated groups when compared to the control group. The exposure caused a highly significant decrease (P≤0.05) for (AST) and (ALT). No significant changes were observed, while a highly significant decrease was recorded for (ALP) in all treatments with nano-imidacloprid compared with the control. On the other hand, a highly significant decrease in blood urea, creatinine, and uric acid was recorded in all groups treated with nano-imidacloprid compared with the control. Oxidative stress parameters revealed a highly significant (P≤0.05) increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) after 60 days of exposure and a decline in reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase activity CAT.
Investigating the association between interleukin 18 and type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Iraqi population
Authors: Younus Alaa H. , Al-Faisal Abdul Hussein M.
Published: April 2024

Extensive research has been conducted for over a decade on the association between obesity, inflammation, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The primary objective of this study is to investigate the correlation between levels of IL-18 and T2DM among different age groups. Ninety blood samples were collected from three groups: old diabetic patients, young diabetic patients and healthy control group. Thirteen blood samples for each group and both sexes had been enrolled in this research. The HbA1c test and interleukin 18 ELISA test were done for all these samples. The results were statistically analyzed by using: One-way ANOVA, Duncan multiple range comparison, chi-square, Pearson correlation test and ROC test. There were significant differences between patients and healthy groups regarding HbA1c and no significant differences between groups in IL18. The results of the ROC test confirmed that there wasn’t any significant relationship between IL18 and T2DM. In conclusion, our study indicates that the impact of IL-18 in the evolution of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is not significant and it may not serve as a reliable predictor of T2DM.
Detection of pathogenic bacteria in the surgical rooms of Al-Ramady hospital using next generation sequencing
Authors: Al-Hashimi Omar A. , Omar Saeed Ibrahim , Abed Lateef Al Meani Safaa
Published: April 2024

This study was aimed at applying the next generation sequence technique, to evaluate the microbial contamination of the General Al-Ramady Hospital and the diagnosis of dangerous types. Several surface swabs were taken from the surgical room devices and equipment used during the surgery period at the hospital. Hospital environment contributes chiefly to the emergence of Nosocomial infection, the most common and severe complications in the provision of health care to patients in the hospital, it has become necessary to specify and identify the causes of illness through alternative methods to traditional methods that waste time, money and effort.. The results showed contamination of hospital environment by several varieties of bacteria. They were pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria, in spite of the action of the Antiseptics used in sterilization. the most common of which were several types of Pseudomonas of 84.26% and Acinetobacter of 13.85%. The present of this pathogenic bacteria in hospital-related injuries, which are mean vital indicators of contamination in the hospital environment. Data suggest that it is possible to diagnose and identify the types of pathogenic, discover effective strategies for monitoring and controlling the hospital environment and providing the essential tools to avoid the spread of infection, particularly in the presence of the molecular technique.
Correlation between Interleukin-23, Autoantibodies and Thyroid Profile in a Sample of Iraqi Patients with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Authors: Ali Shareef Saja , Allami Risala H. , Al-ezzy Ruqaya M.
Published: April 2024

