Science Journal of University of Zakho

EVALUATING GROWTH AND NUTRIENT COMPOSITION OF AFRICAN CATFISH UNDER DIFFERENT SALINITIES

Muhammad Owis, Basim. S. A. Al Sulivany, Rana M. Fazal, Manar Abdellatif — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0300

An investigation was carried out to explore the effect of salinity on the growth and flesh quality of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), a significant species in global aquaculture. Fifty juvenile catfish of weight 24.25±0.4g were collected from the Chenab River in Pakistan and acclimatized in controlled aquaculture conditions at different salinity levels NaCl (T1; 0, T2; 2, T3; 4; T4; 6, and T5; 8 ppt) over 60 days. Growth performance indicators, including final weights, weight gain, growth rate, and feed conversion ratio (FCR), were measured. The statistical result indicated that the fish in lower salinity environments (0-2 ppt) exhibited significant (p < 0.05) final weights, weight gain, and growth rates, with performance declining significantly as salinity increased. The best FCR 1.2±0.01 was indicated at 0 ppt, while the highest salinity (8 ppt) was revealed in the FCR 1.7±0.04. Proximate composition analysis indicated that crude protein and moisture content elevated with salinity while crude fat and ash content decreased. These results suggest that C. gariepinus thrives in slightly brackish conditions, with optimal growth at low salinity levels. However, higher salinities adversely impact physiological health and growth performance.

PECTIN EXTRACTION AND CHARACTERIZATION FROM LOCAL WHITE PUMPKIN (LAGENARIA SICERARIA)

Sawen Manaf Ezzalddin, Bawer Jamil Younis, Safea Sabir Taha, Zeen Tahsin Essa — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Pectin, a naturally occurring heteropolysaccharide, has in recent years grown increasingly in importance. In this present study, white pumpkin or bottle gourd was chosen as a representative of the Cucurbitaceae family to extract powder pectin. At initial and final times, treatment (T₁) and treatment (T₂), the amount of pectin in calcium pectate in fresh pumpkin ranges from 3.7% to 5.8%. Standardized water bath heating was used to extract pectin from white pumpkins by boiling the fruit at atmospheric pressure for five minutes at 95 ^oC. Distilled water was also tested for pectin isolation from white pumpkins as an extraction solvent. The weight increased by 844.98% at T₁ and decreased to 675.67% at T₆, following which was precipitation with 95% ethanol yielding maximum on the above during the extraction of pectin by water bath at varied period durations. Finally, the degree of esterification was the rate 68.76% at T₁ to 59.87% at T₆, with the methoxyl content having a value 9.45% at T₁ to 6.82% at T₆ and the anhydrouronic acid content (AUA%) being 76.66% at T₁ to 64.77% at T₆. Moisture, equivalent weight, degree of esterification, and methoxyl concentration all reduced as extraction time increased. However, many indicators, like ash content, acetyl value, and jelly grade, exhibited an early rise in value that later declined as extraction time increased. Thus, the optimal method for pectin isolation involves boiling the pumpkin in water at atmospheric pressure for 5 to 30 minutes. In addition, among different times of extraction pectin that was obtained from 30 minutes had the highest lightness 82.07 while the lowest redness 2.03 and yellowness 5.14 of pectin was recorded at this time. This pectin met the criteria for food additive use, indicating its potential as a commercially viable alternative source.

RESPONSE OF TWO MUSKMELON HYBRID TO SEAWEED AND LICORICE ROOT EXTRACT FOLIAR FERTILIZERS

Ahmed M.T Ahmed, Abduljabbar I. Saeid — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0300

A field experiment was conducted at Malta Dohuk government research farm in Dohuk province to investigate the impact of licorice root extract at three concentrations (0, 8, and 16 g.L^-1) and Maxi Grow at three concentrations (0, 5, and 10 ml.L^-1) on two muskmelon hybrids (ES 3111 F1 and ES 335 F1). Both hybrids received foliar sprays, and their combined effects on the growth and yield of the hybrids were examined. The experiment adhered to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The results demonstrated that the influence of the muskmelon hybrids on growth and yield was not significant, except for Total Soluble Solids (TSS), which was higher in the hybrid ES 3111 F1 compared to ES 335 F1. In contrast, Maxi Grow at (10) ml.L^-1 exhibited significant positive effects on all studied traits compared to the control group. Similarly, foliar application of licorice root extract at 16 g.L^-1 significantly enhanced vegetative growth parameters (number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, with no effect on chlorophyll content), as well as stem diameter and yield-related traits such as the number and weight of fruits per plant. Notably, the combined interaction of licorice root extract at 16 g.L^-1 and Maxi Grow at 10 ml.L^-1 had the most favorable impact on the studied characters, particularly when applied to the ES 335 F1 hybrid. The results suggest that the use of licorice root extract and Maxi Grow is recommended for the organic production of the ES 335 F1 hybrid.

