Search Results (109)

The present study aims to explore the relationship between theory and practice by evaluating the feasibility of quantification and evaluation for assessing the spatial performance and circulation logic in historic domestic architecture to inform adaptive reuse strategies. The study examines several courtyard houses in a representative residential area within Erbil Citadel in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, an area of immense cultural, architectural, and historical value. The selection of the sample is based on the chronological, typological, and spatial diversity of residential architecture in Erbil Citadel. The study uses an integrated methodological approach to investigate the spatial configuration of each sample building. To ensure increased analytical rigor and to compare its findings with similar studies in different contexts, the results are further validated using Euclidean distance and Pearson correlation to assess the compatibility of existing characteristics with proposed adaptive reuse strategies across different contexts. The results show that quantitative spatial analysis can be an effective tool in identifying the potential of existing residential architecture in terms of its spatial configuration while preserving its cultural value. The study concludes that its proposed approach can serve as an effective model for adaptive reuse planning in similar contexts. Full article

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has emerged as a transformative approach for improving efficiency, coordination, and sustainability in the construction industry; however, its adoption in developing regions remains limited. In the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRG), BIM implementation—particularly within the residential construction sector—remains at an early stage and lacks comprehensive empirical investigation. This study aims to assess stakeholders’ perspectives on current BIM practices, identify key adoption barriers, and develop a context-specific strategic framework to support BIM implementation. A mixed-method research design was employed, incorporating literature review, expert validation through semi-structured interviews, and a structured questionnaire survey. A total of 319 valid responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Relative Importance Index (RII), Cronbach’s alpha for reliability, Spearman’s rank correlation, independent samples t-tests, and one-way ANOVA. In addition to ranking barriers, an inter-barrier correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationships, clustering patterns, and hierarchical structure of BIM adoption challenges. The results indicate that while BIM awareness is moderately established among stakeholders, its practical application remains limited, particularly beyond the design phase. The most critical barriers include lack of training and expertise, absence of regulatory frameworks and standards, insufficient government support, and financial constraints. The correlation analysis reveals that these barriers are interdependent, with policy and institutional deficiencies acting as root drivers influencing technical, financial, and awareness-related challenges. Based on these findings, the study proposes a four pillar conceptual strategic framework encompassing human capital development, regulatory and standardization enablement, awareness and demand generation, and organizational and collaborative enhancement. The framework is explicitly derived from empirical results, linking barrier clusters to prioritized strategies, thereby enhancing its practical applicability. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing one of the first multi-province empirical assessments of BIM adoption in the KRG residential sector, integrating statistical validation with strategic development, and offering transferable insights for other developing regions at a similar stage of BIM adoption. Full article

The scorpion genus Hemiscorpius Peters, 1861 is renowned for its medically important species, particularly Hemiscorpius lepturus Peters, 1861, the type species of the genus and only species previously recorded in Iraq. However, the scorpion diversity of the rugged, arid landscapes of the Kurdistan Region, especially Erbil Governorate, in northern Iraq, remains largely unknown. Extensive fieldwork in Erbil Province in 2024 resulted in the discovery of a previously unknown species, described herein as Hemiscorpius kurdistanus sp. n. The Halgurd-Sakran Mountains in the Bradost Region, to which it appears to be endemic, probably played a role in its speciation, providing a barrier that contributed to geographical isolation. The new discovery supports the hypothesis that Kurdistan represents an area of endemism for arthropods due to its isolation and unique environmental conditions. The addition of a new, potentially medically important scorpion species to the Iraqi fauna emphasizes the need for continued studies on the systematics of Hemiscorpius and other scorpion taxa as well as updated public health awareness and envenomation management strategies across the Middle East. Full article

Flooding poses significant risks to urban areas, especially in regions vulnerable to climate change, where developing countries are disproportionately affected. Compared to rural areas, urban zones are more severely impacted by natural disasters, particularly flooding. The influence of surface cover types on runoff and flood risk is examined in two different neighborhoods of Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, one representing a newly developed area and the other an older established neighborhood. A newly developed area is compared with an older quarter to assess how different surface compositions impervious versus permeable affect hydrological responses and flood generation. The Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) method was employed to estimate runoff under varying rainfall scenarios. The findings demonstrate that the implementation of impervious surfaces results in an approximately twofold increase in runoff generation during rainfall events, primarily due to the substantial reduction in infiltration and surface storage capacity. The study also highlights the potential of household-level rainwater harvesting and the redevelopment of low-density neighborhoods with multi-story buildings as effective strategies to reduce runoff and enhance urban resilience. These findings underscore the importance of integrating permeable materials, green infrastructure, and water harvesting measures into urban planning. The research offers valuable insights for urban planners, policymakers, and developers aiming to reduce flood risks in rapidly urbanizing areas, particularly in cities like Erbil that face the dual challenges of urban expansion and climate change. Full article