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is the most common autoimmune condition characterized by hypothyroidism and thyroid cell death by leukocytes and antibody-mediated immunological mechanisms. The current paper set out to assess a number of inflammatory and metabolic potential indicators of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Fifty-one patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis took part in the current investigation. Ages ranged from 20 to 75 for them. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent tests were used to quantify the anti-thyroperoxidase antibody (anti-TPO Ab), anti-thyroglobulin antibody (anti-Tg Ab), T4, T3, and TSH at the beginning and conclusion of the trial. The result showed a significant relationship between the gender according to HT patient’s and healthy groups which showed that female effected more than male and there was no effected according to the age between these groups, In HT patients with greater TSH concentrations compared to healthy individuals, serum FT3 and FT4 concentrations were lower while IL-23 concentrations were higher. TSH levels were positively correlated with IL-23 levels. As a result, IL-23 can be useful for detecting disease activity in HT patients. However, more thorough, extensive, longitudinal investigations are required to evaluate whether IL-23 can be used in therapeutic settings. Our results showed that thyroid profile, serum IL-23, and autoantibodies were strong indicators of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. To better understand these correlations and underlying pathogenic mechanisms, additional research is necessary.
Metalloprotease Genes Expression in Trichophyton mentagraphytes and Trichophyton simii Contains Genetic Variations Isolated from Iraqi Patients Resistance to Ketoconazole and Amphotericin B
Authors: Hilal Hashoosh Qadisiyah , Al-Aaraji Alaa Mohsin.
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to use Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction analysis, to discover the metalloprotease genes (MEP1-5) in Trichophyton menagraphytes and Trichophyton simii contained Genetic variations and determine their expression and association with the antifungal resistance of dermatophytes. Two species of dermatophytes (five isolates) were used in this study (diagnosed morphologically and molecularly by ITS region previously), which included the following types are (Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Trichophyton simii) of them contained variations of the percentage of conformity with the gene bank 99% and they were registered with the gene bank. The two species were tested for antifungal susceptibility by using the disk method. RNA was isolated from sample according to the protocol of TRIzol™ Reagent The genes used in this study were the metalloprotease gene (MEP1-5). The Livak method was used for determining gene expression. All the genes were amplified and normalized to 18S-Rrna as reference genes. All Trichophyton simii isolates contains the five genes MEP 1 to 5 but Trichophyton mentagrophytes one isolate contains five genes (MEP1-5) and others isolate contains four gene MEP 1 to 4. It has been found that Amphotericin B inhibits the MEP 4 and MEP 5 genes other than the MEP1,2,3 genes. The MEP2 and3 recorded the highest increase in gene expression after treatmentin in Trichophyton simii, while in Trichophyton mentagrophytes the MEP1 recorded the highest increase in gene expression after treatment fllowed by MEP2,3,4 respectively. It has been found that Amphotericin B, had a better effect to inhibit the genes of fungi of Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Trichophyton simii other than Ketoconazole, especially the MEP 5 followed by MEP 4.
The Etching Effect Methods in Registration Properties on CR-39 Nuclear Track Detector
Authors: Esraa Sh , Ahmed I
Published: April 2024

In this work, we use three different etching techniques—water bath, microwaves, and hotplate stirrer devices—in an effort to confirm the optimal etching time and conditions for tracks in the CR-39 solid-state nuclear track detector following irradiation to an alpha particle source (241Am). The research shows that the water bath’s maximum track density is 57596 tracks/cm2, appearing at 90 and 150 minutes. On the other hand, the hotplate stirrer’s maximum track density is 28050 tracks/cm2, appearing at 90 and 150 minutes. The microwave is the best etching method since it generated the tracks (65076 tracks/cm2) in a relatively short amount of time (10 min). The computation of the etching parameters, which are the bulk etch rates (VB), track etch rate (VT) and track etch ratio (V), was investigate in the etching properties. The time for the appearance of all traces of the microwave device is at a time of 10 minutes, followed by a hotplate stirrer at a time of 90 minutes, then a water bath at a time of 120 minutes.
Evaluation of the Therapeutic Impact of Probiotic-Enriched Orange and Pomegranate Juices on Some Health Parameters in Diarrhea-Induced Laboratory Rats
Authors: Alnuame Omer A. , Al-Hadidy Yasmeen I. , Ibrahem Abid Marwa
Published: April 2024

This research endeavor was undertaken to craft a functional beverage by blending orange and pomegranate juices, enriched with the inclusion of therapeutic probiotic strains, specifically Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus rhamanous. A comprehensive assessment was conducted to investigate the physicochemical, microbial, and sensory characteristics of the resulting beverage. Furthermore, we explored the potential health benefits of this fortified beverage within a rat model afflicted with E. coli infection, focusing on its influence on blood parameters and lipid profiles in male rats. The research findings revealed the presence of four distinct bacterial strains, namely Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Enterococcus gallinarum, in natural juices obtained from local markets in Tikrit. Regarding the physicochemical properties and bacterial counts in the manufactured juices, the results indicated a decline in pH levels and total sugar content over time, coupled with an increase in total acidity during refrigerated storage of functional juices. Additionally, the enumeration and viability of fortifying bacteria surpassed the prescribed probiotic threshold in the tested juice varieties. Sensory evaluation outcomes demonstrated the overall acceptability of the manufactured juices. The research findings demonstrated that E. coli-induced diarrhea led to a significant elevation (P<0.05) in key blood parameters, including white blood cell and platelet counts (12.63 and 747 mm^3/liter), along with a notable reduction in red blood cell counts and hemoglobin concentration (6.0 and 13.1 mm^3/liter, respectively). However, oral administration of functional juices resulted in a decrease in white blood cell and platelet counts and an increase in red blood cell counts and hemoglobin concentration across all measured parameters. Regarding lipid profiles, the diarrheal group exhibited elevated levels of detrimental lipid markers, including cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipids (73.59, 71.61, and 14.8, respectively), accompanied by reduced high-density lipoproteins concentration (31.5). Conversely, treatment with oral doses of functional juices led to a reduction in these adverse lipid indicators for all treatment groups.
Study the optimal conditions of Aeromonas and Vibrio species isolated from Cyprinus carpio of some farms in Babil, Iraq.
Authors: basim hameed Zaid , kadhim Emran Faiza , Al-Khalaf Alaa K. H.
Published: April 2024