THE GREEN APPROACH FOR THE SYNTHESIS OF SOME HYDROQUINOLINE DERIVATIVES COMPOUND VIA HANTZSCH REACTION

Layla Ahmed Othman — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Since that hydroquinoline and acridine compounds serve as the fundamental building blocks for the synthesis of many different pharmaceuticals, they are among the most significant classes of chemical compounds that attract the interest of numerous researchers and pharmacologists. Therefore, in this research, The Hantzch reaction was used to prepare these types hydroquinoline and acridine derivatives of compounds, through the reaction of a number substituted benzaldehyde with demidone and α-β diketone substitutes by refluxed with sodium acetate in the presence of iodine and a 1-sulfo-4-(3-(Ferricoxide-Silicondioxide nanopowdertrioxisilyl)propyl) piperazinum-1,4-diphosphate as a catalyst to form 7,7- dimethyl -4,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoline derivatives which is represented by compounds (1-12) or in the same way by react benzaldehyde substitutes react with demidone and 4-isopropyl cyclohexanone 1-one to form acridin derivatives represented by compounds (13 -17). All product compound are characterized using 1H-NMR spectra and the results confirmed the structures.

ENHANCED SYNTHESIS OF NiO NANO FILM THROUGH SOL-GEL DIP COATING METHOD: INVESTIGATION THE IMPACT OF LASER IRRADIATION

Mahira Muhsen Esmael — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0300

The sol-gel synthesis technique was used to fabricate NiO nanofilms, and the process of dip coating aided by laser irradiation was used to form thin layers on silicon and glass bases at room temperature. By using lasers, a novelty was introduced to the technique that differs from another research. The thin layer was exposed to laser illumination (530 nm, 0.1, 1, 10 W) prior to heating during the deposition process. The main objective is to investigate the properties of thin layers further upon their formation as nanostructures using dip coating under different intensities of green laser light. We characterized the chemical bonding structure and surface morphology with the help of FTIR spectroscopy and SEM. Diffraction X-ray and UV spectroscopy were applied to evaluate the optical and structural characteristics of the films. Surface chemical composition was analyzed using EDS. The FTIR study demonstrated the existence of many exterior groups functional in the NiO nanofilms. NiO nanoparticles showed blue shifts in their infrared absorption band regarding the bulk NiO. The increase in NiOx film's optical bandgap was observed with the rise of laser irradiation intensity; values were found in the range of 3.5–4.01 eV. From the morphological analysis, the nanocrystalline grains in the films are uniformly covered. Through EDS testing, the composition of oxygen and nickel was confirmed. XRD measurements confirmed that during the synthesis process, cubic NiO nanoparticles were obtained. The effects of different power levels of laser irradiation on the films were discussed. According to the findings, High-irradiation laser in dip coating increased synthesis in the deposited films improved optical and structural characteristics adjusted for exact technological applications.

EVALUATION OF THROMBOCYTOPENIA, D-DIMER, INFLAMMATORY CRP, AND CBC MARKERS IN COVID-19 CASES, INCLUDING PATIENTS FROM IRAQ, USING A CASE-CONTROL METHODOLOGY

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0300

COVID-19 is a highly contagious viral illness caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It primarily affects the respiratory system but can also impact other significant organs. Its rapid spread has heightened interest in biomarkers for screening and early diagnosis. This study evaluated D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), and complete blood count (CBC) levels in patients with COVID-19 compared to healthy individuals. A total of 50 healthy individuals and 50 COVID-19 patients, aged 20 to 65, were included in the study, excluding individuals with conditions such as leukemia, thalassemia, or pregnancy. Whole blood and plasma samples were collected for CBC and D-dimer assays and stored at 2-4°C. The COVID-19 patients had significantly higher levels of D-dimer, CRP, white blood cells (WBC), granulocytes, and granulocyte percentage as compared with the healthy individuals (p<0.01), lower levels of lymphocyte percentage, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) (p<0.01), as shown. The severe COVID-19 cases often show elevated D-dimer levels, indicating a higher risk of thrombosis. Increased CRP levels correlate with more severe conditions and help assess inflammation severity. A CBC provides insights into blood components, like RBC and WBC, and platelets. During COVID-19, CBC results may reveal lymphopenia, a low lymphocyte count linked to increased severity. For the most accurate and current information, consult healthcare professionals, reliable health organizations, or recent scientific studies on COVID-19.