Tordylium trachycarpum Boiss. (Apiaceae) has long been used by traditional healers in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to alleviate gastrointestinal disorders and oral inflammation; however, its phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties remain scientifically unverified. In this study, we report the first phytochemical profiling and plant-assisted synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) using the methanolic extract of T. trachycarpum as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) analyses, confirming their nanoscale formation, crystallinity, and elemental composition. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) identified 22 bioactive metabolites, with methoxsalen (30.91%), triphenylphosphine oxide (12.54%), desulphosinigrin (10.79%), isopimpinellin (6.72%), and α-glyceryl linolenate (6.39%) as the predominant constituents. Both the crude extract and the biosynthesized CuNPs were evaluated for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory activities. The CuNPs displayed enhanced antimicrobial potency, with MIC values of 250 µg/mL against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans, and 500 µg/mL against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus epidermidis. They also exhibited superior antioxidant activity in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), and metal chelating activity (MCA) assays, along with moderate inhibition of key metabolic and neurological enzymes, including acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase. These findings highlight T. trachycarpum as a promising phytochemical source for sustainable nanoparticle synthesis and reveal the multifunctional potential of biosynthesized CuNPs as antioxidant and antimicrobial agents with prospective applications in drug discovery and nanomedicine. Full article

Background/Objectives: Thalassemia is among the most common hereditary disorders globally, characterized by impaired hemoglobin synthesis and ineffective erythropoiesis. This study analyzed data on hemoglobinopathies, with a particular focus on thalassemia, to support the development of a comprehensive national database and to improve understanding of the disease burden in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, a total of 910 patients admitted to the region’s sole blood disorder center since its establishment were included. Results: The study analyzed 46.7% male and 53.3% female thalassemia patients in Duhok, with 58.46% reporting parental consanguinity. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence was 11.87%, while 8.90% underwent bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and 30.11% had splenectomies. Blood group distribution was O⁺ (36.26%), A⁺ (30.99%), and B⁺ (18.46%). Common medications included Deferasirox (34.62%), Hydroxyurea (26.70%), and Deferoxamine (5.82%), with 8.24% and 4.40% discontinuing Deferasirox and Hydroxyurea, respectively. Geographically, 29% of the patients originated from Duhok City, which exhibited a consanguinity rate of 18.65% (p = 0.020). The most prevalent conditions were β-thalassemia major (32.53%) and sickle cell anemia (24.73%). HCV-positive patients were predominantly diagnosed with β-thalassemia major (43.40%) and sickle cell anemia (33.96%). BMT recipients were mostly β-thalassemia major patients (80.25%), while splenectomy was common in β-thalassemia major (43.40%) and sickle cell β-thalassemia (22.64%). Vaccination rates included Pneumococcal (50.78%), Influenza (47.76%), and Hepatitis (39.08%, first dose). Six patients (0.66%) died, with 30.18% diagnosed before age 1 and 43.89% between 1 and 2 years. In conclusion, this study underscores the high prevalence of β-thalassemia major and sickle cell anemia in Duhok, with strong associations to parental consanguinity and low socioeconomic status. Gaps in early diagnosis and vaccination coverage remain significant challenges. Full article