Four environmental bacterial isolates, including Aeromonas hydrophila, Aremonas soberia, Aremonas veronii, and Vibirio cholerae, were isolated from living Carp in some farms in Babylon, Iraq, and examined for their responses to temperature, pH, and incubation period under laboratory conditions in this study. In addition, bacterial growth under test conditions was measured to obtain important parameters related to bacterial growth, lag time (λ), specific growth rate (μm), and maximum biomass (A) for comparison. V. cholerae did show the lowest mean growth at different temperatures, but was adapted to a much wider environmental pH from 4 to 9 for growth, while A. hydrophila was more adaptable to pH and temperature changes, yielding the highest mean biomass at pH 8 and temperature 40 °C. A. sobria was surprisingly tolerant to different incubation periods and grew almost equally well under the conditions of other treatments. All four bacterial isolates showed a wide spectrum of plasticity to environmental conditions, and they pose a potential threat to public health and animal health.
Performance Analysis of 25kW p-Si Solar PV System
Authors: Mohammed Kalf Yahya , Atwan Ahmed F.
Published: April 2024

In present research project, the performance of a 25 kW electro-optical solar system consisting of 68 polycrystalline silicon panels with three models 310 watts, 320 watts and 400 watts was analyzed. The solar system was installed on Al-Zawraa Company buildings (Ministry of Industry and Minerals, Baghdad). An evaluation of the performance of the on-grid solar system was carried out under the skies of Baghdad. This solar system is synchronized with the 0.4kV low voltage distribution sector and its annual performance is measured. During the observed period, the annual output energy was 20921 kWh. The rate of daily yield of array, final yield and reference yield were 2.34 kWh/kWh, 2.29 kWh/kWh, and 5.94 kWh/kWh, respectively. The results also indicated that the annually average daily total losses, array losses and losses of the system were 3.65 kWh/kW, 3.61 kWh/kWh, and 0.046 kWh/kWh, respectively, while the annual average efficiency of inverter, system and arrays was 98%, 6.45% and 6.56%, respectively. The annually average of capacity factor and performance ratio were 30.8% and 38.6%, respectively.
Radon, Thoron and Polonium Concentrations Estimated in Building Materials Samples Collected from Al-Shatra, Dhi-Qar, Iraq
Authors: Elewee Aqeel A. , Aswood Murtadha Sh. , Alnayli Raad Sh. , Alhous Shatha F.
Published: April 2024

Radon, Thoron and their short-lived daughters have a high contribution to background radiation, as long-term exposure causes the risk of lung cancer. In current study, five types of building materials with a total 55 samples in Al-Shatra City, Dhi-Qar Governorate, Iraq collected to measure the radon and thoron concentration by using CR-39 solid state nuclear track detector. The results showed that the average radon concentrations in all samples were (103.53±55.94) Bqm−3, while the average thoron concentration was (53.20±44.69) Bqm−3. On the other hand, the annual effective dose of radon ranged between (0.85-6.46) msvy−1, with an average of 2.61msvy−1. While, for thoron concentration was ranged between (0.12-3.28) msvy−1, with an average of 1.49 msvy−1. The annual effective dose was found acceptable limit (3-10 msvy−1) recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). On the other side, the average Polonium concentrations (218Po, 214Po) have been found to be 2.053 KBqm−3, 0.866 KBqm−3, respectively.
Estimated concentration of Radon in Soil samples collected from Nasiriyah Governorate, Iraq, by using CR-39 detector
Authors: Zayed Khudhair Salam , Aswood Murtadha Sh. , Alhous Shatha F. , Showard Ansam F.
Published: April 2024