MORPHOLOGICAL AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF ZNO NANORODS GROWN ONTO SILICON SUBSTRATES: THE IMPACT OF GROWTH TEMPERATURE

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0300

ZnO nanorods (NRs) have been successfully grown onto Silicon (Si) substrates. The properties of ZnO NRs have been characterized using field emission scanning microscopy, Photoluminescence, and X-ray diffraction. Results showed that the growth temperature (85, 90, 95, and 100^oC) significantly affected the properties of ZnO NRs. At a temperature of 95^oC, the structural and optical properties have been significantly enhanced, besides, well-aligned ZnO NRs have been obtained. With the rise of growth temperature from 85 to 95^oC, the crystallite size increases (52 to 94 nm), and the near band edge emission to deep level emission ratio is enhanced. Besides, the aspect ratio for the prepared ZnO NRs has increased significantly reaching 19.42. This study emphasizes the significance of growth temperature in tunning the structural and microstructural and subsequently the physicochemical properties of ZnO NRs by fine control of the growth temperature. Moreover, a facile and cost-efficient method for fabricating ZnO nanorods for electronic applications based on silicon is presented in this study.

OEFFICIENT ESTIMATES OF NEW SPECIAL SUBCATEGORY OF BI-UNIVALENT FUNCTIONS

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0300

In the present paper, we introduce and investigate a new subcategory H_Σ (q,β;ς) of analytic and bi-univalent functions in the open unit disk D based on the ideas of q-derivative operator and subordination. For the functions belong to the subcategory H_Σ (q,β;ς) , upper bounds for the second and third coefficients are found and some special outcomes of the main result are also presented.

MORPHOLOGY AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF TOMATO LEAF MINER TUTA ABSOLUTA DIAGNOSED IN DUHOK GOVERNORATE / IRAQ

Mohammed Saeed Mirza, Shamal Abdullah Al-Muffti — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is a highly destructive and invasive pest affecting tomato and other Solanaceae crops, causing severe economic damage. A comprehensive investigation into the presence of the tomato leaf miner T. absoluta was undertaken in this study via a field survey across tomato cultivation zones throughout all districts of Duhok Governorate in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq from July to September 2022. Instances of T. absoluta infestation were documented in Zakho, Amadiya, Summel, Dohuk, Shekhan, Aqrah, and Bardarash districts. The collected moths were described morphologically depending on the phenotypic characteristics and features of the male genitalia; the phallus was cylindrical; the valva was weakly curved and covered with long setae. The apex of the uncus extends almost to the tip of the valve. They were also confirmed at the molecular level through PCR analysis using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) as a molecular marker. The sequences of the mtCOI gene of T. absoluta specimens were analyzed and compared with the available COI sequence data members from GenBank. All studied specimens of T. absoluta were clustered together in a single group with a high support value, suggesting the presence of high homogeneity in the T. absoluta specimens. This work represents the first attempt at molecular identification of obtained specimens of T. absoluta in Iraq.

ENHANCE THE AQUEOUS SOLUBILITY OF DICLOFENAC THROUGH THE SYNTHESIS OF DICLOFENAC-INOSITOL PRODRUG

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Due to limited aqueous solubility, poor bioavailability makes oral dosage formulations difficult to formulate. Chemical alteration of medicinal compounds improves solubility. Prodrug design is a popular molecular modification method that improves solubility and oral bioavailability. This study aims to synthesize a diclofenac prodrug to enhance aqueous solubility. In this study, diclofenac was esterified with inositol to make a prodrug (DIP), which was identified by ¹H-NMR and FT-IR. A computational pharmacokinetic software was used to study DIP's pharmacokinetic profile, and saturation solubility was measured in phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) and 0.1 HCl (pH 1.2) solutions. The ester bands of (C=O) stretch at 1739 cm^-1 and the elimination of H signals of carboxylic acid at 10-12 ppm in the ¹H-NMR spectrum proved the synthesis of (DIP). Diclofenac solubility increased 827-fold in phosphate buffer solution (p < 0.05) from 0.059± 0.0164 mg/ml to 48.8± 0.034 mg/ml, primarily due to polarity change. The solubility of diclofenac and (DIP) in 0.1 N HCl (pH 1.2) was 0.016± 0.0031 and 0.018± 0.002, respectively. The improvement in solubility in the acidic medium was non-significant (p > 0.05) due to acid hydrolysis of the ester bond between inositol and the drug. The synthesis of diclofenac prodrug can greatly enhance its water solubility.