Groundwater recharge sources and residence times in the Sulaimani–Warmawa Sub-basin, located in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, were assessed through an integrated hydrogeological, hydrochemical, and isotopic investigation. The study area, located around Sulaimani City, is characterized by a semi-arid climate with precipitation predominantly occurring during winter and early spring. Hydrochemical results indicate groundwater types ranging from Ca–HCO₃ to Mg–Ca–HCO₃, accompanied by a progressive increase in electrical conductivity along the regional flow path. Stable isotope signatures (δ²H and δ¹⁸O) show that groundwater is primarily recharged by winter precipitation derived from both Eastern Mediterranean and Persian Gulf air masses. Two groundwater groups were identified based on isotopic composition and tritium content: recently recharged groundwater and older groundwater, represented by two samples. Tritium values ranging from 0.8 to 4.9 TU correspond to minimum residence times from less than 10 years to approximately 40 years. Higher tritium concentrations near recharge zones reflect recent infiltration, whereas lower values indicate older groundwater with limited modern recharge. The piston flow model provided the best fit for tritium data, suggesting limited mixing and relatively rapid subsurface flow. Samples with higher salinity likely reflect reduced flushing in low-permeability zones, resulting in elevated dissolved solids. Hydraulic-data-based estimated groundwater flow velocities yielded lower values compared to tritium-based estimates, implying preferential flow in karstified formations. The relatively short groundwater residence times mean there is high vulnerability to contamination, emphasizing the need for careful land-use planning and groundwater protection strategies. Full article

This study provides the first comprehensive characterization and classification of organic microfacies within the globally significant Jurassic hydrocarbon source rocks of Iraqi Kurdistan. This study aims to resolve the knowledge gap in the Jurassic source rocks of northern Iraq by establishing the first organic microfacies classification scheme, utilizing an integrated petrographic and geochemical approach to reconstruct the regional paleoenvironmental evolution and confirm the source rock’s petroleum potential. The Middle–Late Jurassic Sargelu, Naokelekan, and Barsarin formations were investigated using samples from the Mangesh-1 and Sheikhan-8 wells. Using cluster analysis, we identified five distinct organic microfacies (A–E). Microfacies A (highly laminated bituminite), B (laminated/groundmass bituminite), C (laminated rock/lamalginite), and D (massive organic-matter-rich) show the highest hydrocarbon generation potential. The findings reveal a clear paleoenvironmental evolution: the Sargelu Formation was deposited in anoxic open marine conditions (microfacies C, D); the Naokelekan Formation represents a progressively restricted silled basin with intense anoxia leading to condensed sections dominated by microfacies A, which shows the highest source rock potential; and the Barsarin Formation reflects increasing restriction and hypersalinity, showing diverse microfacies (B, C, D, E) that captured variations in marine productivity and terrigenous influx. Principal component analysis (PCA) quantitatively modeled these paleoenvironmental gradients, aligning the distinct organic microfacies and their transitions with conceptual basin models. Geochemical analysis confirms that the organic matter is rich, predominantly Type II kerogen, and thermally mature, falling within the oil window. The presence of solid bitumen, both in situ and as evidence of migration (microfacies E), confirms effective hydrocarbon generation and movement. This integrated approach confirms the significant hydrocarbon potential of these Jurassic successions and highlights the critical role of specific organic microfacies in the region’s petroleum system, providing crucial guidance for future hydrocarbon exploration in northern Iraq. Full article

The retrofitting of traditional cities into smart cities is crucial for addressing rapid urban development by integrating smart technology while respecting the human dimension to fulfill human needs. The primary objective of this paper is to establish practical guidelines and develop a strategic, human-centered, comprehensive, and conceptual framework model that integrates smart technology through a set of smart city performance indicators. This framework aims to inform human-centered technological strategies for adapting Erbil City, retrofitting the old city into a smart one. Therefore, the paper aims to develop a roadmap scenario and build a conceptual framework model for retrofitting the traditional city of Erbil into a smart city. It outlines the methods that can be used, taking into account contemporary technology and citizens’ needs. In this context, the traditional city of Erbil in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has been selected as a case study, represented explicitly by the Buffer Zone area. The research employed a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, including a literature review, questionnaires, space syntax analysis, and statistical analysis. The results and conclusions demonstrate that the human-centered approach plays a significant role in achieving smart cities. In collaboration with smart technology strategies, old and traditional cities can be retrofitted to become smart cities. Full article

Urban green spaces (UGS) provide numerous benefits, but challenges in availability and accessibility often limit their full potential. This study assesses equity and disparities in car-based accessibility to Large Urban Green Spaces (LUGS > 8 ha) in the rapidly growing cities of Sulaimaniyah and Erbil in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Road network accessibility was analyzed using OpenRouteService (ORS) and calibrated with real-time Google Maps data to improve accuracy. Google Earth Engine (GEE) was used for NDVI-based vegetation mapping and LUGS quality assessment. Isochrones based on 5, 10, and 15 min from LUGS entrances were generated to measure served areas and population coverage at citywide and zonal levels. The findings reveal notable spatial inequities in both cities, with disparities especially evident at shorter travel times. Accessibility declines from central to outer zones. Azadi Park and Sami Abdulrahman Park emerged as key service hubs. The number of LUGS active entrances, spatial distribution, and population density are among the key determinants of car accessibility to LUGS. The study highlighted the spatial-temporal suggestion for long- and short-term implementation, with opportunities for enhancement. Full article