In this study, CR-39 detector was used to measure alpha particles emitted from radon gas in fifteen soil samples collected from Nasiriyah Governorate, Iraq. The results indicated that the concentration of radon gas varies from the highest concentration 122.40±19.11Bq m−3 in Bisan area and the lowest concentration of 69.71±17.90Bq m−3 in Hayyal - Muallimeen area, all values are less than the internationally recommended values 200-600 Bq m−3 mentioned by ICRP. Also, the calibration factor for the CR-39 detector was calculated and amounted to be 0.02 (tr.cm
2/Bq m
−3
d).
The effect of dust storms on air quality and public health in the city of Hillah
Authors: Deindee Abrar F. , Al-Fatlawi Suad M.
Published: April 2024

Dust storms, which have become frequent events, pose great risks to health and the environment. There are three factors responsible for generating them: strong winds, lack of rain, and lack of vegetation cover. AirQ+ software developed by the World Health Organization, was used to assess the health risks resulting from short-term exposure to PM2.5 measured using Continuous Particulate Monitor BAM-1020 for a period of two years from Jan 2021 to Jan 2023. The frequency and intensity of dust storms were recorded during the summer and spring of 2022, with high concentrations. The concentrations of the pollutant PM2.5 range during storm days (213.89 - 674.48 μg/m3), where short-term exposure causes an increase in the risk of respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular diseases. The most severe dust storms (674.48 μg/m3) caused a rise in the risk relative to 3.395 for respiratory diseases and 1.801 for cardiovascular disease. The great danger of dust storms is evident by comparing them with corresponding days for the year 2021, where the relative risk did not exceed 1.03for respiratory diseases and 1.01) for cardiovascular diseases. In general, air quality was classified using the concentrations obtained, where the concentrations of PM2.5 increased strongly, especially during the dry months, and the sand and dust storms that happened in 2022 caused the air quality to become dangerous by 2%, very unhealthy by 6%, and unhealthy by 8%. As for the other pollutants (SO2, NO2, and CO), they did not rise much beyond the allowable limit, and it has no direct relationship with dust storms, i.e. they did not increase with their increase. Several health and safety precautions and environmental control techniques can be used to lessen the effects of sand and dust storms. Although it is unreasonable to take action to stop or prevent widespread sand and dust storms from occurring, management measures can be taken to lessen their effects.
A Study of potassium adsorption in some soils north of Dhi-Qar province in Iraq
Authors: Bedeeh Riyadh S , Chlaib Hussein Kh , Fakhir Salwa J , Abd Athmar M
Published: April 2024

To study the phenomenon of potassium adsorption to some soils in northern Dhi-Qar Governorate / southern Iraq with different characteristics, which included agricultural and non-agricultural sites such as Al-Shatrah, Al-Nasr, Al-Dawaya, Al-Rifai, Qalat Sukar, and Al-Fajr, 1 g of soil was taken and potassium was added to it at levels (0, 20, 40, 60, 80). 100, 120, 140) mg L−1, prepared from potassium chloride KCl, and complete the volume to 50 ml with a solution of 0.01MCaCl2. The concepts of thermal symmetry of adsorption equations were tested (Langmuir, Freundlich). The results of the study showed that the adsorption equations succeeded in describing the adsorption of potassium by soil samples, but these equations differed in their efficiency depending on the soil properties of agricultural and non-agricultural sites. The Langmuir equation was the most efficient in describing the adsorption of potassium by soil samples of non-agricultural sites because it obtained the highest values of the coefficient of determination R2compared to the Freundlich equation. The results of the study also showed that the amount of potassium absorbed by the soil increased with the increase in the amount of potassium added to the balance solution, and the amount absorbed differed according to the characteristics of the soil and the sites studied. The values of the diffusion coefficient (Kd) decreased with an increase in the concentration of potassium added to the soil, and its value increased in the soil of non-agricultural sites compared to agricultural sites, where the value of (Kd) for the soil of non-agricultural sites ranged between (2.60 - 11.75) L kg−1and for agricultural sites between (2.70-11.25) L kg−1.
Studying some of the optimal conditionals for the best bacterial isolates from soil and its effects on their growth rates
Authors: Majeed Balasim Halah , Kadhim Emran Faiza , Ahmad Yaaqoob Laith
Published: April 2024