MICROSCOPIC ARCHITECTURE OF THE RESPIRATORY AND CONDUCTING SYSTEM OF THE LUNG OF NILE MONITOR

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Using semi-thin sections, the present investigation examined the microscopic characteristics of the lungs of the Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus). The lungs were composed of Intrapulmonary conducting airways and respiratory faveoli. Intrapulmonary airways originate from the terminal portion of the bronchus, which extends into the lung to create the bronchial tree. The bronchus was lined with pseudostratified ciliated epithelium composed of both ciliated and non-ciliated cells, and it was supported by plates of hyaline cartilage. The central lumen is surrounded by contractile fibers that contain smooth muscle cell bundles and are covered by ciliated and non-ciliated cells. The central lumen communicates with the faveoli. Separating adjacent faveoli are pulmonary trabeculae covered with various cell types, including type I pneumocytes, type II pneumocytes, and pulmonary macrophages. Some substantial pulmonary bronchi were also supported by small cartilage plate granules and lined with ciliated epithelium. Type I pneumocytes were flat cells, whereas type II pneumocytes had cuboidal cells with vacuolated cytoplasm. Surface irregularity and vacuolated cytoplasm were features of pulmonary macrophages. In addition, the connective tissue of the pulmonary septa contained immune cells, such as Mast and Eosinophils. In conclusion, the microstructure of the lung of the Nile monitor closely resembles that of other reptile species. However, the distinction between intrapulmonary cartilage palates and pulmonary septa raises the concept of species differentiation. In addition, the discovery of various types of pulmonary immune cells enhances the Nile monitor's ability to persist in a variety of environments by enhancing its pulmonary immunity.

A NEW CONJUGATE GRADIENT METHOD BASED ON LOGISTIC MAPPING FOR UNCONSTRAINED OPTIMIZATION AND ITS APPLICATION IN REGRESSION ANALYSIS

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0300

The study tackles the critical need for efficient optimization techniques in unconstrained optimization problems, where conventional techniques often suffer from slow and inefficient convergence. There is still a need for algorithms that strike a balance between computational efficiency and robustness, despite advancements in gradient-based techniques. This work introduces a novel conjugate gradient algorithm based on the logistic mapping formula. As part of the methodology, descent conditions are established, and the suggested algorithm's global convergence properties are thoroughly examined. Comprehensive numerical experiments are used for empirical validation, and the new algorithm is compared to the Polak-Ribière-Polyak (PRP) algorithm. The suggested approach performs better than the PR algorithm, according to the results, and is more efficient since it needs fewer function evaluations and iterations to reach convergence. Furthermore, the usefulness of the suggested approach is demonstrated by its actual use in regression analysis, notably in the modelling of population estimates for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. In contrast to conventional least squares techniques, the method maintains low relative error rates while producing accurate predictions. All things considered, this study presents the novel conjugate gradient algorithm as an effective tool for handling challenging optimisation problems in both theoretical and real-world contexts.

ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE PATTERNS OF COMMON UROPATHOGENS ISOLATED FROM FEMALES AT ZAKHO CITY, KURDISTAN REGION, IRAQ.

Fawzi Adil ISSA — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system, including kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Uropathogenic bacterial-antibiotic resistance has become a severe challenge among UTI-causative agents. Objective: This work attempted to screen the activity of a wide range of antibiotics routinely used for UTI-derived infection management to assess the impact of antibiotics on some common UTI pathogens isolated from females. Method: This retrospective study was performed at Zakho Emergency Hospital, Kurdistan region of Iraq, from January 2016 to December 2019. Conventional bacteriological tests were used to identify the most common isolated uropathogens in females. The antibiotic sensitivity test was performed according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The bacterial-antibiotics assay was determined using the disk diffusion (Kirby-Bauer) method, which depended on the microbiology laboratory records. Results: Out of 1730 urine samples, 1040 (60.4%) were found to be pathogens-positive samples. The most common uropathogens isolated were Staphylococcus spp 44% (n=460), Escherichia coli strains 25.35% (n=265), Klebsiella spp 15.78% (n=65), and Streptococcus spp 14.83 (n=155). Regarding the microbial-antibiotic resistance, ≤ 25% of the UTI investigated cases, except Streptococcus spp, meropenem, imipenem, and amikacin, showed a remarkable effect against all addressed pathogens. Vancomycin was the first choice against gram-positive bacteria in addition to rifampicin and doxycycline for Streptococcus spp. Gentamycin was found to be the most effective antimicrobial against Klebsiella spp. Concerning bacterial-antibiotic resistance ≥75% and excluding Streptococcus spp, amoxicillin, ampicillin/cloxacillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, cloxacillin, and metronidazole were completely non-functional against all bacteria. Azithromycin, norfloxacin, oxacillin, cefixime, nalidixic acid, and ceftazidime showed relatively weak activity against gram-positive bacteria in addition to cephalexin, ceftriaxone, and cloxacillin for Streptococcus spp. Ampicillin, augmentin, penicillin, and cephalexin were comparatively non-functional against gram-negative pathogens in addition to vancomycin, rifampicin, cephalothin, oxacillin, and trimethoprim for Klebsiella spp. All remaining antibiotics produced an activity ranging between ≥25% to ≤75% of examined cases. The results of this work may help clinicians to accurate their antibiotic-bacterial infection empirical treatment. Conclusion: All subjected bacteria exhibited a strong resistance to a broad spectrum of antibiotics. Therefore, except for imipenem, meropenem, or amikacin, an antibiotic sensitivity test should be conducted prior to prescribing any antibiotic.