Air pollution threatens human and environmental health worldwide. A Harvard study in partnership with UK institutions found that fossil fuel pollution killed over 8 million people in 2018, accounting for 1 in 5 fatalities worldwide. Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, has a major environmental issue in that it ranks second worst in 2022 due to the high level of particulate matter, specifically PM_2.5. In this paper, a LoRa-based infrastructure for environmental monitoring in the Kurdistan Region has been designed and developed. The infrastructure encompasses end-node devices, an open-source network server, and an IoT platform. Two AirQNodes were prototyped and deployed to measure particulate matter values, temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure using manufacturer-calibrated PM sensors and combined temperature, humidity, and atmospheric sensors. An open-source network server is adopted to manage the AirQNodes and the entire network. In addition, an IoT platform has also been designed and implemented to visualize and analyze the collected data. The platform processes and stores the data, making it accessible for the public and decision-making parties. The infrastructure was tested and results validated by deploying two AirQNodes at separate locations adjacent to existing air quality monitoring stations as reference points. The findings demonstrated that the AirQNodes reliably mirrored the trends and patterns observed in the reference monitors. This research establishes a comprehensive infrastructure for monitoring air quality in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Furthermore, complete ownership of the system can be attained by possessing and overseeing the critical components of the infrastructure, which encompass the end devices, network server, and IoT platform. This integrated strategy is especially crucial for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, where cost-efficiency and enduring sustainability are vital, yet such a structure is absent. Full article

This study utilizes high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (CT) to evaluate the reservoir characterization in heterogenous carbonate rocks. These rocks show a diagenetic alteration that influences the reservoir quality in the Cretaceous Qamchuqa–Bekhme formations in outcrop and subsurface sections (Gali-Bekhal, Bekhme, and Taq Taq oilfields, NE Iraq). The scanning of fifty-one directional line analyses was conducted on three facies: marine, early diagenetic (non-hydrothermal), and late diagenetic (hydrothermal dolomitization, or HTD). The facies were analyzed from thousands of micro-spot analyses (up to 5250) and computed tomographic numbers (CTNs) across vertical, horizontal, and inclined directions. The surface (outcrop) marine facies exhibited CTNs ranging from 2578 to 2982 Hounsfield Units (HUs) (Av. 2740 HU), with very low average porosity (1.20%) and permeability (0.14 mD) values, while subsurface marine facies showed lower CTNs (1446–2556 HU, Av. 2360 HU) and higher porosity (Av. 8.40%) and permeability (Av. 1.02 mD) compared to the surface samples. Subsurface marine facies revealed higher porosity, lower density, and considerably enhanced conditions for hydrocarbon storage. The CT measurements and petrophysical properties in early diagenesis highlight a considerable porous system in the surface compared to the one in subsurface settings, significantly controlling the quality of the reservoir storage. The late diagenetic scanning values coincide with a saddle dolomite formation formed under high temperature conditions and intensive rock–fluid interactions. These dolomites are related to a hot fluid and are associated with intensive fracturing, vuggy porosities, and zebra-like textures. These textures are more pronounced in the surface than the subsurface settings. A surface evaluation showed a wide CTN range, accompanied by an average porosity of up to 15.47% and permeability of 301.27 mD, while subsurface facies exhibited a significant depletion in the CTN (<500 HU), with an average porosity of about 14.05% and permeability of 91.56 mD. The petrophysical characteristics of the reservoir associated with late-HT dolomitization (subsurface setting) show two populations. The first one exhibited CTN values between 1931 and 2586 HU (Av. 2341 HU), with porosity ranging from 3.10 to 18.43% (Av. 8.84%) and permeability from 0.08 to 2.39 mD (Av. 0.31 mD). The second one recorded a considerable range of CTNs from 457 to 2446 HU (Av. 1823 HU), with porosity from 6.38 to 52.92% (Av. 20.97%) and permeability from 0.16 to 5462.62 mD (Av. 223.11 mD). High temperatures significantly altered the carbonate rock’s properties, with partial/complete occlusion of the porous vuggy and fractured networks, enhancing or reducing the reservoir quality and its storage. In summary, the variations in the CTN across both surface and subsurface facies provide new insight into reservoir heterogeneity and characterization, which is a fundamental factor for understanding the potential of hydrocarbon storage within various geological settings. Full article