The current study aimed to use some bacterial isolates from the local soil of Baghdad city by study the effects of temperature, pH and incubation period on the growth rates of isolated bacteria and choose the optimal conditions for their diversity and for understanding bacterial growth and their requirements for survival and proliferation. This information can be applied to obtain their high growth rate for use in various fields such as agriculture, medicine and environmental sciences in the future. And it used to assess the degree of variation in across bacteria species in pH, temperature and incubation period. A number of local bacterial isolates as Enterobacter cloacae, Aeromonas hydrophila, Pantoea spp., Pseudomonas mendocina and Serratia fonticola identified in this study. The growth rate of the bacterial isolates was tested by growing each bacterial isolate in a different range of pH (4, 7 and 10) and under the influence of several temperatures (52, 35 and 50) and within different incubation periods (24, 48 and 72) hours The optimal conditions were determined by measuring the optical density (absorbance) at a wavelength of 600 nm, which represents bacterial growth. The optimal conditions for E. cloacae were determined to be a pH of 10 and a temperature of 35°C after a 72hour incubation period. Similarly, A. hydrophila exhibited optimal growth at a pH of 7 and a temperature of 35°C after a 72hour incubation period. Pantoea spp. demonstrated optimal growth at a pH of 7 and a temperature of 25°C after a 24hour incubation period. P. mendocina displayed optimal growth at a pH of 7 and a temperature of 25°C after a 72hour incubation period. Lastly, S. fonticola exhibited optimal growth at a pH of 7 and a temperature of 50°C after a 72hour incubation period.
Quantitative Soil Quality Assessment by Using Visual Soil-Field Assessment Tools (VS-FAST)
Authors: Al-hedny Suhad , Al-Shujairy Qassim A. T. , Manshood Mustafa A. , Fathullah Tabarek H.
Published: April 2024

Unplanned land use reflects the changes from agricultural to urbanization and decreasing of green spaces in cities and agricultural lands surrounding cities. The Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), Dry Bare - Soil Index (DBSI) and Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI) indices were derived to evaluate the rate of the land use/cover changes due to uncontrolled urban sprawl for the years 2001 and 2020. Field indicators were also used to assess soil properties’ degradation by using Land Degradation Assessment in Drylands (LADA) under the FAO Global Environment Facility (GEF) project. A set of 30 soil samples were randomly collected from two locations: unplanned built-up and vegetated sites in Babil Governorate, Iraq. The results showed that soil texture and salinity were the most varied indicators. The poorer areas (unplanned urban areas) were low and assessed as poor quality, while the vegetated site was assessed as moderate quality with high total score values. The findings from spectral indices show a significant rise in the built-up land use/cover category, expanding from 10.367 square kilometres in 2001 to 50.883 square kilometres in 2020. In contrast, the areas of bare-soils and vegetated decreased from 29.29 and 35.474 square kilometres in 2001 to 12.511 and 19.601 square kilometres in 2020, respectively. Various analytical techniques proved instrumental in distinguishing the different land use/cover categories in this research.
The Effect of Bentonite and Poultry Waste on Growth of Maize
Authors: Hakim Abd Alshammari Abbas , Saber Sarwan Al-Wattifi Abbas
Published: April 2024

This study was conducted to find out the effect of Bentonite mineral and poultry waste and the addition of some elements on the characteristics of the maize plant. Levels of poultry waste (M0, M1, and M2) and three chemical elements: magnesium, zinc, and copper (Emg, Ezn, and Ecu) separately, and the effect of these factors on the growth characteristics of maize. The results showed the following:

1. The P2 addition level of the mineral Bentonite was superior to the rest of the levels in the studied plant characteristics, such as plant height, chlorophyll, dry weight of shoot and root systems, and weight of 1000 grains.

2. The M2 addition level to poultry waste was superior to the rest of the levels in the studied plant characteristics, such as plant height, chlorophyll, dry weight of the shoot and root system, and the weight of 1000 grains.

3. The binary interactions between the metal and poultry waste, P2M2 and the metal, and the chemical elements, P2Ecu, on the one hand, and the interaction between the poultry waste, and the chemical elements, M2Ecu, on the other hand, showed significant superiority over the rest of the treatments in collecting the studied plant characteristics.