ENHANCING MOBILITY WITH IOT-BASED AUTONOMOUS WHEELCHAIR

Zhwan Namiq Ahmmed, Mohammed Qader Kheder — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0300

The shortage of healthcare workers and continuous influx of patients have significantly increased workloads in hospitals. Concurrently, there is an increasing number of people with disabilities, resulting in a higher need for wheelchairs. Yet, many hospitals continue to rely on traditional, manually operated wheelchairs. As a result, disabled patients often face prolonged waits for assistance from hospital staff to reach their intended destinations. To address hospital issues, the idea of autonomous wheelchairs, known as autonomous robotic wheelchairs (ARWs), has been proposed and developed. In contrast to traditional wheelchairs, ARWs integrate advanced features, including obstacle detection and avoidance, local path mapping through line-following technology, and user-friendly interactions. Patients in developing countries, including the Kurdistan region of Iraq (KRI), rely on hospital workers for transportation, which poses difficulties, especially during emergencies, such as overcrowding, delays due to a lack of available porters, etc. Implementing ARWs would significantly reduce these issues. Thus, the main aim of this study is to develop ARWs using technologies like Arduino and sensors to enhance hospital efficiency and reduce reliance on porters, potentially transforming patient mobility and care in healthcare facilities. The testing results of the proposed system indicate that its implementation will greatly assist hospitals in addressing various issues, including those previously mentioned. In addition, it will enhance hospitals’ intelligence and autonomy.

GREEN SYNTHESIS OF MANGANESE OXIDE NPS USING MICROTRICHIA PEROTITII DC PLANT EXTRACT: CHARACTERIZATION AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY

Mercy O. Bamigboye, Friday Danjuma — Sun, 24 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0300

This study presents a green approach to synthesizing manganese oxide nanoparticles (NPs) utilizing Microtrichia perotitii DC plant leaf extracts as a chelating agent and manganese oxide (MnO₂) as a precursor. The NPs underwent comprehensive characterization through UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. X-ray diffraction patterns indicated the synthesis of MnO NPs with an average crystallite size of 10.12 nm. Scanning electron microscope images depicted a needle-like shape with uniform distribution. Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer analysis identified the strongest bond at 862.025 cm^-1 corresponding to the stretching vibration mode of Mn-O NPs. Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the thermal stability of the NPs. Furthermore, the synthesized NPs exhibited antimicrobial activity against B. Subtilis with a zone of inhibition measuring 25.625±3.01 mm.

PHYSICS PERSPECTIVES ON HUMAN LOCOMOTION: INVESTIGATING THE MECHANICS OF WALKING PATTERNS

Rayan Basheer M. Ameen , Dilveen W. Mohammed , James Bowen — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0300

This study investigated the gait metric differences between males and females aged 18 to 22. Our investigation revealed some significant changes in gait metrics between the two genders. Firstly, males exhibited greater leg and step lengths than females. Males exhibited wider strides, suggesting typical anthropometric variations. Except for BMI and cadence, males had more variation in practically every other gait metric, whereas females had more variability.

There was a non-significant positive connection between BMI and gait metrics such as height, stride length, and step width, with BMI having a minor effect on those measures. Overall, both genders showed a distinct pattern of variability, revealing individual variances in gait analysis across the same genders.

A direct correlation was observed between the Froude number and height, indicating that individuals with a higher Froude number exhibit a more dynamic and faster walking style. This phenomenon can be ascribed to the biomechanical superiority that taller individuals may possess, enabling them to generate longer strides and achieve higher speeds.

A thorough study of walking speed and gait parameters revealed difficulty in finding the right balance between stability, efficiency, and speed in human movement. Understanding these connections will help people develop more efficient training programs, assistive technologies, and more efficient and safe walking in general.