Foreign direct investment (FDI) plays a vital role in fostering sustainable economic development, particularly in emerging and post-conflict economies. Yet, the benefits of FDI inflows depend not only on the size of investment but also on how evenly it is distributed across regions. In the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), FDI inflows have grown considerably over the past two decades, remaining heavily concentrated, with 93% of total investment absorbed by the capital city, Erbil, and only 7% distributed across the remaining governorates. This study investigates the determinants of geographic imbalances in FDI inflows within the KRI. Drawing on a unique firm-level dataset from 2007 to 2021 and employing a negative binomial logit model, the results reveal that superior infrastructure, greater market accessibility, proximity to international borders, airport connectivity, and digital network penetration are significant drivers of FDI concentration. We suggest that such spatial inequality poses significant risks to inclusive and sustainable growth, threatening to entrench regional disparities and reduce resilience to economic and local political disruptions in the long term. To mitigate these issues, we recommend a regionally differentiated policy framework that includes targeted investment incentives tailored to local comparative advantages, strategic infrastructure upgrades in underdeveloped areas, strengthened investor protections, streamlined regulatory processes, and the establishment of investment promotion agencies (IPAs) to enhance investor engagement and aftercare. By diagnosing the causes of FDI concentration and offering actionable strategies, this study provides evidence-based insights for fostering balanced, inclusive, and sustainable economic development in the KRI and other post-conflict regions confronting similar challenges. Full article

There is a lack of studies comparing PE teachers’ reflections on the role of sport in different regions. Using Kirk’s conceptualization of the role of sport, this qualitative comparative study aimed to explore and compare fifth-grade physical education (PE) teachers’ perceptions and experiences related to PE teaching in Finland and in the Kurdistan region of Iraq (KRI). In-depth interviews were conducted with eight Finnish and six KRI teachers, and the data were analyzed using the NVivo qualitative analysis program. The results showed that the Finnish teachers’ reflections were classified into four themes: joy and competence rather than sport, sport and curriculum, the status of sport in society and prerequisites for physical activities and sport. The KRI teachers’ reflections were also classified into four themes: sport as an aim in PE, the teacher as a model and leader of the sport, sport raising one’s status and PE being not only about sport. The role of sport in PE was recognized by teachers from both regions, although from different perspectives. The Finnish teachers made a clear distinction between PE and sport. The KRI teachers perceived PE and sport almost as one, in the belief that PE primarily teaches pupils about sport and that sport itself is a central goal. Both groups of teachers aimed to enhance their pupils’ well-being and encourage a physically active lifestyle through PE. The KRI teachers believed that engaging students in sports would promote these aims, whereas Finnish teachers saw sport as just one of many components needed to achieve these objectives. The Finnish teachers emphasized the national PE curriculum guiding their work, while the KRI teachers had no standardized PE curriculum in primary school. This comparative study highlights the importance of implementing a well-structured PE curriculum in primary schools in the KRI. Further studies should examine how the implementation of such a curriculum will affect KRI teachers’ teaching and the role of sport in PE. Full article

Sharing is an important part of an organization’s culture, consisting of learning, innovation, and performance through the promotion of expertise, ideas, and best practices among employees. This study aimed to analyze the relationships between transactional leadership, human capital, and knowledge sharing. This study used a quantitative approach by using 355 responses from employees who work at customs offices throughout Sulaymaniyah Governorate, located in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. PLS (SEM) was used as a method of estimation in the study to test the hypotheses. The findings show that although transactional leadership greatly improves the development of human capital, it does not directly affect knowledge sharing. Moreover, knowledge and experience engaging in activities involving knowledge sharing and participating in human capital are quite important. The findings also show that the increase in human capital corresponds to the degree of effectiveness of leadership in knowledge management. Therefore, the findings provide practical implications for companies to increase employee capacities by improving transactional leadership within organizations. Full article