4. The results showed that there was a significant difference between the treatments as a result of the triple interactions between the experimental factors (Bentonite mineral, poultry waste, and chemical elements) if the P2M2Ecu treatment outperformed the rest of the treatments in the studied plant traits.
Electrospinning for Creation of Zinc Oxide/ Poly(methyl methacrylate) Nanofiber Scaffolds
Authors: Saati S.A.A.AL , Shakir Kadhim Qasim , Abed Alkhadum Mahdi Ausama , Alfalluji Ali L.
Published: April 2024

The ability of catalysis and the great interest in the study of nanofibers of zinc oxide nanoparticles loaded on the polymer PMMA in this study. These particles are initially considered unstable, except when combined with pure PMMA, these particles are more stable. By examining zinc oxide nanoparticles using X-ray diffraction to find out the degree of crystallization (XRD) and (FT-IR) for the purpose of studying the chemical changes that occur inside the compound. The surface morphology was best represented by the SEM electronic survey approach. Nanofibers were created by electrospinning of PMMA/ZnO with different concentrations of ZnO of 3%, 6% and 12%. Nanofiber displays good morphology this hybrid compound can be used in many applications because it is easy to use and inexpensive.
Identifying and Check Names of Wild Plants from Brassicaceae Family in Western Desert District of Iraq
Authors: Mousa M O , Shahatha S S , AlFahdawy H S M , Abood N M , Mukhlif F H
Published: April 2024

Several field trips were carried out in the winter and spring of 2019 and 2023 in Western Desert District of Iraq, resulting in the collection and identification of more than 490 plant samples from the Brassicaceae family. The total number of species reached 48 species belonging to 35 genera. Among them is the new species Morettia parviflora Boiss., which is recorded for the first time in Iraq. In addition to recording a new presence of five species in this District, namely: Camelina hispida Boiss., Glastoria glastifolia (DC.) O. ktze., Lepidium latifolium L., Sinapis alba L. and Sterigmostemum Sulphureum (Banks) Bornm. scientific names were checked, and this study worked to adopt internationally accepted names, it was arranged in tables that included the first publication, habitat, duration and life form, note that the largest percentage of species were annual herbs (40 Species, 83%), and the life form (Therophytes) had the highest percentage (37 species, 77%). A map was prepared for the distribution of the new species in the district and the country. The species M. parviflora was also treated taxonomically, some plant samples were deposited in Iraqi National Herbarium with the numbers 68314, 68315, 68316 and 68317.
Effect of stearic acid concentration on the superhydrophobic properties of sponge coated by Fe2O3-MgO nanocomposite
Authors: Jumaah Sabah H. , Sabry Raad S. , Aziz Wisam J.
Published: April 2024

The nanocomposite (Fe2o3-MgO) was prepared using the hydrothermal method. A super hydrophobicity surface was successfully fabricated using a nanocomposite with stearic acid at different molar ratios using the dip coting method on the sponge. The prepared samples were characterized by XRD, FE-SEM, AFM, Raman and contact angle techniques. The XRD pattern of Fe2O3-MgO nanocomposite exhibits that the XRD pattern aligns well with both reference codes for iron oxide and magnesium oxide. This consistency validates the presence of both iron and magnesium oxide phases in the nanocomposite. FESEM images of the coated sponges apparent that all the coated sponges share a strikingly similar morphology. They exhibit a layered structure, with plates that are arranged in parallel to each other. According to AFM results, the (Fe2O3-MgO) nanocomposite exhibited the highest surface roughness among the three samples, with an Ra of 69.41 nm and an Rq of 83.30 nm. The contact angles of samples with x = 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 are equal to 140.1°, 142.3°, 147.6°, and 152.9°, respectively. Therefore, there is a direct relationship between the molar ratio of stearic acid to nanocomposite and the contact angle. As the molar ratio increases, the contact angle also rises, due to the increase in surface roughness.
Production of Nano Beta-Glucans From Baking Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Its Comparison With Extracted Beta-Glucans
Authors: Naseer Sadiq Batol , Fadel Mousa Ebtisam
Published: April 2024

In this study, the valid bread yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used for the purpose of the polysaccharide beta-glucan, and the diagnosis of lyophilization was confirmed, as the biological cell of the yeast was grown in SDA Agar medium and incubated at a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius for 48 hours, and the sugar fermentation test was conducted and completed. Identifying its microscopic and cultural characteristics, diagnostic tests showed that it was Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast. Beta-glucan was extracted from yeast cells using the (acid-base) method. The extracted beta-glucan was diagnosed using Infrared rays (FT-IR) and (HPLC) technology. Comparing the results of the tests with the standard beta-glucan compound. The extracted beta-glucan was converted into a nanocomposite by (base - acid) method. The physical, chemical and functional properties of the nanocomposite were determined. The ability to bind water to the nanocomposite was (293%) and the ability to bind fat (254%). The average size of the nano-beta-glucan particles included in Soft cheese manufacturing using the Size Analyzer device reached 189.4 nm.Filed Emission Scanning electron microscope (FESEM) was used to detect the surface of the extracted and prepared Nano beta-glucan compound, which reached, respectively. As for the (XRD), UV-Vis, Fourier spectrometer was determined. The inhibitory effectiveness of the extracted and Nano beta-glucan compound against pathogenic bacteria was estimated, while Gram-negative bacteria was inhibited as well, as it was for E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 23 and 21 mm, respectively, The results showed that there was no growth inhibition zone for lactic acid bacteria.
Study of The Inhibition Corrosion of Aluminum Metal Using Peppermint Oil in An Acidic Medium
Authors: Emad Kazem Susan , Saeed Othman Ahmed
Published: April 2024

This study included the study of the efficiency of peppermint oil inhibition of aluminum corrosion in acidic medium HCl at concentrations (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 M) on the corrosion rate in the presence and absence of the inhibitor peppermint oil at different concentrations (1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 ppm).In order to study the effect of changing the temperature (303, 313, 323, 333 K) on the corrosion rate in the absence and presence of the inhibitor, different concentrations of the inhibitor were chosen in addition to the acid concentration (1M). The experiments were carried out using the weight loss method to calculate the erosion rate. The expected heat of adsorption enthalpy was (-29.913 KJ/mol), with a negative sign indicates that the process is exothermic. The value of the free energy of adsorption ranged from (11.086-15.067 KJ/mol. (The results showed that Freundlich adsorption isotherm equation is the best fit to examine the adsorption process, also a scanning electron microscope. Showed the surface of aluminum before and after corrosion according to the results of the study, it was found that the used inhibitor reduces corrosion in acidic media. Its anti-corrosion efficacy also improves with increasing inhibitor concentration and with decreasing temperature.
Fintech in Banking Institutions
Authors: Lu Lerong
Published: April 2024

This chapter considers Fintech innovations in the banking industry. The case study focuses on digital-based challenger banks that have quickly emerged after the global financial crisis 2007–2008, such as Monzo, Starling, Revolut, N26, and WeBank. It examines the phenomenon of ‘too big to fail’, which indicates the market concentration and systemic importance of large global banks. Digital banks (or neo banks) adopt a simplified, efficient, and low-cost business model based on the internet and smartphone apps. Digital banks are known for their unique distribution channels and bespoke financial services for retail customers and SMEs underserved by incumbent banks. This chapter discusses various factors contributing to the rapid rise of digital banks and assesses their advantages over traditional banks. It also analyses how digital banks fit into the existing regulatory system, and identifies key regulatory issues such as deposit insurance, capital requirement, and data safety.
Conclusion
Authors: Lu Lerong
Published: April 2024

This chapter presents the key findings in the book to inform researchers, practitioners, policy-makers, and any Fintech enthusiasts. It identifies the main achievements of Fintech innovations for financial consumers, Fintech corporations, and society as a whole. It provides readers with a comprehensive and critical understanding of the Fintech ecosystem and its impact on banking, online P2P lending, and digital money. It focuses on the transformative force of Fintech, while also emphasising the importance of addressing legal, regulatory, and ethical considerations to ensure the sustainable growth of Fintech in the 21st century. Fintech, if properly regulated, is capable of creating a more efficient, democratic, and inclusive financial industry. This chapter draws a conclusion for the book.
The Missteps of the Nahḍa Intellectuals
Authors: Oweidat Nadia
Published: April 2024

This chapter examines Abu Zayd’s ideas on the scholars of the nahḍa, which was a movement among the first generation of scholars in the Muslim world to encounter the pressure of Europe’s progress. These scholars had to address the issue of the compatibility of modernity and Islam. Even as their task may ultimately have proved an impossible one, these modernists nevertheless achieved a measure of success, and this chapter examines the reasons for this phenomenon. While Abu Zayd admired and was influenced by the nahḍa scholars, he also critiqued them, especially Muhammad ʿAbduh (1849–1905) and Taha Hussain (1889–1973), for the intellectual direction that the Arab world took.
Islamic Secularism
Authors: Oweidat Nadia
Published: April 2024

Abu Zayd believed in the need for institutional separation between religion and the state. Such separation, he argued, would not only protect the rights of individuals to have freedom of conscience without fear of persecution, but it also protects the integrity of Islam itself. This chapter clarifies Abu Zayd’s definition of secularism. In his view and that of his fellow modernists, secularism empowers religion because it frees it from the grip of religious and political institutions to enable its interpretation to proceed “in a scientific manner that purifies it from myths and at the same time utilizes its inherent momentum to achieve progress, justice and liberty.”
Association of Cardiovascular Health in Young Adulthood With Long-Term Blood Pressure Trajectories
Authors: Guo James W , Ning Hongyan , Allen Norrina B , Reges Orna , Gabriel Kelley Pettee , Lloyd-Jones Donald M
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular health (CVH) in young adulthood (YA) has been associated with cardiovascular outcomes in older age. However, little is known about the relationship between YA CVH and mid-life blood pressure (BP) trajectories.

METHODS

Baseline CVH (defined by 7 of the American Heart Association’s [AHA] Life’s Essential 8 [LE8] metrics, excluding BP) was measured in YA with individual metrics scored and averaged as a composite LE8 score. Categorical CVH status was defined as high, moderate, and low. Latent class analysis was used to identify trajectories of mid-BP (mean of systolic blood pressure [SBP] and diastolic blood pressure [DBP]) from average ages 35 to 55 years. Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate the association of YA CVH status (continuously and categorically) with mid-life BP trajectory group membership.

RESULTS

There were 3,688 participants from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study in YA with follow-up data for mid-life BP trajectories. We observed 3 BP trajectory groups, labeled as Persistently-Low, Middle, and High-Increasing. On average, each 10-points higher baseline LE8 score (mean [SD] of 73.5 [13.1]) in YA was associated with adjusted odds ratios of 0.78 (95% CI, 0.72–0.84) for membership in the Middle and 0.65 (0.57–0.73) for membership in the High-Increasing trajectory groups. Compared with categorical low CVH status at baseline, those with high CVH were significantly less likely to be in the Middle and High-Increasing BP trajectory groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate or low CVH status in YA is associated with elevated mid-life BP trajectory. These data suggest that young adult CVH promotion may be important for the primordial prevention of hypertension.
Timing of egg-laying in relation to a female’s social environment in European starlings
Authors: Leonard Kathryn M , Williams Tony D
Published: April 2024

It is widely assumed that female birds use nonphotic supplemental cues, including social factors, to fine-tune timing of egg-laying to local conditions, but our knowledge of the nature of these social cues and how they operate remains limited. We analyzed the relationship between a female’s social environment (nearest neighbor distances, residency, female -and- network familiarity, synchrony) and variation in timing of egg-laying in European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) using individual, residual laying date (controlling for annual variation) and temperature-independent residual laying date (accounting for the effect of ambient temperature on laying date). Female social environment varied systematically with overall spatial distribution of nest-boxes (linear vs clumped boxes) but this was not associated with spatial variation in laying date or temperature-independent residual laying date. We found no evidence for any relationships between individual variation in social environment and individual, residual laying date and only weak evidence for any association with individual, temperature-independent residual laying date. The latter was associated with (1) nearest neighbor distances in the linear habitat, with females nesting closer to neighbors laying earlier than predicted by temperature, but not in the two clumped habitats, and (2) neighbor familiarity: females with an intermediate number of returning females (3/8) laid closest to the predicted date. Finally, despite the fact that synchrony was not associated with other social environment metrics, females with lower laying synchrony among neighbors laid earlier than predicted by temperature. This suggests that some components of the female-female social environment could act as supplemental cues for timing of egg-laying.